Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn today officially unveiled the modern facility in Lucas which will provide both day-stay programs and homestays to improve the health, wellbeing and developmental outcomes for children.

Acting CEO Ben Kelly said Grampians Health was thrilled to provide essential support to new parents, eliminating the need for lengthy trips to Melbourne which often added to additional parental stress.

“Our Early Parenting Centre will assist parents with children aged 0-4 and help address common issues such as sleep routines, child behaviour challenges, parental fatigue and the general transition to parenthood,” Mr Kelly said.

“Our specialised team will deliver several programs to meet the needs of individual cases including a four-night home stay program, a six-hour day stay program, one-on-one appointments, video appointments and group sessions.”

Chief Redevelopment and Infrastructure Officer Veronica Furnier-Tosco said the new facility demonstrated Grampians Health’s commitment in creating healthcare facilities that embraced innovation, provided unparalleled support and delivered the best care possible to patients.

“Our Capital Projects team has helped bring this remarkable new Early Parenting Centre to life which will benefit hundreds of new parents in the region each year,” Ms Furnier-Tosco said.

“The centre has been designed to create a safe and serene environment with natural light and rooms suitable for various family arrangements to help allow families to feel at home. The design of the centre also ensures that it is inclusive to all.

“It features 10-bedroom suites, a shared kitchen and dining area, playrooms and outdoor play areas for children and multi-purpose rooms. It also features three beautiful pieces of artwork completed by First Nations artist Jenna Oldaker including the Gobata-tjarra piece which means take care of each other.”

Ms Furnier-Tosco, who is a mother of two, said she would have greatly benefited if she had access to an Early Parenting Centre like the new centre in Lucas when her children were young.

“The first four years of being a parent for me was a bit of a blur due to lack of sleep and unsettled babies at night. Having a dedicated place for parenting advice would have been invaluable, easing my worries and providing much-needed support during those early years,” Ms Furnier-Tosco said.

The Early Parenting Centre has been delivered in partnership with Victorian Health Building Authority.

The centre’s day programs will commence in May, with night stays commencing later in the year.

Parents wanting further information on the new Early Parenting Centre and details on how to register should visit www.bhs.org.au/epc