New Early Parenting Centres set to support thousands of families by 2026

By Kerrie Gottliebsen

With thanks to the Victorian Health Building Authority and the Victorian Government, a statewide $148 million Early Parenting Centre expansion investment is set to support thousands of additional babies, children and their families by 2026.

Tweddle is thrilled to be delivering the new Wyndham EPC based in Australia’s fastest growing LGA. We know that having a baby or child under four years of age is a special time for families. But it can also be a stressful time.

For some, support from loved ones, their local doctor, and a maternal and child health service will be enough. Other families will benefit from the additional intensive programs provided by EPCs and their multidisciplinary staff.

More than just sleep support

EPCs support parents or carers with children up to four years old. The centres help build parenting skills, from enhancing parent-child relationships to providing support with sleep, settling or feeding, bonding and attachment, infant and child behavioural concerns and strengthening parenting capacity and skills.

Tweddle has been delivering early parenting support since 1920. Our Footscray site is undergoing a redevelopment that will see additional services and programs offered to more families.

The new Footscray EPC will include a new wing which adds three new residential family units, including two Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant residential family units and private amenities for each of the units including ensuites.

Tweddle and other EPCs provide services in four main ways. This includes Day Stay programs, Residential programs, telehealth, and in-home support.

Importantly, EPCs provide families who have more complex needs or vulnerabilities with access to wrap-around support. This includes care planning, referrals, and community support.

Two of the residential family units at the new EPCs will be larger than the standard rooms to support families with special needs. These will be designed in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

EPCs supporting a growing population

Victoria’s population is expected to reach 11.2 million by 2056. In some regional areas, health services are expecting up to 40 per cent more births in the coming decades.

It’s also estimated more than 13,000 children and their caregivers will need the extra developmental support EPCs provide by 2026.

The EPC expansion and upgrade project will support an additional 5,000 extra families each year.

In May 2019, the Victorian Government announced a $123 million investment to expand and upgrade the EPC network. The initial investment includes the upgrade and expansion of existing EPCs in Noble Park and Footscray and the construction of seven new centres in the growing areas of Ballarat, Bendigo, Casey, Frankston, Geelong, Whittlesea and Wyndham.

In May 2022, the Victorian Government announced an additional $25 million. This brings the total investment in the EPC and upgrade program to $148 million. Part of this additional funding will be used to support the delivery of an eighth EPC in Shepparton.

EPC Referrals and Tailored Services

The good news is all Victorian families with children from birth and up to four years who need more specialised or targeted support can access an EPC. Referrals are usually from maternal and child health services, maternity services, general practitioners, and family support services. Families can also self-refer.

The services offered at EPCs in Victoria are state-wide services. This means new parents and carers can choose to attend any centre within the EPC network.

Services and experiences at EPCs vary depending on each family’s needs. Tailored programs can be delivered in person or via telehealth and can range in duration from hours to days.

Parents are encouraged to actively participate in the EPC programs to develop safe, positive environments and relationships with their children. They are supported through one-to-one interactions with staff, group education sessions exploring parenting techniques, self-directed learning and sustained practice.

Flexible EPC Residential Rooms reflect Disability Needs,  Cultural Safety and Extended Family

For residential stays, families are provided with meals and private residential rooms, as well as access to safe outdoor spaces to relax and play with their children.

The residential family suites are designed to be flexible and to support different family structures.

This means families may be able to bring multiple children, or accommodate an older sibling, grandparent or other carer during their stay.

Childcare experts, diverse local community groups and Traditional Owners were consulted in the design of the new and upgraded EPCs by Brand Architects, who led the designs for the EPC expansion and upgrade program.

The carefully considered design ensures the centres reflect the communities they serve and allows families to feel at home, enjoy natural light, experience a calm, safe environment and feel accommodated in different family arrangements.

Cultural safety, accessibility and appropriateness were key considerations in the design process for the EPC expansion and upgrade program. The Department of Health worked with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and stakeholders. The project also consulted with a dedicated Aboriginal Advisory Group.

Helping more Victorian families

Every child deserves a great start in life. Expanding the EPC network means we’ll be able to help 5,000 extra Victorian families each year with early parenting support.

For more information about Tweddle’s programs and services, visit our programs page or phone us during business hours on (03) 9689 1577.

Learn more about the early parenting centres expansion and upgrade program.