Andrews breaks ground on Geelong parenting centre

PREMIER Daniel Andrews was in Geelong this morning to mark the start of construction for a new Early Parenting Centre.

Mr Andrews turned the first sod of the project at Barwon Health’s McKellar Centre, North Geelong alongside local MPs Christine Couzens and John Eren, and Barwon Health leaders.

The multi-million-dollar centre will include 10 residential family units, four day-stay places alongside other childcare facilities in final designs to be released today.

The state government is building the facility in partnership with Barwon Health and Tweedle Child and Family Health Service, and expects construction to finish by the end of next year.

The centre will provide Geelong parents with specialist care in the region, including for common issues such as sleep and settling.

Mr Andrews said the Geelong EPC is set to serve around 500 families once up and running.

“This new centre will deliver flexible, targeted services to help parents in Geelong and the surrounding areas with sleep and settling issues, supporting hundreds of local families a year.”

Geelong MP Christine Couzens and Lara MP John Eren both said they were excited to see the North Geelong facility progress.

“We’re giving new parents from across the region the support they need, close to home, by building a new early parenting centre here in Geelong. The new centre will offer parents that expert support that many of us need,” Ms Couzens said.

“This is about helping local families get the support they need to give their children the best start in life,” Mr Eren said.