A Tresillian Family Care Centre will open in Taree around late November and the non-profit organisation is now looking for a site and intends to employ a team of three child and family health nurses to work with parents of children aged between newborn and three years. It is also expected that psychologist or social worker services will be co-located at the centre. 

Tresillian regional services manager, Debbie Stockton is working to get the centre’s door open and says it will “provide significant and much-needed support for families.”

“The first three years of a child’s life can present so many challenges for parents, such as feeding difficulties, settling a crying baby, coping with sleep deprivation, nutrition, anxiety about parenting, and challenging toddler behaviour,” Ms Stockton said.

“The centre is a referral day service and staff will provide parents with a range of strategies to help. It will depend on the need but it could include practical coaching, participation in a group programs and home visits. The support will make a difference as the first three years can be tough.”

Ms Stockton says the Taree centre is funded for four years by the NSW Government and is one of five that will be set up in regional and rural NSW.