Central Desert

Central Desert Family

Families across the Central Desert can find practical ways for children and young people to play, learn and connect, alongside early-years, developmental and family support. Availability varies between communities, so contact the provider before travelling or making plans.

⚽ Play, recreation and learning

Central Desert Regional Council Youth Services

Children and young people can join after-school and vacation-care programs, sport, recreation, art and cultural activities. Youth, Sport and Recreation programs operate in Anmatjere, Atitjere, Engawala, Laramba, Yuelamu, Nyirripi, Yuendumu, Willowra and Lajamanu. Parents can register a child by contacting Council on 08 8958 9500.

Central Desert Library Services

Libraries in Lajamanu and Ti Tree offer free membership, books—including language books—computer access, borrowing assistance, and places to study or meet. Programs include school-holiday activities. Call Council on 08 8958 9500 for current arrangements.

📚 Early learning and family connection

FaFT Stay Play Learn – Ti Tree and Neutral Junction

Families with children from birth to five can access early-learning activities and support that builds parents’ capacity. A family member must remain with children who are not preschool-aged; preschool-aged children may attend independently. Call 08 8956 9743.

Families as First Teachers – Lajamanu and Yuendumu

These local programs help parents and carers support children’s learning and development. Families can access books and games for home, parenting information, school-transition guidance and child-development screening. Contact Lajamanu on 08 8975 0946 or Yuendumu on 08 8956 4011.

Yurrampi Child and Family Centre

Based in Yuendumu, Yurrampi supports families from pre-birth until children turn eight. It connects families with early childhood education and development, health and wellbeing, parenting support, community and cultural engagement, and referrals. Call 08 8956 4015.

🤝 Youth, parenting and developmental support

Central Desert Regional Council Youth Projects and Support

Free, confidential case management and support coordination are available for children and young people aged 5 to 25 across the Council’s nine communities. Consent rules depend on age, referrals are assessed for suitability, and a waitlist may apply. YPS is not a crisis-intervention service.

Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi Aboriginal Corporation

Waltja works across Central Australian communities, assisting parents and carers of children with complex needs. Its services also include youth and family mental-health support, emergency relief, money skills and help for participants, carers and families navigating NDIS access. For referrals, call 08 8953 4488 or email reception1@waltja.org.au.

Head to Health Kids – Central Australian Aboriginal Congress

This free early-intervention mental-health and wellbeing service supports Aboriginal children under 12 and their families, including in remote Central Australian communities. A diagnosis is not required, and families may self-refer. Support may take place at home, preschool, school, child care or the Alice Springs office. Call 0492 837 493 or email H2HK.referrals@caac.org.au.

Territory FACES

Parents, carers, children, young people and other family or community members anywhere in the NT can call this free information and referral service. It connects callers with parenting, family, housing, budgeting, health-care and other support pathways. Phone 1800 999 900, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.21pm.

✅ Before you contact a service

• Check whether the activity is running in your community and whether registration or a referral is needed.
• Ask about age limits, adult supervision and consent requirements.
• Confirm accessibility, transport options and any current costs before travelling.
• For visiting or regional services, ask where appointments can take place and whether outreach is currently available.

📌 Family-focused businesses, services and community groups serving the Central Desert region are warmly invited to add or update their listing so local families can find accurate, useful information.

⚠️ Accuracy Note: We do our best to keep this information useful and up to date, however details can change over time. If you notice anything that appears incorrect or out of date, please let us know and we will review it. Local business owners and community leaders can also help keep local information accurate by logging in and creating or managing their own listing and useful content on centraldesert.nt.guide.