A guide to Maternal and Child Health and Early Years Services

in Wodonga

2

ContentsMaternal and Child Health ... 3

Breastfeeding support ... 4

Immunisation ... 5

Indigenous services ... 5

Playgroups ... 6

Childcare ... 6

Preschool/Kindergarten ... 6

Activities for children and families ... 7

Useful contacts and resources ... 8

Supporting families in our city

Wodonga Council is committed to enhancing the lives of the city’s children and families by building their capacity, resilience and community connection.

This is your guide to find out what services are available and where to find your nearest Maternal and Child Health centre.

Services offered to families and children in Wodonga include health and development information, parenting

support, and family wellbeing advice.

Also included in this guide are additional support services that may help you

and your family.

Stay up-to-dateEarly Years Facebook page

wod.city/EY-FBgroup

Top Things for Families enewsletter wod.city/TopThings4Families

WotsOn Wodonga app wotson.wodonga.vic.gov.au

CityLife enewsletter wod.city/wodnews

Wodonga Maternal and Child Health centres

To view the appointment timetable, visit wod.city/MCH

Visiting our centres:

• To make a booking please phone your MCH nurse on the number provided.

• Please make sure to attend your appointment on time.

• If you or your child is unwell, please phone the centre to reschedule your appointment.

• Interpreters are available by phone on request.

Baranduda MCH 4 Sage Crt, Baranduda(02) 6020 8291

Belgrade Ave MCH 12 Belgrade Avenue (02) 6056 2794

Southern Rise MCH 15 Cartwright St(02) 6056 6402

Stanley St MCH 24 Stanley St(02) 6056 3286

Jamieson Court MCH 16 Jamieson Court (02) 6059 4057

Felltimber MCH Cnr Felltimber Creek Rd and Melrose Drive (02) 6043 4555

Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation MCH 44 Trudewind Rd(02) 6059 4057

Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service 644 Daniel St Glenroy NSW (02) 6040 1200

Maternal and Child Health Service10 KEY VISITS

3.5years

Growth,development, nutrition and feeding,

parenting support, safety, oral health, vision screening, kindergarten

information

2years

PEDS, growth, development,

nutrition and feeding, parenting support,

safety, kindergarten information

18months

Preventing injuries, playgroups,

immunisations, how play helps learning and

development

12months

PEDS, healthy family foods, sun smart, oral

health, immunisations, parenting support,

family wellbeing

4 monthsParents’ Evaluation of

Development Status (PEDS), parenting support, link to

playgroups, immunisations,

reading and books

8months

PEDS, poisons information, preventing

injuries, oral health, immunisations, play,

learning and development

Safe sleeping, breastfeeding and

feeding, maternal health and wellbeing, where to

find parenting information, play

8weeks

Safety, breastfeeding and feeding, hearing review, link to parent

groups, family relationships

2 weeksGrowth,

development, safety, breastfeeding and

feeding, hearing review, birth registration

homevisit

Safe sleeping, home safety, immunisations,

breastfeeding and feeding, parent support, play

and learning

4 weeks

10 Key Visits for Councils DL SG.indd 1 19/2/19 1:16 pm

• Parenting

• Child health

• Child development and learning

• Maternal health and wellbeing

• Child safety

• Immunisation

• Breastfeeding

• Infant feeding and nutrition

• Healthy eating

• Community and other support services

• Referral to other professionals

Maternal and Child HealthThe Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Service works with families to care for babies and young children from birth to school age. It’s a free service for all Victorian families.

We work to promote the social, emotional and physical health and wellbeing of the families in Wodonga. Your MCH nurse will build a relationship with you, your child and your family.

We aim to give you the very best support and latest evidence-based information to promote your child’s development and your wellbeing as a parent.

We offer information and support on a variety of topics including:

A guide to Maternal and Child Health and Early Years Services in Wodonga 3

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24-hour MCH Line (13 22 29)

The confidential, 24-hour Maternal and Child Health Line can give you information and advice about the care and health of your child (from birth to school age). When you call, qualified maternal and child health nurses can discuss your concerns about child health and nutrition, breastfeeding, your own health and any parenting issues.

Enhanced Maternal and Child Health

The Enhanced Maternal and Child Health (EMCH) Service is an extension of the MCH service that works with children and their families to address an increased need due to factors affecting child development, parenting capacity or family wellbeing.

The MCH app

The free MCH app provides reliable information for families that can be used every day.

To find out more, visit wod.city/MCHapp

Download the app free from iTunes or Google Play.

Your MCH nurse Speak to your nurse during your appointment. Telephone and telehealth support is also available and the nurses can be contacted at the MCH centres. Breastfeeding Support Clinic Free service. Speak to your MCH nurse to book Thursdays, 9am to 12pm

Australian Breastfeeding Association 1800 686 268 (free call 24 hour helpline) breastfeeding.asn.au

Albury Wodonga Health Tresillian Parents and Baby Service (02) 6051 7174 AWH Wodonga Hospital Lactation Support Service (02) 6051 7240

For further information regarding Maternal and Child Health services, visit wod.city/MCH or speak to your MCH Nurse.

Breastfeeding supportThere are a number of services that offer support, education and practical assistance and care to breastfeeding mothers.

Many of our MCH nurses are also International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) and can offer expert advice on any aspect of your breastfeeding experience from birth through to weaning. We also offer a free short-term breast pump loan service.

Where to go for breastfeeding support

Did you know..Our Breastfeeding Support Clinic

boasts highly qualified lactation consultants who are all IBCLC qualification certified with

a wealth of experience.

Our lactation consultants from the Maternal and Child Health Team will be happy to assist with all facets of

breastfeeding and infant nutrition.

Indigenous servicesThe MCH service is committed to providing the best outcomes for Aboriginal children and families. We work in collaboration with local Aboriginal Services such as Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service (AWAHS), Mungabareena, Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA), Koori First Steps preschool and Koori Engagement Support Officers.

Aboriginal families can elect to have their MCH services attended through AWAHS with all the benefits and supports of both organisations. Please speak to your MCH nurse or

AWAHS if you would like further information or connection to these services.

Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service 644 Daniel St, Glenroy, NSW 2641 (02) 6040 1200 awahs.com.au

Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation 21 Hovell St, Wodonga, VIC 3690 (02) 6024 7599

Koori First Steps Preschool 44 Trudewind Rd, Wodonga, VIC 3690 (02) 6024 4228

ImmunisationImmunisation is a safe and effective way of protecting our community against harmful diseases and is a legislated requirement for children enrolled in childcare or kindergarten in Victoria.

Wodonga Council provides free immunisation to all members of the public, across all age groups, for vaccinations on the National Immunisation Program Schedule (NIPS)

Our immunisation session times are available on our website. Visit wod.city/immunisation

Artwork

by Tamara

Murra

y, Mara

mayart

A guide to Maternal and Child Health and Early Years Services in Wodonga 5

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Preschools provide early learning programs to children before they start primary school.

Attending preschool can help your child to:

• Be confident in learning and trying new things

• Build their sense of identity

• Strengthen their physical, social and emotional wellbeing

• Develop and support language and literacy

• Gain skills for school readiness

Preschools in Wodonga offer a 3-year-old and a 4-year-old preschool/set program.

Applications for council-run preschools need to be lodged by July 31 in the year prior to starting preschool.

To learn more about council-run preschools, visit wod.city/preschool.

For a full list of all preschools available in Wodonga, visit www.education.vic.gov.au/findaservice/

PlaygroupsPlaygroups are groups of parents, carers and their young children who meet together regularly. They are lots of fun for children from birth to school age as they learn through play and interaction with other children and adults.

For more information and a list of community playgroups in Wodonga visit wod.city/playgroups

Supported playgroups

Supported Playgroups are free weekly group sessions with a trained facilitator which are responsive to the needs and interests of eligible families. Speak to your MCH nurse for further details about supported playgroups.

ChildcareChildcare centres provide care and education programs for children up to six years of age.

You can use ChildCare Finder to locate childcare centres with vacancies in Wodonga. Visit mychild.gov.au

Preschools/kindergartensCouncil-run preschools

Baranduda Preschool Sage Crt, Baranduda, VIC 3691 (02) 6020 8460

Belgrade Ave Preschool 12 Belgrade Ave, Wodonga, VIC 3690 (02) 6024 3974

Felltimber Children’s Centre - Preschool 189 Melrose Dr, Wodonga, VIC 3690 (02) 6059 6244

Jamieson Crt Preschool Jamieson Crt, Wodonga, VIC 3690 (02) 6059 2353

Southern Rise Children’s Centre 15 Cartwright St, Wodonga, VIC 3690 (02) 6024 5867

Stanley St Preschool 24 Stanley St, Wodonga, VIC 3690 (02) 6024 1756

Activities for children and families

Wodonga Toy Library

The Wodonga Toy Library is a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers. The service provides families access to a wide range of toys without the expense of purchasing. Visit wodongatoylibraryinc.websyte.com.au to find out more.

Storytime

The Storytime program provides reading opportunities in the Wodonga Library and online. There are a variety of sessions for children from newborn to five years.

For more information, phone Wodonga Library on (02) 6022 9330 or visit wodongalibrary.com.au

What’s On Wodonga Council and its associated venues run a number of programs and events throughout the year. Visit www.wodonga.vic.gov.au/Whats-On to see what’s coming up.

Our venuesBaranduda Community Centre 3 Sage Crt, Baranduda, VIC 3691 (02) 6020 8643 facebook.com/BarandudaCC

Bonegilla Migrant Experience 132 Bonegilla Rd, Bonegilla, VIC 3691 (02) 6020 6912 bonegilla.org.au

Felltimber Community Centre cnr Melrose Dve and Felltimber Creek Rd (02) 6043 4550 facebook.com/FelltimberCC

The Cube Wodonga 118 Hovell St, Wodonga, VIC 3690 (02) 6022 9311 thecubewodonga.com.au

Wodonga Library 194 High St, Wodonga, VIC 3690 (02) 6022 9330 wodongalibrary.com.au

Sport and Leisure Wodonga Council provides and maintains parks and recreational areas for the community and visitors to our region. You can learn more about the areas and facilities available for your family to enjoy by visiting wod.city/sport-leisure You will find information on the following:

• Wodonga Aquatic Venue and Exercise Space (WAVES)

• Wodonga Sports and Leisure Centre

• Parks, gardens and playgrounds

• Walking and cycling tracks

• Local reserves

• Skate parks

There are also a number of sporting clubs and

associations operating in Wodonga across a variety of sports and recreational

activities. To see what is available and how to contact these groups visit

www.awcommunityguide.com.au

A guide to Maternal and Child Health and Early Years Services in Wodonga 7

Parenting and child health

24-hour MCH Line 13 22 29

NURSE-ON-CALL 1300 60 60 24

Child FIRST 1800 705 211. umfc.com.au

Raising Children’s Network raisingchildren.net.au

Better Health Channel betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Australian Breastfeeding Association 1800 686 268 breastfeeding.asn.au

Albury Wodonga Health Tresillian Parents and Baby Service (02) 6051 7174

Parentline Victoria 13 22 89 parentline.vic.gov.au

Kidsafe (08) 6244 4880 kidsafe.com.au

Monash Medicines Information Centre (03) 9594 2361

Support services

Lifeline 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au

Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36 beyondblue.org.au

Head to Health headtohealth.gov.au

Health Direct healthdirect.gov.au

Mensline Australia 1300 78 99 78 mensline.org.au

Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia 1300 72 63 06 panda.org.au

Perinatal Emotional Health Program Albury-Wodonga Health (02) 6051 7996

Centre Against Violence centreagainstviolence.org.au

Emergencies

Police, Fire, Ambulance 000

Poisons Information Line 13 11 26

Family and community services

Upper Murray Family Care (02) 6055 8000

umfc.com.au

Gateway Community Health (02) 6022 8888 gatewayhealth.org.au

Department of Human Services humanservices.gov.au

Relationships Australia 1300 364 277 relationships.org.au

Useful contacts and resources

Feedback?

If you would like to provide feedback regarding the Maternal

and Child Health Service in Wodonga, please contact the Maternal and

Child Health Team Leader on (02) 6022 9300