More support is soon to be available for new parents in the region with the appointment of a Nursing Unit Manager for Tresillian Cowra.
Commencing almost a fortnight ago, Nursing Unit Manager Rochelle Longhurst has been undergoing orientation and further training to support her in the new role.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke welcomed Rochelle to the position saying she will be a great addition to the communities she will service including Cowra, Young, Grenfell and Canowindra.
“Rochelle comes to the role with lots of experience being a former family and community health nurse and is very familiar with the area so I am excited to have her on-board.
“She has hit the ground running laying vital foundations to ensure the longevity of the service by working together with other health providers in the area to establish strong relationships,” Ms Cooke said.
Along with the NSW Government, The Tresillian and Gidget Foundation Australia who operate Regional Family Care Centres, have played a massive part in securing support for new parents the region through the new role.
The foundation is currently negotiating the purchase of a property at Cowra for the Family Care Centre which is proceeding well.
“Finalising the plans for the day centre is massive step forward in our campaign to secure a Tresillian Residential Unit as part of the Cowra Hospital redevelopment and I look forward to sharing more news about it in the New Year,” Ms Cooke added.
The new centre to be built in Cowra is one of six, including Goulburn, Grafton, Armidale, Griffith, and Muswellbrook. Established centres such as Dubbo, Queanbeyan and Taree have provided more than 14,000 services to families over the past two years.
Minister for Mental Health and Women Bronnie Taylor highlighted the importance of the integrated care approach and said it will ensure that counselling and parenting support are provided for local families.
“This is all about helping families in their hour of need and services like this can have a really positive impact on the wider community as well,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Being a parent, especially a new parent, is really tough, and I have every confidence that Rochelle will ensure families in the Cootamundra electorate are supported.”
Services will be delivered via home-visiting until the Family Care Centre is fully commissioned which we expect will be in January once furnishing and fit-out is completed.
The Cowra Tresillian Care Centre development is funded under the NSW Government as part of the 2021/2022 budget.
For more information on the service, please call: 1300 272 736
