An early parenting centre opened on Monday 29 January in Clyde North to provide families with free specialised support in childcare.
Located on Newgrange Blvd within walking distance to shops, cafes, parks, and a proposed police station, the Murrmbek Casey Early Parenting Centre is a brand-new and purpose-built facility for local families with children aged three years and younger, who need support with sleep and settling, feeding, strengthening of the parent-child relationship, and overall health and well-being of the child and the parents.
The centre’s Aboriginal name Murrumbek means ‘belong’ in the Bunurong language, the Traditional Owners of the land where this centre is located.
Delivered by the State Government in partnership with Monash Health, the centre provides a range of services including day stays, overnight stays, and telehealth support.
It features 10 residential family units and four day-stay places, providing both short-term and longer residential stay programs to improve the health, well-being, and developmental outcomes of children.
The residential family units are designed with flexibility in mind and support different family structures.
Families can bring multiple children or accommodate an older sibling, grandparent, or other carer during their stay.
The centre also includes kitchen and dining areas, playrooms, and outdoor play areas.
Minister for Health Infrastructure Mary-Anne Thomas visited the new facility on Thursday 25 January, accompanied by South Eastern Metropolitan MP Michael Galea, Cranbourne MP Pauline Richards, Bass MP Jordan Crugnale, and South Eastern Metropolitan MP Lee Tarlamis.
“Becoming a parent is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful and difficult too – that is why we are supporting families across the southeast through the delivery of our new Clyde North facility,” she said.
General manager of Monash Health’s Children’s Program Dani Smith said the team at Monash Health was excited to welcome families to the new centre and support them in their parenting journeys.
The team includes experienced nurses and midwives, maternal and child health nurses, a social worker, and a child life therapist.
Families can self-refer to the centre or be referred by their GP or maternal and child health nurses.
The centre is the third of the 12 new and upgraded early parenting centres completed by the State Government as part of its $148m investment to expand Victoria’s early parenting service network, as well as $18.9 million in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 to deliver on an election commitment for a new centre in Northcote and an Aboriginal-led centre in Frankston.
To know more about the centre, visit monashhealth.org/services/child-youth-and-family/casey-early-parenting-centre
