Liberals pledge $100,000 for St Kilda Mums if elected in November

THE Coalition has promised a massive cash injection for St Kilda Mums to expand vital support service to more Victorian families in need if elected in November.

ST KILDA Mums will get a $100,000 cash injection if the Liberal government is elected in November.

Chief executive Jessie Macpherson said the money would be used to expand the group’s Safe Start program for new mums experiencing disadvantage to Frankston Hospital, and extend their support service to reach more parts of the state through the Every Baby, Every Town initiative.

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“We’re accessing 70 out of 79 local government areas across Victoria and this funding will allow us to employ a second regional co-ordinator to visit the remaining towns and cities and double the volume of stock that we’re distributing,” she said.

Ms Macpherson said St Kilda Mums was determined to “reach every baby born into poverty in Victoria”.

“We estimate we’re currently reaching more than a third … and it’s our goal to reach the remaining two thirds over the next three to four years,” she said.

Ms Macpherson said the greater Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat communities had “responded really warmly” to the opportunity to help.

“For most of us, the birth of a baby is a very joyful time … but if you’re worried about how you’re going to feed and clothe your baby or where it’s going to sleep, it’s an incredibly stressful time,” she said.

“It just makes really good common sense to take those things that are gathering dust in storage and pass them on while they can still be used, while they’ve still got good life in them.

“People have a lot to give and people want to help but it’s so important they understand where and how and we are so grateful to the Leader for helping us get that message out there,” she said.

Last financial year, St Kilda Mums supported 18,535 babies and children up to the age of 12.

Liberal candidate for Albert Park Andrew Bond praised the work of the more 2800 volunteers dedicated to helping families in crisis.

“Jess Macpherson and her team provide an amazing service to families who need help and I’m thrilled we can help them do even more,” he said.

Details: stkildamums.org

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