Brunswick the key to PM's 2020 vision
22 April 2008
A children's hub in Brunswick could hold the key to turning Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's vision of ‘one-stop childcare shops' from a ‘big idea' to a reality.
Five years ago, Melbourne Citymission transformed Hartnett House - a 100-year-old centre in Albion Street - into a groundbreaking service providing child care, pre-school, parenting support programs, homework clubs, English classes and sewing groups all on the one site.
"It's been an incredible success," said Jen Deurwaarder, General Manager, Children's and Disability Services, Melbourne Citymission, who welcomed the Prime Minister's proposal.
"Everyone talks about the need for ‘joined-up service delivery'," said Ms Deurwaarder. "Hartnett House is a living example of what that concept means.
"For example, we've had mums join English conversation classes while their children are in sessional child care at Hartnett House. They then develop the confidence to undertake more intensive study. Instead of having to scramble around for extra child care, their children can continue to be cared for at Hartnett House, because long day care is offered at the same site.
"We live life at such a frantic pace these days. This type of ‘one-stop shop' is exactly what modern-day families need. But more than that, by developing a link between child care and English classes we've opened up a pathway to work and study," said Ms Deurwaarder.
"Other programs at Hartnett House - for example, the sewing group - create opportunities for people to make connections with their neighbours, to be part of a community. It's a really groundbreaking model of service delivery."
Ms Deurwaarder said while the Hartnett House model drew on international research into early childhood development, the majority of programs and services on offer at the Albion Street site had come about by listening to local families about their needs.
"Often families have to navigate complex referral systems to find services they need. This can be daunting enough for someone who speaks English and knows the local area, but for people from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, the task can be almost impossible. At Hartnett House, families can access services when they need them, how they need them."
Ms Deurwaarder said Melbourne Citymission supported the Prime Minister's vision for children's hubs and was keen to share the learnings from Hartnett House, which receives Commonwealth funding.
"Hartnett House has had such a positive impact on the lives of children and families in Moreland. Melbourne Citymission would love to see services like this rolled out across the nation."
Contact Information:
Deborah Fewster, Media and Advocacy Adviser, Melbourne Citymission, Mobile 0403 839 427
