New parents in Melbourne’s west will soon have greater access to early parenting support with a site selected for the Andrews Labor Government’s new Early Parenting Centre in Wyndham.  

Minister for Health Martin Foley, Member for Tarneit Sarah Connolly and Member for Werribee Tim Pallas, today announced the new multi-million-dollar facility will be located at 239-245 Princes Highway Werribee.  

The new centre is part of the Labor Government’s $123 million investment that will deliver seven Early Parenting Centres in major growth areas.

Wyndham’s new Early Parenting 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.  

Sleep and settling is one of the biggest challenges facing new parents, with around one in two Victorian parents 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, mental and physical development. 

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

Operated by Tweddle Child and Family Health Service, the centre is close to Werribee Mercy Hospital, nearby shops and community facilities and will offer parents targeted support focused on the child’s critical first 1,000 days.

The Labor Government’s investment in our healthcare system totals more than $133 billion since coming into office.

Construction is expected to start in early 2022 and be finished late 2022. 

Quote attributable to the Minister for Health Martin Foley 

“We know how scary the first few months of parenthood can be, so we’re giving parents the support they need by building new Early Parenting Centres across Melbourne and regional Victoria.” 

Quote attributable to Member for Tarneit Sarah Connolly 

“Becoming a parent can be one of life’s greatest challenges and there will be times when new parents need a little extra help to ensure their children get the best start in life.” 

Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas 

“Wyndham’s new Early Parenting Centre will deliver flexible, targeted services to help parents with sleep and settling issues, supporting hundreds of local families a year.”