Whittlesea residents can now access specialized support for their parenting journey as the second of 12 new and upgraded early parenting centres prepares to open its doors later this month. Health Infrastructure Minister Mary-Anne Thomas and Mill Park MP Lily D’Ambrosio took a comprehensive tour of the newly inaugurated multi-million-dollar facility in South Morang this past Sunday.
Designed to emulate a home-like atmosphere, the centre is dedicated to assisting families with children up to four years old, offering guidance and care on various fronts, including sleep and settling, feeding, and additional support for infants and toddlers with special needs.
The cutting-edge facility boasts 10 residential family units and four day-stay places, providing short-term and extended residential programs aimed at enhancing the health, wellbeing, and developmental outcomes of children.
The residential family units are crafted with flexibility in mind, accommodating various family structures. Families have the option to bring multiple children or include older siblings, grandparents, or other caregivers during their stay.
In collaboration with Mercy Health, the purpose-built centre incorporates kitchen and dining areas, playrooms, and outdoor play zones. Minister Mary-Anne Thomas emphasized the significance of the new centre, stating that the birth of a child is one of the most precious moments for any parent. She noted that while it is a joyous occasion, it can also be a challenging and stressful time, and the centre aims to aid hundreds of families in the northern suburbs dealing with sleep and settling issues every year.
Mill Park MP Lily D’Ambrosio emphasized the challenges new parents face with sleep and settling, underscoring the need for specialized support. She stated, “We’re bringing more specialized support to mums, dads, and caregivers in the City of Whittlesea and surrounding communities, recognizing that sleep and settling can be among the biggest challenges for new parents.”
This state-of-the-art early parenting centre stands as a beacon of support for the community, providing a nurturing environment for families during the critical early years of child development.
