Aboriginal-led early parenting centre Baluk Balert Baring is an Australian first 

A new specialist Aboriginal-led early parenting centre has opened in the Victorian community of Frankston in response to a “clear gap in Aboriginal-led family services” in the region that focus on the early years.

The Baluk Balert Barring Early Parenting Centre is the first of its kind in Australia, and is well placed in a region where the First Nations population is projected to grow significantly, by 51 per cent in the five years to 2028.

“The road from pregnancy to primary school is wonderful but challenging – now our nation-leading early parenting centre provides Aboriginal families with a dedicated location to get the culturally safe support they need during those crucial first years,” Victorian Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said. 

Offering free specialist sleep, settling and feeding services, support with the health and wellbeing of both babies and parents and help for families to navigate the challenging early years of parenthood,  Baluk Balert Baring combines traditional and modern health support for parents from the early days of pregnancy until their children start school. 

The centre will also offer support for men transitioning into parenthood, connections to community services like playgroups, and maternal child health services.

Recognising that every family is unique, the centre tailors care and support to the needs of each family – increasing the confidence of parents and giving them strategies they can continue to use at home, whilst also respecting the cultural practices and unique needs of parents, carers, children and local Aboriginal communities.

For more information on early parenting centres visit: betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health.