The Glenorchy Child and Family Learning Centre has officially opened, offering wraparound support for families with young children in Hobart’s northern suburbs.
The $28 million facility is the last of six new centres built across Tasmania, bringing the state’s total to 18.
Education Minister Jo Palmer said the Glenorchy centre had already seen strong community engagement since it quietly opened last month.
“We’re already seeing the positive impact… with over 40 families visiting each day since it opened its doors last month,” she said.
“There is a real sense of ownership of this facility. It hasn’t just been built for them, it’s been built with them. Their voices, what do the families and the children of the Glenorchy local government area really need and want?”
The centre supports families with children from birth to five years old, including expectant parents, living in suburbs from Rosetta to Moonah.
A wide range of free wraparound services are on offer, including access to psychologists, speech pathologists and social workers.
Centre leader Donna Lashmar said early support can make a big difference.
“Those first five years are so important for child development. They’re learning and growing all the time. Their little brains are developing,” she said.
“Everything here is free. All the services here are free and available to families in the area.”
A local parent who was involved in the planning process said the centre will be a life-changing for many.
“As a first-time parent, you don’t really know what’s normal and what’s not with a child,” they said.
“And so to have those services here that can pick up and intervene early if anything is needed is really helpful in many ways.”
