Tweddle Child and Family Health Service (Tweddle) and Queen Elizabeth Centre (QEC) will merge on 1 April 2027 to become Kinhaven, following approval by the Minister for Health.
This is a significant moment for both organisations and an important step in a process shaped by consultation, due diligence and careful planning.
By bringing together the history, experience and strengths of QEC and Tweddle, Kinhaven will deliver benefits for babies, children and families, the early parenting workforce and the broader Victorian community that neither organisation can achieve alone.
Tweddle Board Chair Annette Mercuri said the Minister’s approval marked an important new chapter for both organisations.
“Tweddle and QEC have each supported Victorian families for more than a century. By coming together, we can build on the strengths of both organisations and create an even stronger future for babies, children and families.”
QEC Board Chair Nicki Batagol said the merger would deliver important benefits for Victorian families.
“Merging to become Kinhaven gives us the opportunity to make it easier for families to access specialist early parenting support and strengthen the quality and consistency of care across Victoria. Families can also be confident that they will continue to receive support from the teams they know and trust.”
In the lead-up to 1 April 2027, Tweddle and QEC will work together to create the new organisation. Staff will help shape how the organisations come together and families, partners, referrers and the community will be kept informed as this work progresses.
Safe, high-quality care for babies, children and families remains the highest priority of both organisations.
Tweddle and QEC will continue to operate independently until 1 April 2027. From the merger date, families will receive services from Kinhaven and can expect the same high-quality specialist care and support they receive today.
About the name Kinhaven
The name Kinhaven brings together two ideas: Kin meaning family, connection and belonging and haven meaning safety and support.
Together, these ideas reflect what we heard matters to families when they seek early parenting support – feeling safe, supported, connected and able to access the help they need.
