Maternal, child and family health

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Maternal and Child Health (MCH) is a free universal primary health care service available for all Victorian families with children from birth to school age.

We provide education, information and support to families on a range of topics, including infant feeding and growth, physical health, play and development, mental health and family violence.  We can also connect families with playgroups and other activities, and refer on to other health and wellbeing specialists in our region.

Your hospital or midwife will advise us that you've had a baby, and we'll reach out and offer you and your family a home visit.  After that, you can come and see us at your local MCH centre.  In total, there are ten Key Age and Stage visits, with additional appointments made as needed.

To book a free appointment at any of our centres contact us on 5261 0549.

MCH service privacy fact sheet(DOCX, 2MB)

MCH centre locations

Kurrambee Myaring Community Centre 

12 Merrijig Drive, Torquay 

Torquay Children’s Hub

27 Grossmans Road, Torquay

Anglesea Kindergarten

1 McMillan Street, Anglesea

Lorne Community House

16 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne

Moriac Preschool

7 Clerke Court, Moriac

Winchelsea Community House

28 Hesse Street, Winchelsea

Drop-in clinics

Our child and family health drop-in clinics are an opportunity to have a chat with an MCH nurse between your regular Key Age and Stage visits. No bookings are required to attend.

Torquay Children's Hub

27 Grossmans Rd, Torquay

Every Friday morning from 11am-1pm (except public holidays), includes Breastfeeding Support Service.

Winchelsea Community House

28 Hesse St, Winchelsea

 Wednesdays during school term from 3pm-3:30pm

Breastfeeding support

All MCH nurses are trained in breastfeeding support. We also have IBCLC lactation consultants who provide specialised support, including home visits and a regular drop-in clinic on Friday mornings, from 11am at the Torquay Children's Hub. Call 5261 0549 or email childandfamily@surfcoast.vic.gov.au for more information.

Sleep and settling

The Child and Family Health team can also support families with sleep and settling concerns.  We offer in home consultations, centre visits, and parent education sessions, all free of charge.  Talk to your MCH nurse, call 5261 0549 or email childandfamily@surfcoast.vic.gov.au to find out more.  

Additional support for families (Enhanced MCH)

The Enhanced Maternal & Child Health Service is a home visiting program provided by Maternal & Child Health Nurse to assist families with extra support and guidance. Topics and services are tailored to suit each individual family and are conducted within the individuals home.  To find out more email emch@surfcoast.vic.gov.au.

Referrals can be made by families or other health professionals. 

Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Referral Form.(PDF, 92KB)

Please also visit our Get Help page for services and agencies that are able to provide support to families during difficult times.

Parent groups

First-time parent groups run regularly across the shire. For more information, speak to your MCH nurse or email childandfamily@surfcoast.vic.gov.au.

A number of other social and educational sessions also run throughout the year, see Playgroups and activities for young children and Parent education.

Helpful resources

Maternal and Child Health Line24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 13 22 29.

Raising Children Network

Better Health Channel 

Please also visit our Get Help page for services and agencies that are able to provide support to families during difficult times.