New parents in Wyndham will have better access to the support families need, with the Andrews Labor Government delivering on its election commitment to triple the number of Early Parenting Centres around the state.

 

Member for Werribee, Tim Pallas MP today announced that Wyndham would become home to a new Early Parenting Centre, to give parents peace of mind that they’re doing a great job caring for their precious newborn.

 

Bringing a newborn home for the first time is one of the most precious moments for any parent – but for many families, it can be a stressful and challenging time.

 

That’s why the Victorian Budget 2019/20 provides $135.1 million for the new and upgraded Early Parenting Centres, which will ensure parents are supported when it comes to sleeping, feeding and extra care for babies with additional needs.

 

The Labor Government is building seven new Early Parenting Centres across the state and upgrading two facilities to meet the needs of the modern parent.

 

Early Parenting Centres will be upgraded at Footscray’s Tweddle Child and Family Health Service and Noble Park’s Queen Elizabeth Centre, while new facilities will be built at Casey, Frankston, Wyndham and Whittlesea.

 

Regional Victorian families will benefit from the first Early Parenting Centres to be built in the regions, with new centres set to be built in Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo.

 

Sleep and settling is one of the biggest challenges facing new parents, with around one in two parents reporting problems with their child’s sleep. This can lead to post-natal depression, isolation and stress for parents, and impact a child’s behavioural, mental and physical development.

 

And because the most stressful time for sleep deprived parents is often the middle of the night, the Budget includes $7.2 million to expand the 24-hour Maternal and Child Health Line parents can call to speak with experts about sleep and settling issues.

 

The Budget also provides $17 million to boost Maternal and Child Health home visits for vulnerable families, which will see 7,000 more families better supported. The extra home visits will make a big difference for families, giving sleep-deprived mums and dads the assurance and advice they need when nothing seems to be working.
Quote attributable to Member for Werribee, Tim Pallas MP

 

“This will make a world of difference for local families who are doing the best they can to give their newborns the best start in life.”

 

“Being a parent is hard work. That’s why we’re making sure they’re getting the support they need, when they need it most.”