WA families to access free parenting support as Ngala expands residential service

Western Australian families will soon be able to access free, professional parenting support through Ngala, as part of a $39.5 million investment by the Cook Government to enhance early intervention and family wellbeing.

From 13 October 2025, Ngala’s Kensington-based residential parenting service will be available free of charge, providing day and overnight support to families navigating the challenges of early parenthood.

The announcement marks a major step in the Cook Government’s commitment to equitable access to mental health and parenting support services. It is expected to support up to 1,734 families each year, removing financial and referral barriers for those seeking evidence-informed, multidisciplinary care.

Ngala’s residential program offers a structured, therapeutic environment for parents and caregivers facing difficulties during the early months of a child’s life. The service provides tailored strategies to address sleep issues, feeding challenges, perinatal mental health concerns, and adjustment to parenthood.

Families accessing the service will work alongside a multi-disciplinary team that includes:

• child health nurses
• midwives
• lactation consultants
• clinical psychologists
• social workers

Support is offered either as a single-day visit or a residential stay of up to three nights, depending on individual needs.

Previously operating four days per week, the service will now run seven days a week, ensuring more consistent access for families.

The initiative also supports broader public health goals by helping to reduce hospital presentations related to postnatal mental health complications. By addressing parenting challenges early, Ngala aims to promote resilience and reduce longer-term pressure on primary health and hospital systems.

While not a direct early childhood education and care (ECEC) service, Ngala’s expanded support model intersects with key sector priorities:

• Family wellbeing and child development (Quality Area 6 – Collaborative partnerships with families and communities)
• Mental health-informed practice and parent–educator collaboration
• Reducing barriers to support, especially for vulnerable or isolated families

This investment sits within the Cook Government’s broader $107.6 million package to strengthen mental health services for children, adults and families across Western Australia, as part of the 2025–26 State Budget.

Premier Roger Cook emphasised the importance of making parenting support accessible:

“This significant investment means Ngala can offer its important service to families free of charge – and expand it from four to seven days per week.”

Mental Health Minister Meredith Hammat added:

“The early intervention and prevention support this service will provide will not only support happier families, but it will also help reduce hospital presentations.”

Ngala CEO Michelle Dillon welcomed the announcement:

“Now, not only do families get high quality, professional early intervention at no cost, but it will also reduce the burden on our primary healthcare providers.”

Families in WA can now book into Ngala’s residential service without needing a GP referral or out-of-pocket payment. The centre will begin offering the expanded, no-cost support from 13 October 2025.

Read the full media statement from the Western Australian Government here for more information on the initiative.