Final designs for Geelong early parenting centre revealed

Final designs for a new multimillion-dollar centre helping parents with issues including sleep and settling have been unveiled. SEE THE PLANS

The state government has released final designs for a new early parenting centre being built in North Geelong.

Premier Daniel Andrews on Friday turned the first sod on the new centre at Barwon Health’s McKellar Centre, marking the start of construction.

Early parenting centre designs. Picture: supplied

Designed to help families with children up to four years of age enhance their relationships and achieve their parenting goals, the multimillion-dollar centre will have 10 residential family units, four day-stay places, a kitchen and dining area, playrooms and outdoor play areas.

Early parenting centre designs. Picture: supplied

The new facility will provide parents and carers with advice and care, including support with sleep and settling, feeding and extra care for babies and toddlers with additional needs.

The final designs showed the facility’s exteriors, kitchen and dining area and residential family units, which the state government said had been carefully considered to create a safe and serene environment where families can feel at home.

The project’s architects, Brand Architects, consulted childcare experts, local community groups and traditional owners as part of the design process.

Early parenting centre designs. Picture: supplied

The centre is being delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) in partnership with Barwon Health and the Tweddle Child and Family Health Service, with construction expected to be complete at the end of 2023.

Highton mum Victoria Murfett has two daughters, aged five and two.

Earlier this year she visited Tweddle Child and Family Health Service in Footscray for help with the youngest, who was 18 months.

“It was at a stage where she would sleep in the bed with me 100 per cent of the time and my partner would sleep in the couch,” Ms Murfett said.

The family saw improvements after the visit.

“She now sleeps in her cot 100 per cent of the time,” Ms Murfett said.

She said it would be beneficial for local parents to be able to access such services in Geelong.

Originally published as Final designs for Geelong early parenting centre revealed