Community invited to discuss Maternal and Child Health Services

Published on 03 June 2025

West Wimmera Shire Council is inviting families and community members to attend upcoming meetings to discuss the potential transition of the Shire’s Maternal and Child Health Services.

Council is currently exploring options for the future delivery of its Maternal and Child Health services, including a potential transition to West Wimmera Health Service to ensure long-term service sustainability and an enhanced wraparound service for local families.

A recent evaluation by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute highlights the success of the By Five Paediatric Project in delivering more coordinated, holistic care for children across the Wimmera Southern Mallee, “encouraging multidisciplinary team-based care is one of the focus areas”.

The By Five Paediatric Project shows how working together (local health, education, and community professionals) can provide stronger, more coordinated support for children and families.

By sharing knowledge and using tools like telehealth and co-consultations, professionals can respond earlier to concerns about a child’s health or development.

The evaluation found that this wraparound approach helped families access the right support sooner, while also building the skills and connections of local services to better meet community needs.

As part of these discussions, West Wimmera Health Service has been invited to attend each session to answer questions and share information about the services and programs they deliver.

The meetings will coincide with normal MCH clinic times to make it easier for families to attend.

They are an opportunity for community members to ask questions, provide feedback, and learn more about what the proposed transition could mean for them.

Meeting details:

• Edenhope: Tuesday 17 June, 9.00am – 10.00am, Edenhope Community Centre
• Goroke: Wednesday 18 June, 3.00pm – 4.00pm, Goroke Community Health Centre
• Kaniva: Friday 20 June, 9.00am – 10.00am, Kaniva Shire Hall supper room

Council Chief Executive Officer David Bezuidenhout said Council knew how important Maternal and Child Health Services were to local families, and these meetings were an opportunity to come along, hear from West Wimmera Health Service, and ask any questions you may have.

“No decisions have been made at this stage and we’re in the process of gathering information and community feedback to help guide our next steps,” he said.

For more information, contact Council on 13 99 72.