Celebrate the importance of families during National Families Week
It’s National Families Week 15-21 May and we are celebrating all things families.
In Bayside, households with children make up 36.9 per cent of our residents. During Families Week, we are promoting the range of services we provide for our local families, including maternal and child health, immunisations, kindergarten central enrolment, library services and much more. We also provide information and support to families to connect with occasional care, kindergartens, playgroups, playhouses and childcare.
Council offers a range of open spaces for families to enjoy, including playgrounds, parks skate ramps and sportsgrounds.
Ideas for celebrating National Families Week
We want families and our community to be stronger, happier and safer to enable every person to be the best version of themselves.
1. Zero waste lunch box ideas workshop with Open Table
Join Bayside's Community Services staff together with Open Table to learn how to create zero waste lunchboxes in this fun, educational and practical session. Participants will receive downloadable copies of recipes as well as stacks of snack ideas.
Friday 20 May, 12 - 1pm
Sandringham Library
Register for zero lunch box ideas workshop
2. Polyglot Theatre’s Bees family event
'Bees' is a joyful interactive experience for families.
Explore a buzzing, humming hive of activity, as three human-sized bees busy themselves in the creation of a community alongside children who transform into bees as they play.
Buzz on down to Lakeside Green, Elsternwick Park on Saturday 21 May - there will be 4 x 30 minute activities to take part in on the day: 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2:30pm.
More on Polyglot Theatre's Bees
3. Check out your local library
Bayside libraries have hand-picked a wonderful book list in celebration of Families Week. Head down to your local library and get lost in the pages of these family themed books.
More on Families Week book list
4. My safety hand activity sheet
My safety hand is an activity that will help children identify a support system that they can use if they need help such as parents or guardians, family members, and teachers. Encourage them to find 5 people they trust by creating their own network hand on the activity sheet. They should be adults they trust and who listen to them.
Download the safety hand activity sheet
5. Follow these top tips during families week and beyond
- Take the time to play and have fun with your family.
- Build connections with older relatives and community elders.
- Appreciate your family and community – everyone matters.
- Encourage each other and offer support.
- Participate in local events and get to know your community.
- Celebrate achievements, large and small.
- Be generous with your time in your family and in your community.
- Reduce your stress – remember you need time out too.
- Do something with your family that helps others.
- Take time out from technology and enjoy family time together.
