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Purpose-built facility will support new parents in Bendigo
Freya Lucas
Aug 08, 2022
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New parents in the Victorian regional community of Bendigo will soon have better access to early parenting support in a purpose-built facility, with construction now underway for a new multi-million-dollar Early Parenting Centre.
The first sod for the new build was recently turned by Premier Daniel Andrews, Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan and Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards, on Havlin Street East in Kennington.Designed to support families with children up to four-years-of-age, the new centre will have 10 residential family units, four day-stay places, a kitchen and dining area, playrooms, multi-purpose rooms and outdoor play areas.
The new centre will provide parents and carers with the advice and care they need, including support with sleep and settling, feeding and extra care for babies and toddlers with additional needs.
Sleep and settling is one of the biggest challenges facing new parents, with around one in two parents who attend early parenting centres reporting problems with their child’s sleep. This can lead to post-natal depression, isolation and stress for parents and affect a child’s behavioural, mental and physical development.
The final designs have been carefully considered to create a safe and serene environment where families can feel at home.
Brand Architects were commissioned for the project, and consulted childcare experts, local community groups and traditional owners as part of the design process to ensure it reflects the community it serves.
Natural light, rooms suitable for various family arrangements and a place that feels like home were some of the priorities incorporated in the final designs.
The colour palette was developed to mirror the landscape in the Loddon Mallee and surrounds, featuring colours inspired by the native flora and environment of the area.
The Bendigo Early Parenting Centre is being delivered as part of the Labor Government’s $148 million investment to expand and upgrade the early parenting service network. Construction is expected to finish in early 2024.
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