Wednesday, 18 October 2023

Members statements

Wyndham early parenting centre

Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Children, Minister for Disability) (09:35): I rise to update the house on my visit to the new multimillion-dollar Wyndham early parenting centre in my electorate of Western Metropolitan last week. The centre, set to open this month, is the first of 12 new and upgraded early parenting centres we are delivering across metropolitan and regional Victoria thanks to this government’s $148 million investment to expand and upgrade Victoria’s early parenting service network so that new mums and dads will get the specialised support that they need to care for their new babies close to home.

The purpose-built centre includes kitchen and dining areas, playrooms and outdoor play areas, and it is delivered in partnership with the Tweddle Child & Family Health Service. It is designed to feel like a home away from home and support families in the west with children up to four years of age, giving them the advice and care that they need, including support with sleep and settling, feeding and extra care for babies and toddlers with additional needs. The new centre also features 10 residential family units and four day-stay places, providing both short-term and longer residential stay programs to improve the health, wellbeing and developmental outcomes of children.

The birth of a new child is one of the most precious moments for any parent, but for many it can also be a stressful and difficult time. The challenges associated with parenting in the early years of a child’s life can affect families very differently. That is why this government is continuing its investment in early parenting centres, and I am proud that my constituents will be able to experience firsthand the benefits that our investments are providing for our communities.