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Olivia's Place in Warragul receives $100,000 funding to provide free essential items to support struggling families

The Allan Labor government supports Gippsland families through Olivia's Place grant, offering essentials alongside broader parental support like maternal health, breastfeeding, Early Parenting Centres, and free statewide kindergarten.

By news@gippsland - 14th December 2023 - Back to News

The Allan Labor government is ensuring Gippsland families have access to the support they need through pregnancy and the early stages of parenting with a grant for Olivia's Place who provide free essential items to families facing disadvantage. Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today announced a $100,000 grant has been delivered to Warragul Based charity Olivia's Place which provides vital community drop-in and outreach services to new mums and families who need it most.

Olivia's Place aids families with essential items, fostering partnerships, and expands aid for Gippsland families, aligning with government initiatives

Family aid expansion

Olivia's Place also provides free essential items to families experiencing financial hardship, including prams, cots, car seats, maternity clothes, and nappies. The grant will also support the establishment of partnerships with local businesses and organisations to improve their service delivery. Delivering on an election commitment made last year, this grant will support the organisation to continue their important work and reach more families in the Gippsland region.

This important local initiative complements the Labor government's $86 million initiative to support mums, dads and babies through programs including Baby Bundle, which ensures first time parents have all the information and free baby care essentials they need.

The Labor government is also boosting universal maternal and child health hours for children and families and investing $4 million to provide increased breastfeeding support to mothers through more access to lactation consultants and appointments. In addition to this the Labor government is also building new Early Parenting Centres and making kindergarten free across the state to support Victorian families.

Supporting families together

Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said, "We know that becoming a new parent can be tough - which is why groups like Olivia's Place are so important, helping families get the support they need in a nurturing environment."

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said, "Funding for community groups like Olivia's Place ensures that women and families have the local support they need during what can be a very difficult time."

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "Olivia's Place provides life-changing dignity and connection to families when they need it most - this funding boost will help the wonderful team at Olivia's Place to meet the needs of even more parents and babies across
the region."

Pictures from Olivia's Place website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com