14 June 2022
The Andrews Labor Government is giving new parents in Melbourne’s booming southeast greater access to early parenting support with a site secured for a new Early Parenting Centre in Casey.
Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale, Member for Cranbourne Pauline Richards and Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas today announced the new multi-million-dollar facility will be located at 65S Matterhorn Drive, Clyde North.
The new centre is part of the Labor Government’s $123 million investment that will deliver seven new and two refurbished Early Parenting Centres in major growth areas.
The new centre will provide parents and carers with the tailored advice and care they need, including support with sleep and settling, feeding and extra care for babies and toddlers with additional needs.
Sleep and settling is one of the biggest challenges facing new parents, with around one in two Victorian parents who are attending the early parenting centres 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.
With 10 residential units and four day stay units, the centre will provide day-stay programs and longer residential stay programs to improve the health, wellbeing and developmental outcomes for babies and children up to four years old.
The centre will be operated by Monash Health, in partnership with the Queen Elizabeth Centre. Monash Health is Victoria’s largest public health service, providing care from pre-birth to end-of-life. The Queen Elizabeth Centre’s Early Parenting Services offer specialised support, care and parenting education services to Victorian families.
Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA), construction is expected to start in late 2022 and be completed in 2024.
Quote attributable to Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale
“We know that parenting can be challenging and stressful at times and some new mums and dads may need a little extra support to give their children the best start to life.”
Quote attributable to Member for Cranbourne Pauline Richards
“Parents and carers in Casey will soon be able to access the tailored support they need to achieve their parenting goals, including sleep and settling.”
Quote attributable to Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas
“The new Early Parenting in Casey will provide hundreds of local families with flexible support, improving health and wellbeing outcomes for babies and parents alike.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Martin Foley
“We’re expanding the Early Parenting Centre network across the state, providing Victorian families with the specialist services they need, closer to home.”