A new Maternal and Child Health (MCH) consult room has opened at Orana Community Place in Clyde North, expanding access to early-years health services for local families amid rapid population growth in the area.
The consult room was officially opened on Tuesday 3 February and will operate three days a week, with an MCH nurse providing services on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen and Deputy Mayor Cr Michelle Crowther joined General Manager Balcon Developers, Jason Shaw, to celebrate the opening. MCH Nurse Kimberley, and local resident Shannon and son Bobbie, were also in attendance.
The facility has been established through a partnership between the City of Casey and Balcon Developers, which provided the space on an interim basis to help meet growing demand for MCH services in Clyde North.
Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said the new consult room would help relieve pressure on nearby MCH centres, including Ramlegh, Manna Gum and Smiths Lane, which are experiencing increased demand.
“The addition of this new space will help address these challenges and provide families in the Orana and surrounding catchment area with a much-needed MCH service close to home,” he said.
“As the area grows, providing essential services like Maternal and Child Health, and making sure they are convenient, accessible, and fit-for-purpose, is fundamental to supporting the wellbeing of our youngest residents and their families.”
Mr Shaw said the temporary facility was designed to address delays in permanent community infrastructure while still delivering essential services to residents.
“Balcon identified the delay in permanent community infrastructure as a key challenge in the establishment of a strong and connected community at Orana. Orana Community Place is a novel way of providing a temporary facility that still meets the essential needs of the community, as well as providing a focal point where people can meet, have a coffee at Humble Merchant and enjoy the beautiful Orana Park,” he said.
The consult room is located at Orana Community Place on Playwright Street and will also host first-time parent groups, offering a dedicated space for families to connect and access support services.
Appointments at the Orana Community Place MCH consult room can be booked online through the City of Casey website or by calling 9705 5590, Monday to Friday during business hours.
For more information about the range of MCH Services offered by Council, visit the City of Casey website and search ‘Maternal and Child Health Services’.
