In this feature “CityNews” has compiled a guide to expert services in family health, pre-school education and culturally accessible services for women. 

Empowering families to make informed health choices

Medical director of The Mother Hub Dr Sarah Bombell has reopened her clinic following its move to the John James Medical Centre in Deakin.

Dr Bombell says the practice prides itself on being a one-stop-shop for families seeking multidisciplinary healthcare.

With more than 25 years of experience in women’s and children’s health and as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant since 2008, Dr Bombell says she’s looking forward to further expanding her clinical services in the months ahead.

“Our strength lies in the collaborative approach of our team, where each clinician brings a unique skillset to the table,” she says.

“By working together, we provide comprehensive support that empowers families to make informed decisions and achieve the best possible outcomes for their health and well-being.

“It’s a privilege to guide someone through their journey to motherhood and being privy to witnessing their growth and transformation.” 

Dr Bombell says they have 13 clinicians in the service and are now offering general GP care, counselling and diabetic education. 

“We are currently at capacity in our temporary suite, but hope to be in our forever home in the New Year, where we’ll be able to further expand our clinic to include a day-stay service, mother’s groups, antenatal and other education classes, as well as additional allied health offerings,” she says. 

Dr Bombell says she is excited to continue helping women and families thrive. 

The Mother Hub. 175 Strickland Crescent, Deakin. Call 6196 6722 or visit themotherhub.com.au

Giving pre-schoolers a headstart on education

Kidstart is celebrating its 24th year working with children and owner Kristen O’Connor says it’s a privilege to allow parents and carers to have “all the educational fun with children without having to make the fun, just join in!” 

“We are not a childcare centre, but provide classes with opportunities for each child to develop socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually through sequential programs full of fun, structured and stimulating activities

“We bring families together to create relationships and connections within the Canberra community.” 

Always accepting enrolments with classes available for children aged five months to five years, Kristen says Kidstart has a program to suit all children before they start school. 

Children under three attend classes with an adult, and children over three attend classes independently. 

“If you want to assist your child to develop a lifelong love of learning, give them the headstart they deserve at Kidstart!” she says.

Operating since 1996, Kristen says Kidstart offers five different age-based programs.

She says it’s a privilege to see the children thrive each day, from rolling over on the floor to learning phonics in their literacy program.

“We’re fortunate to have long-serving staff members dedicated to providing the optimum learning environment for all our children at Kidstart.

“There’s a special bond with teaching children, from when they are babies and seeing them grow and develop before heading off to school. 

Kidstart Southside Education and Activity Centre, 65 Sternberg Crescent, Wanniassa. Visit kidstart.com.au

Culturally accessible services for women

Removing barriers that prevent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women from accessing maternity care, Winnunga Nimmityjah provides a midwifery program that provides culturally safe, non-judgemental and flexible care, says CEO Julie Tongs. 

Covering topics from pregnancy and birthing to substance use, smoking during pregnancy, SIDS, breastfeeding and nutrition, Julie says the group also provides an opportunity for pregnant women to meet and talk about any concerns or issues. 

“The midwifery team offers antenatal and postnatal care, community at home support, baby health checks, breastfeeding support, immunisations, and a range of women’s health services,” she says. 

“Our midwives work closely with ACT hospitals, and assist in ensuring continuity of care between Winnunga Nimmityjah AHCS and hospital services.

“It is vitally important for high-risk clients to have access to Aboriginal-specific, culturally appropriate midwifery services, as many choose not to access mainstream services without support.”

Winnunga also provides groups for women of all ages to access support, education referral and advocacy services.

“Women attending the group have benefitted from a range of health and lifestyle education services including healthy eating, children’s nutrition, managing depression, physical activity, arts and crafts, and outings,” says Julie. 

Guest speakers are regularly invited to attend the sessions with group facilitators working closely with the midwifery program. 

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, 63 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah. Call 6284 6222 or visit winnunga.org.au

Northside service offers quality early childhood care

Established in 1976, Northside Community Services has been meeting the community’s needs for almost 50 years. 

Within Harrison, its early childhood centre caters to children as young as six weeks to school age. 

“Our team is comprised of experienced and qualified early childhood teachers and educators dedicated to forming respectful and reciprocal relationships with children,” says centre manager, Abbegaile Guanzon. 

“We believe that every child is unique and understand the importance of respecting, supporting and valuing time spent with children to help them flourish as individuals.” 

Participating in government-funded initiatives such as the 3-Year-Old Initiative Program and the Preschool Program, Abbegaile says early childhood education can change lives. 

“These programs ensure accessible, play-based learning environments that nurture literacy, numeracy, social skills, self-regulation and resilience,” she says. 

“Through our play-based programs, skilled educators and community-centered approach, we are committed to enriching the lives of children and their families.

“We highly value the quality time spent with children, prioritising our active engagement in every child’s learning and development.

“We work closely to create a strong sense of being, belonging and becoming for children and their families throughout the whole centre.” 

Northside Early Childhood Centre, 24 Wimmera Street, Harrison. Call 6171 8050 or visit northside.asn.au