Parenting is tough.

Amidst all the joy and new beginnings, it can also be disorienting, isolating and overwhelming.

Parents shouldn’t go through this alone - yet for years families in the inner north have had to travel, pay for private care or join long wait lists in order to access parenting support.

But things are about to change.

Today, with absolute elation, we announced that Northcote will get its very own Early Parenting Centre, if Labor is re-elected.

The first thousand days are critical to the development and wellbeing of babies and toddlers.

Yet at the same time, women are at greater risk of developing mental illness during the perinatal period than at any other time.

So, wrapping supports around both parents and children in these early years is life changing.

At our Northcote Early Parenting Centre, families will be supported with sleep and settling, bonding and mental health.

They’ll be able to stay for the day, overnight, or get a visit at home with supports delivered by highly skilled nurses, social workers and parenting practitioners.

There will be extra care for babies and toddlers with additional needs. And it will be a safe space for parents to come together and share experiences.

For the first time, our families will have access to the support they need, when they need it the most – right here in our suburbs.

This is part of Labor’s $69 million package that will deliver more support for Victorian families – including increased maternal child health nursing hours, more funding for lactation consultants and more support for dads.

You can read more here.

As your MP, I have not stopped fighting for our community to have access to integrated care for parents, infants and children. Year on year I’ve raised this in the Parliament and within government.

Now, it will be a strong Labor Government that delivers it.

Today’s announcement means so much. It will change lives for the better, right here in Northcote.

To all the local parents and organisations who have been passionate partners on this journey – thank you.