Geelong parent centre on track for 2023 opening

A NEW Geelong Early Parenting Centre has kicked off construction, with local families to have access to the service from the end of next year.

Premier Daniel Andrews was in Geelong last week to break ground on the multi-million-dollar facility to be co-located with Barwon Health’s McKellar Centre in North Geelong.

The EPC is designed to help families with children aged up to four with specific health concerns and broader programs to help parents achieve their goals.

The Geelong EPC will include 10 residential family units, four day-stay places, a kitchen and dining area and play areas, and is modelled on existing facilities in Melbourne.

Mr Andrews said the facility would provide specialist care for local families close to home, while supporting around 30 ongoing jobs once operational by the end of 2023.

“Families ought not to have to travel all the way to Footscray for instance to get the care that they need at the exact moment that they need it,” the Premier said.

“That’s much, much better than having to travel away from your local community to get care and support, or indeed what I suspect is more likely, that because there’s nothing local families don’t get that support at all.

“We can do much better than that.”

Supporting parents with sleeping and settling will be among the key services provided at the new centre.

The state government reported that half of Victorian parents attending EPCs across the state report problems with their child’s sleep.

The issue can also lead to post-natal depression for parents and impact the child’s development.

Mr Andrews said the aim of the new facility was to provide holistic care for young Geelong families.

“It’s more than just sleep school, as important as that is. It’s about tailoring support and care to parents and our smallest Victorians,” he said.