It is the reason Tresillian was founded in Sydney 100 years ago. 

The not-for-profit’s Wagga branch this week celebrated the milestone, acknowledging the partnership with the Murrumbidgee Primary Health District, that allowed it to re-open in 2017. 

Tresillian has helped parents gain confidence in their roles as mothers and fathers, providing education and support for a range of issues from breastfeeding to nutrition and sleep. 

Renee, a Riverina mother who’s surname was not revealed for privacy reasons, said she and her husband had initially struggled with their newborn, before approaching the service. 

“We had great difficulty settling and getting her to sleep,” Renee said. 

“The staff were so patient and caring in teaching us skills we could take away to change our lives when we went home.”

Local manager Karen Griffin said the Murrumbidgee Family Care Centre was initially launched in 1986, but due to a lack of funding, its doors closed some years later.

Following its 2017 grand re-opening as Tresillian, alongside Primary Health Network practitioners, Ms Griffin said the practice was stronger than ever.  

“The need is very much there,” Ms Griffin said. “We see families with children from 0 to 5 for a range of issues.”

With motherhood being quite competitive, she said a lack of sleep and isolation often led to post-natal depression for a number of residents too. 

Ms Griffin said moving forward, video conferencing would be an option moving forward, appealing to clients travelling from across the region. 

A referral from a GP or local Child and Family Health Nurse is needed to access Tresillian’s day services at Wagga, but parents can phone 1300 272 736 for on-the-spot help and advice. 

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If you are troubled by this story or experiencing a personal crisis, you can call Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or visit lifeline.org.au or beyondblue.org.au for more information.