Barkly

Barkly Family

Families across Barkly can find practical ways to play, read and learn together, alongside parenting help and more specialised support. Options include local venues in Tennant Creek, early-learning programs in several remote communities, and phone or online services available across the Northern Territory.

✨ Play, reading and youth activities

Tennant Creek Youth Centre (TCYC)

Barkly Regional Council’s multi-purpose youth venue gives local children and teens a place to join recreational, educational and cultural activities. The centre opens Wednesday to Friday from 3 pm to 8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 1 pm to 6 pm. It is closed Monday and Tuesday. Children aged eight and under need an adult guardian with them. Council Youth Services works with young people aged 8–24 in Tennant Creek and several remote Barkly communities.

Tennant Creek Public Library

Families can borrow books, audiobooks and DVDs for free, while younger visitors can spend time in the children’s playroom. Permanent membership requires identification and proof of Tennant Creek residence; temporary membership is available subject to conditions. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9 am–12 pm and 1 pm–4.30 pm, and Saturday, 9 am–12 pm.

🌱 Early learning and parenting

Families as First Teachers (FaFT)

Parents and carers can get help supporting children’s learning and development, including books and games for home, school-transition guidance, developmental screening and pathways to early intervention. Local contacts are available for Tennant Creek, Ali Curung, Alpurrurulam, Ampilatwatja, Arlparra and Elliott.

FaFT Stay Play Learn

In Canteen Creek, families with children from birth to five years can take part in learning activities and build their capacity to support early childhood development. A family member must stay with children who are not preschool-aged; preschool-aged children may attend without one.

CatholicCare NT Children and Parenting

This free Tennant Creek service supports families of all backgrounds, particularly those with young children. Help may include home visits, outreach, parenting education, counselling and peer groups for mothers and babies, primary-school parents and single fathers. Families can self-refer and arrange an appointment through the Tennant Creek office.

🤝 Family wellbeing and relationship support

Piliyintinji-Ki Stronger Families

Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation provides culturally appropriate social and emotional wellbeing support from Tennant Creek across the Barkly region. Family-focused assistance includes counselling, case management, education, family support and support relating to family violence, relationships, parenting and family-law services.

Territory FACES

Parents, carers, children, young people and families anywhere in the NT can call this free information and referral service. It helps people connect with parenting, housing, budgeting, health care, home-management and other community or government supports. Call 1800 999 900, Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4.21 pm.

Parentline

NT parents and carers can access free, confidential counselling for everyday parenting concerns, family conflict and different stages from pregnancy through to older children. Phone 1300 30 1300 from 8 am to 10 pm daily, or use webchat from 8 am to 9 pm daily.

Relationships Australia Northern Territory – Family Relationship Centre Services

Families facing relationship difficulties or separation can seek information, family dispute resolution mediation, parenting-after-separation support and referrals. For information about parenting arrangements and local referral options, contact the national Family Relationship Advice Line on 1800 050 321.

📌 Before you go or make contact

• Check current session times, appointments and any booking requirements directly with the provider.
• Ask whether an activity suits your child’s age and whether a parent, carer or guardian must remain onsite.
• For outreach or region-wide support, confirm how and where the service is currently delivered in your community.
• Discuss accessibility, communication or cultural needs when booking so the provider can explain available arrangements.
• Confirm any membership documents, referral conditions or possible costs before attending.

🌟 If you run a family-focused business, service, activity or community group serving Barkly families, you are warmly invited to add your listing or update its practical details.

⚠️ 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 barkly.nt.guide.