Cuts to support programs for new parents in this year’s state budget have been described as a “cruel blow” by Hobsons Bay mayor Daria Kellander.
Cr Kellander recently wrote to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn calling for the funding cuts to group-based sleep and settling programs to be reversed, saying she herself benefited from them following the birth of her daughter.
“I know first-hand how important they are to mums and families,” Cr Kellander said.
“These services are not a luxury – they are a lifeline. Without them, we risk pushing exhausted parents to breaking point and putting babies’ wellbeing in jeopardy.”
According to Cr Kellander, sleep and settling group programs had proven popular in Hobsons Bay, with more than 90 families using them last year alone.
Among the local parents to have used them is Anna Gilmore, who said the sleep and settling programs were incredibly helpful to her as a new mum.
“To have experts providing key advice at a time where you are learning so many new things was something I really appreciated,” Ms Gilmore said.
“The advice we got through this program was so important for supporting our own mental health and our relationship during this period.
“I feel for parents who might not be able to receive some of this important information if the program’s funding is cut.”
In response, the state government wouldn’t be drawn on whether the cuts would be reversed, but it’s understood funding for sleep and settling programs has been extended to August 19 following feedback from councils and the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV).
A state government spokesperson said sleep and settling programs could still be accessed through statewide maternal and child health services and early parenting centres.
“Our growing network of 13 early parenting centres provides free, specialised sleep and settling support – offering expert advice, practical strategies and tailored programs to help families build healthy sleep routines,” the spokesperson said.
“Once complete, the network will support over 5000 families each year.”
