In the wake of funding cuts affecting essential sleep programs for new parents, concerns are mounting among local councils and families in Victoria. Recent changes have prompted Monash Council to seek reinstatement of over $100,000 in funding, with Mayor Paul Klisaris emphasizing the importance of these services for first-time parents. He pointed out that councils had previously acted on a directive from the Department of Health, which strongly encouraged them to bolster their staffing in anticipation of ongoing financial support. The council has committed to bridging the funding gap temporarily, yet warned that without government reinvestment, the range of services—including group classes and playgroup visits—would suffer significant reductions, ultimately increasing waitlists and limiting access for families in need.
The establishment of the Dorrington Child and Family Hub in Mount Waverley earlier this year, funded jointly by the council and the Victorian government, underscores the community’s commitment to supporting new families. Klisaris noted the apparent contradiction in investing heavily in the hub while simultaneously cutting funding for a program essential to its function. The resource-rich hub offers spaces for group sessions and day-stay sleep rooms but risks failing to meet its intended objectives without sustained financial backing for its programs. This situation demonstrates a disconnect between the state’s funding strategies and local execution of childcare initiatives.
In Hobsons Bay, the consequences of funding cuts are also visible, as the council has had to suspend its sleep group education due to a loss of nearly $75,000 in state support. Mayor Daria Kellander has voiced her concerns, arguing that the abrupt cessation of services violates a prior service agreement requiring a three-month notice period. This disruption is particularly worrisome for vulnerable new mothers, who rely heavily on such services during the daunting early months of parenthood. The impact of these cuts amplifies existing pressures on both families and other related services, creating a ripple effect that jeopardizes extensive support systems.
First-time mothers, like Joy Liu, have expressed their disappointment over losing access to funding-reliant programs. Liu, who benefitted from group sessions in Mandarin through Monash Council, highlighted how these sessions provided crucial emotional support and comprehensive information. The importance of such community-focused services cannot be understated, as they play a vital role in alleviating the isolation and challenges that come with caring for newborns. Liu’s experience exemplifies the sentiment shared by many new parents who find solace and guidance in structured support environments.
Municipal Association of Victoria President Jennifer Anderson has critiqued the state government’s abrupt funding notifications, perceiving them as a disregard for the collaborative relationships that underpin maternal and child health service delivery. She underscored the necessity of preventive measures and early interventions in ensuring the long-term well-being of families. In light of the recent funding changes, Anderson urged for a more cooperative approach to support these essential services that contribute to positive outcomes for new families.
Shadow Health Minister Georgie Crozier has labeled the Labor government’s priorities as misguided, criticizing the lack of transparency regarding funding cuts and suggesting that critical family support programs are being sidelined in favor of large infrastructure projects like the Suburban Rail Loop. In response to the funding challenges, a Victorian government spokesperson has indicated that while group sessions will be terminated, families will still be offered alternative support options, such as in-home assistance and access to early parenting centers. This suggests an ongoing commitment to support despite the changes, although many remain skeptical about the adequacy of these alternatives in fulfilling the needs of Victoria’s new parents.
