Families across south west Sydney are benefitting from improved access to enhanced health and parenting support services, following the official opening of the new Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub.
The redevelopment of Karitane’s Carramar site to become the Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub has been supported by the Minns Government’s investment of $6.5 million. The Paul Ramsay Foundation also provided Karitane a $6.5 million grant towards operational costs for the Hub.
The new Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub integrates parenting support, child and family health services, and community-based care, in one single location, strengthening access for Fairfield and surround communities. The Hub will also deliver virtual services to families across the state, and complement the child and family services offered by South Western Sydney Local Health District.
The new Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub will include:
- Parenting Centre
- Toddler Clinic
- Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Services
- Community Programs
- Service Navigation and coordinated support
Alongside Karitane services, families can access a range of health, parenting and family support services delivered by partner organisations. By bringing services together in one location, the Hub makes it easier for families to connect with the support they need, when they need it.
After years of neglect from the previous Liberal government, Labor is delivering meaningful improvements for south west Sydney, delivering long-term investments into essential health services for the growing community.
The $6.5 million investment in the Hub is part of the Minns Government’s $130.9 million Family Start Package, building on our ongoing commitment to improving access to health and parenting support services. The initiative supports families during the critical First 2000 Days of a child’s life, with early intervention and prevention programs ensuring families have access to the health and support services they rely on.
Karitane also provides a range of holistic and wrap-around parenting support services across the state.
Services include virtual home visiting and telephone support services, early parenting centres, virtual and residential parenting services, perinatal and infant mental health services, toddler clinic and a range of community programs which complement child and family services offered by local health districts.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
“We know just how important it is to support parents early, so they have access to the tools and resources to ensure children are given the best possible start in life.
“The new Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub represents a significant step forward in enhancing access to support services for local families with young children.
“By integrating parenting support, child and family health services, and community‑based care services, local families are able to seek advice and support from a diverse range of skilled professionals all under the one roof.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson:
“Having a baby can be one of the most joyful times in life, but for many parents it can also be one of the hardest. No mum should feel like they have to struggle alone, and no family should have to wait until things reach crisis point before getting help.
“This investment means more support for mums, babies and families when they need it most – because looking after a baby’s wellbeing starts with looking after their parents too.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison:
“Today’s opening of the Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub is an investment in the future of our children and families.
“We want to make sure children in Sydney’s south west get the best start in life and their families are supported with wraparound care.
“The Minns Government is supporting women’s health and wellbeing, so that their families can build stronger futures.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Fairfield, David Saliba:
“As someone who was born and raised in Fairfield, I’m proud to see this significant investment in local families delivered right here in the heart of our community.
“The new Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub will make it easier for parents and carers to access the support they need, close to home and at the time they need it most.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Prospect, Hugh McDermott:
“Families across Prospect deserve access to trusted health, parenting and early childhood support close to home.”
“The new Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub will help give local children the best start in life, while supporting parents and carers when they need it most.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Cabramatta, Tri Vo:
“As a father whose three children were born locally, I understand the importance of Karitane’s Carramar site. This centre will provide valuable help and support to parents, carers, and children.”
Quotes attributable toGrainne O’Loughlin, Chief Executive Officer, Karitane:
“Every child deserves the best start in life and every family deserves the opportunity to feel confident, connected and supported as they navigate the early years of parenting.
“The Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub is more than a building or a collection of services. It is a welcoming community space where families can build relationships, access trusted support, connect with their community and find help when and how they need it.
“Designed with families, for families, this Hub reflects what is possible when government, philanthropy, community organisations and families come together around a shared commitment to helping children grow, learn and thrive.”
