Early Childhood Education Minister Jenny Mikakos used a recent visit to Arena Family and Children’s Centre in Officer to announce a state-wide boost to maternal and child health services.
During the 31 January visit, which coincided with the official opening of Bridgewood Primary School, Ms Mikakos announced Playgroup Victoria would receive $200,000 to assist with building stronger connections between maternal and child health (MCH) nurse-run first-time parent groups and community playgroups.
Thanks to the funding, Playgroup Victoria will work with MCH nurses across the state to develop resources that will help connect new parents to local community playgroups, including Arena Family and Children’s Centre, giving them access to ongoing social support and building links within their communities.
The Minister said playgroups provided opportunities for children to learn through play and parents to spend time with their children while meeting other parents in their community and supporting each other.
“We know being a new parent can have its challenges, which is why connecting them to playgroups can be so beneficial,” Ms Mikakos said.
“It helps provide a social support system and links them with their local parent communities.”
She said the funding would provide new parents with social support to ensure they get the help they need while their children are in “those vital early years.”
Playgroup Victoria CEO Danny Schwarz welcomed the funding saying it was a “great project to help new parents realise the benefits of playgroups”.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the government to support more families,” Mr Schwarz said.
