The purpose-built facility provides specialist care closer to home for parents needing support with sleep and settling, child behaviour, and parent and child health and wellbeing. 

Opened in 2024, the centre features 10-bedroom suites, a shared kitchen and dining area, playrooms and outdoor play areas for children and multi-purpose rooms. 

Attendees celebrated the milestones achieved during the first year of operation and looked ahead to future plans for the centre. 

“In 2025, we will introduce a new role designed to provide more support to the families and enhance their wellbeing,” said Ben Kelly, Grampians Health Chief Operating Officer.  

“We’re thrilled to introduce Lynne Trezise as our Senior Child Life Therapist in our second year of operation. This is a pioneering position for Grampians Health, and it will offer additional support to the children and families who spend time with us,” he added.  

Vikki Doddamani, Early Parenting Centre’s Nurse Unit Manager, said the centre is always seeking new ways to support families in the Grampians region.  

“Lynne joined our team in April 2024 as a Senior Early Parenting Practitioner. Through the combined efforts of teams across Grampians Health, we have identified new ways to meet the needs of our community and enhance alternative workforce opportunities. 

“Our Senior Child Life Therapist specialises in child development. Lynne uses evidence-based supports to help parents and children reduce stress and anxiety in healthcare settings; focusing on the developmental, social, and emotional well-being of children.” 

Grampians Early Parenting Centre welcomed over 300 families from across the Grampians region through the day stay and home stay programs over the past year. 

The centre also introduced Infant Massage Education Classes, which focused on teaching parents on ways to care for their infants, support bonding, and facilitate positive networks with other parents. 

“Being a new parent can be hard and at Grampians Early Parenting Centre, we hope to provide specialised support in helping them settle into their roles and enhance parent-child relationships,” said Jade Odgers, Site Director of Nursing, Early Parenting Centre. 

“Our support extends beyond our walls, educating families about community resources and empowering them to seek additional services to enhance their parenting skills. Our goal is to help families connect in the short term and contribute to the lifelong wellbeing and success of the infants and children who visit us." 

To learn more about the Grampians Early Parenting Centre go to: www.bhs.org.au/epc