Parents and caregivers on the Mornington Peninsula will soon have access to specialist support with the construction of a cutting-edge Early Parenting Centre (EPC) in Hastings. Minister for Health Infrastructure, Mary-Anne Thomas, recently inaugurated the multi-million-dollar project at 185 High Street, Hastings.
The new centre is designed to provide a safe and welcoming environment for families, supporting the health and well-being of children from birth to age four. It will feature 10 residential family units and four day-stay places, offering both short-term and longer residential stay programs aimed at improving health, well-being, and developmental outcomes for children.
EPCs offer specialised and targeted support and advice for families with babies and toddlers up to four years old. This includes help with sleep and settling, feeding, and extra care for babies and toddlers with additional needs. Sleep and settling are among the biggest challenges facing new parents, with about half of the parents who attend EPCs reporting problems with their child’s sleep. Difficulties with sleep can lead to post-natal depression, stress, and can affect a child’s behavioural, mental, and physical development.
The Victorian Government is investing more than $185 million to expand the network of 13 Early Parenting Centres across the state, including a dedicated Aboriginal Early Parenting Centre in Frankston, upgrades to Noble Park and Geelong, and five brand new centres in Wyndham, Whittlesea, Casey, Ballarat, and Geelong. Once completed, the new and upgraded centres will provide support to more than 5,000 families each year, ensuring more families with babies and young children can get early parenting support closer to home.
Local representatives have expressed strong support for the project. Member for Hastings, Paul Mercurio, emphasised the centre’s role in guiding local families through early parenting stages in a safe, inclusive, and comfortable space. Member for Frankston, Paul Edbrooke, highlighted the centre’s accessibility and its support for young families during the early years of parenthood.
This development underscores the Victorian Government’s commitment to enhancing family services and ensuring equitable access to health support across the state. The Hastings EPC is poised to become a vital resource for families on the Mornington Peninsula, offering expert guidance and support during the critical early years of child development.
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