Mothers’ greatest helper turns 100
FOR 100 years, women and their children have been accessing free health, development and parenting services across the Geelong region.
City of Greater Geelong is one of a number of councils celebrating 100 years of Victoria’s Maternal and Child Health Service, with the first centre opening in Newtown between 1917 and 1918.
Three generations of Louise Galle’s family have made use of centres around town.
Her mother, Maria Sanzaro, accessed the service in Geelong West with all three of her children after seeing how much her mother, Sera Fiala, benefited years before.
“My sister and I both came from Italy, I was 8 and my sister was nearly 2, so I used to have to go with Mum to the maternal child health nurse to translate when my brother was young, because she spoke no English,” Ms Sanzaro said.
“For her it was a big experience because in Italy there was none of that stuff. They were a wonderful support.”
Ms Galle has used it for her daughters, Sophia, 2, and Julie, six weeks.
“They’ve been fabulous. With the first child, they teach you everything. They tell you (about) teething, bathing – they’re brilliant,” she said.
“They offer a mother’s group and I recommend it.”
The 29-year-old Bell Park mother said in the age of Dr Google, she appreciated the chance to access informed, evidence-based advice.
“We’re very lucky to have it offered to us. There are hotlines, they will help you with anything,” she said.
Geelong has about 40 staff delivering services at 20 locations.
The city’s director community life, Linda Quinn, said the long-running service had been invaluable for new mums.
“The service gives children the best start in life by providing free check-ups at key stages up to the age of six,” Ms Quinn said.
She said a celebration in December would recognise those who established the service and those who have contributed to its operation since.