The Allan Labor Government is ensuring mums, dads and caregivers on the Mornington Peninsula get the specialised support they need, closer to home - with designs revealed for the new Early Parenting Centre in Hastings.
Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne today unveiled designs for the new multi-million-dollar Early Parenting Centre, now taking shape as construction progresses at the Hastings Community Health site..
The new Early Parenting Centre in Hastings will provide a safe, welcoming and home-like environment for families, with 10 residential units and four day-stay places. It will support families with children up to four years old, offering expert care and advice on sleep, settling, feeding and developmental needs.
Sleep and settling is one of the most common challenges for new parents, with around half of families attending Early Parenting Centres seeking support for sleep-related issues.
The new centre will feature modern, open spaces for families and staff, including kitchens, playrooms, multi-purpose rooms and outdoor play areas to support children's development and family wellbeing.
The centre is being delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority in partnership with the Queen Elizabeth Centre, with support from Peninsula Health, Brand Architects and builder, SJ Higgins.
The Labor Government is investing more than $185 million to expand Victoria's network of 13 Early Parenting Centres, including a dedicated Aboriginal centre in Frankston, upgrades in Noble Park and Geelong, and five new centres in Wyndham, Whittlesea, Casey, Ballarat and Geelong.
Once complete, these new and upgraded centres will support more than 5,000 families each year - giving more parents access to expert early parenting support close to home.
As stated by Minister for Health Infrastructure Melissa Horne
"We know that some families find the first few months challenging, that's why we're building new and expanding existing Early Parenting Centres right across Victoria offering free support when families need it most."
As stated by Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
"Every child deserves the best start in life, and this centre will provide parents with the expert care, support and guidance they need to navigate the challenges of early childhood with confidence."
As stated by Member for Hastings Paul Mercurio
"These designs show how the Hastings Early Parenting Centre right here in Hastings will offer local families a safe, inclusive and homely spaces to enable them to get the support and help they need with sleep, settling and other early parenting challenges."
As stated by Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke
"The new Early Parenting Centre will be easily accessible and support young families across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula during those early years of parenthood."
