Parent Place services to reach more members of the community

More Ballarat parents and carers are set to have access to vital support as the City of Ballarat takes its Parent Place services across Ballarat. 

The Parent Place Outreach project will trial extending many of the services currently offered beyond the Sturt Street site, aiming to reach more families in need of assistance. 

The trial was made possible by funding through VicHealth, with the City of Ballarat to also work closely with Maternal and Community Child Health, Ballarat and Grampians Community Legal Service and other partner organisations throughout the trial. 

Parent Place at 39 Sturt Street exists to support families with young children to thrive, providing timely and relevant information and community connection in a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment. 

Parent Place provides connections with and information about: playgroups, kindergarten, maternal and child health, community-based lactation services, immunisation, childcare, family day care, family violence and family law support and advice. 

Now, the free services offered in Sturt Street will hit the road and be available in Delacombe, Sebastopol, Lucas and Wendouree, with other locations also being explored. 

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the trial of Parent Place Outreach was vital in ensuring all residents had equal opportunity to access vital family services. 

“It’s about reducing as many barriers as possible to families accessing Parent Place and the services it provides,” Cr Hudson said. 

“We already know of the invaluable work Parent Place does for the community, now it’s about trying to enable as many people as possible to access it. 

“It will provide free activities, as well as a safe, inclusive place to play and the opportunity for anybody to ask any questions about services and support for families with young children. 

“I encourage any parents and caregivers to come check it out.” 

The following Parent Place Outreach sessions are planned to start in February, excluding public holidays: 

• 1st Friday of each month – Delacombe Salvation Army | 104 Greenhalghs Road, Delacombe 
• 2nd Monday of each month – Sebastopol Library | 181 Albert St, Sebastopol 
• 3rd Tuesday of each month – Lucas Community Hub |17 Coltman Plaza, Lucas 
• 4th Thursday of each month – Stockland, Wendouree | Norman Street & Gillies St North, Wendouree VIC 

The trial project aligns with Goal 2 of the City of Ballarat Council Plan: 2021-2025: A healthy, connected and inclusive community. 

To learn more, visit the Parent Place website.