Baby boom brings new first-time parents’ groups to Anglesea and Aireys

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A recent baby boom in Anglesea and Aireys Inlet has led to the creation of a dedicated first-time parents’ group - the first for the area in more than two years - to support the growing number of local families.

A total of 31 birth notifications for Aireys Inlet and Anglesea were received for the 2024/25 financial year, which is seven more than the previous year – an increase of almost 30%. Half of those babies were born since March with many first-time parents.

Surf Coast Shire Council now runs first-time parents’ groups, facilitated by staff, in Torquay, Winchelsea and Anglesea, all servicing surrounding areas.

Aireys Inlet local and new mum Belinda initially assumed she’d need to travel to Torquay for her first-time parents’ group, but said it was great to now have a group based in Anglesea.

“It’s nice to meet up with other local mums and see how their bubs are growing. Hopefully they’ll all grow up together,” she said.

Surf Coast Shire Councillor Leon Walker said the groups provide an important network for new parents as they navigate the highs, lows and everything in between.

“Becoming a parent for the first time is life-changing and having a local network makes a world of difference,” Cr Walker said. “These groups are all about building friendships, swapping tips, and knowing you’re not alone in the journey. It’s also a place where lots of life-long friendships are formed.”

“It’s exciting to see a mini baby boom in Anglesea and Aireys, and I’m so pleased that these first-time parents have easy access to this group, which will serve as a wonderful support for them.”

Also in Aireys Inlet, a new community playgroup has been set up – the first for the area in more than five years. It’s thanks to a partnership between the local Country Women’s Association and Meli, supported by Council, and is helping local families connect.

Moriac has also experienced a baby boom with 27 birth notifications received in the 2024-25 financial year, 12 more than the previous year - an increase of almost 45%.

The last 12 months saw Council’s Parent-Child Mother Goose program, designed to boost literacy, language and parental attachment, rolled out in Winchelsea, with strong attendance from locals and an emerging trend of multigeneration attendance.

Council also delivered the Ngardang Pupup Mother Baby program in partnership with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Corporation.

Quick stats: Supporting Surf Coast Shire’s newest residents in 2024-25

  • 364 birth notifications for Surf Coast Shire, including:
    • Anglesea/Aireys Inlet area: 31 (up by 7)
    • Lorne area: 4 (down by 1)
    • Moriac area: 27 (up by 12)
    • Torquay area: 253 (down by 27)
    • Winchelsea area: 49 (down by 4)
  • 1,436 children attended appointments with Council’s Maternal and Child Health staff
  • 3,253 Key Age and Stage consultations completed
  • 490 additional support consultations
  • 90 hours of telehealth
  • 917 hours of Enhanced Maternal and Child Health program delivery (outreach and home visits to families experiencing vulnerability)
  • 246 hours of parent groups
  • 110 parents attended first-time parents’ groups and 36 attended sessions for non-birthing parents
  • 156 hours of community strengthening activities (playgroup support, group outreach and parent and child Mother Goose Program)

*Stats are for 2024-25 financial year

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