For parents in our community who have struggled with maintaining a sleep routine for their little ones, we have good news! Work has begun on a new Early Parenting Centre here in Lucas, just off Dyson Drive.

The new centre, which will be located at 10 Fawcett Rd, will provide support and advice for parents around feeding, settling and sleeping, as well as overnight stays for those who may be struggling with new parenting.

It's important to establish sleeping patterns early on in a child's life to maximise their growth and development and also to give parents time to rest.

The parenting centre will be available to families with children up to four years of age, with ten residential family units and four day-stay places, offering both short-term and long-term stay options.

Caring for our young ones was extra difficult during Covid lockdowns, with other family members at home and changes to routines. The Alfredton/Lucas community welcomed 220 babies in 2021, so the centre is arriving at the perfect time for many local families.

And, having maternal and child health experts close by will save countless parents and caregivers the time of travelling to Melbourne for specialist support.

Construction is expected to be completed in late 2023.