A new state-of-the-art Early Parenting Centre (EPC) operated by Barwon Health in partnership with Tweddle Child and Family Health Service will open in 2024. The new EPC will give local families the support they need with their babies and toddlers.

Funding from the Andrews Labor Government will see new mums and dads accessing early parenting support in a comfortable, modern, and culturally safe environment.

Minister for Health Martin Foley today unveiled a first look at the multi-million-dollar facility and announced the facility will be located at Barwon Health’s McKellar Centre.

Geelong’s new centre will provide parents and carers with the advice and care they need, including support with sleep and settling, feeding and extra care for babies and toddlers with additional needs.

Tweddle CEO Ms Jacquie O’Brien said that the partnership will strengthen families and provide valuable early intervention and prevention support services in the first 1000 days. “We know that travel can be a barrier to families seeking support. This new EPC will make a difference and help local babies, toddlers and their families get off to a healthy and strong start in life.” she said. “Tweddle’s priorities include building secure attachment, parent and infant mental health, and connecting families to services and community. This partnership will build on those priorities for Geelong families”.

Sleep and settling is one of the biggest challenges facing new parents, with around one in two Victorian parents who are attending the early parenting centres reporting problems with their child’s sleep. This can lead to post-natal depression, isolation and stress for parents and impact a child’s behavioural and physical development.

With 10 residential units and four day stay units, the centre will provide both day stays and long residential stay programs to improve the health, wellbeing and developmental outcomes for children aged up to four-years-old.

Early works have begun on site to deliver new car spaces and prepare the site for major construction works.

We are grateful to Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AC and Mr Anthony Howard AM QC for hosting Tweddle at Government House today to pay tribute to our founders and all involved on Tweddle’s incredible 100 year journey dedicated to infant, child & family health and welfare.

The Tweddle Board, Member for Footscray Katie Hall, Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Ro Allen, past and present staff, Life Governors, Tweddle Mothercraft trained nurses and guests were privileged to share an afternoon tea to acknowledge and celebrate Tweddle’s Centenary.

Tweddle Chair Ms Whitmore acknowledged everyone present who had an important connection to Tweddle. This included 1939 Tweddle baby Jim Hevey who has documented Tweddle’s history, and Tweddle volunteer Carol McDonald.

Tweddle commenced as The Society for the Health of Women and Children of Victoria, co-founded by Dr J W Springthorpe, Sister Maude Primrose and Mr J Hume-Cook and funded by businessman Joseph Tweddle.

Their priority was to disrupt the then significant infant mortality, malnutrition and infection affecting thousands of Victorian babies. Today, the health and wellbeing of babies continues to be Tweddle’s priority.

Tweddle continues today with passion as an active and proud voice for babies, toddlers, their families and communities.