A West Wimmera Shire Council survey on maternal and child health and supported playgroup services has highlighted positive experiences from the community’s families.

The survey, which gathered responses from parents and caregivers across the shire, showed strong satisfaction with the support and care provided to them.

More than 87 per cent of respondents reported feeling either extremely confident or very confident in accessing the service, while over 91 per cent felt extremely comfortable or very comfortable discussing sensitive issues with their nurse.

More than 80 per cent of families strongly agreed the nurses were always supportive and 79 per cent felt their concerns were always listened to attentively.

Almost 93 per cent of respondents said they felt more confident in caring for their children after using the service.

Families expressed high praise for maternal and child health service staff, including nurse Mardi Greifhahn and co-ordinator Judy Harrington, who were celebrated for their invaluable advice.

Council’s perinatal emotional health practitioner Adrienne Caldow was highly valued for her mental-health support and programs such as baby massage. Supported playgroups, facilitated by Katrina Shirrefs, were another highlight for families, particularly for children who had not attended daycare. 

Parents recorded their appreciation of the opportunities for their children to interact and play with peers.

Overall, 93 per cent of families reported they found council’s maternal and child health centres accessible and comfortable.

Council chief executive David Bezuidenhout said the survey results affirmed the vital role that early years services played in nurturing young families in the community.

“The maternal and child health and supported playgroups team remains dedicated to continuous improvement, ensuring every family feels supported, informed and empowered,” he said.

“Maternal and child health services play a crucial role in the well-being of young families.”

Council’s maternal and child health nurses support children from birth to five years, along with their parents or caregivers.

Nurses offer developmental assessments, immunisation information, and guidance on health and wellbeing through clinics in Edenhope, Goroke, Harrow and Kaniva.

The service also provides perinatal mental-health support, home visits, and tailored programs such as playgroups and parenting education, ensuring families have access to the care and resources they need to thrive.

Council also runs supported playgroups, which are free programs designed for families with children from birth to school age, with a focus on supporting those with specific needs or vulnerabilities.

Guided by a qualified facilitator, the sessions empower parents with skills to foster their child’s development.

“It’s wonderful to see how much our team is valued for their knowledge, approachability, and the programs they deliver,” Mr Bezuidenhout said.

“This feedback not only celebrates the great work of our staff but also gives us valuable insights into how we can continue to enhance our services and meet the evolving needs of our communities.”

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