Celebrating Maternal & Child Health Nurses Supporting Colac Otway
Published on 30 April 2026
International Day of the Midwife – 5 May
International Nurses Day – 12 May
Colac Otway Shire Council is celebrating its Maternal and Child Health (MCH) nurses for the vital support they provide to local families from birth through to early childhood.
Council’s MCH nurses provide vital support to the families of approximately 250 children born each year in the Shire, and each year more than 800 children attend the Colac Otway Maternal and Child Health service at centres located at Apollo Bay, Birregurra, Colac (Queen Street) and Colac East Kindergarten.
Colac’s long-established service has operated from the Queen Street Centre since 1936.
Mayor Jason Schram said MCH nurses play a crucial role in supporting the health and wellbeing of the community’s youngest residents.
“Our Maternal and Child Health nurses are caring professionals who understand the often complex needs of families,” Cr Schram said.
“From the moment a family starts preparing for a baby’s birth, MCH nurses provide reassurance, expert advice and practical support.
“I know from personal experience how valuable that guidance is for families navigating the early years. Their support has a lifelong impact on both children and parents.”
MCH Coordinator Di Earl said the service is delivered by a highly skilled team of five Maternal and Child Health nurses and a dedicated social worker.
“The team has over 50 years of combined experience supporting Colac Otway families.
“I’m proud to have worked as a MCH nurse for our community for over 21 years, Debbie Park has been a MCH nurse with Council for 13 years, Bec and Andy eight years and Jess five years,” Ms Earl said.
“We try and allocate the same nurse to a family for all appointments where we can.
“It’s reassuring for clients to have this stability and continuity of care, particularly in the early stages of parenting.”
Maternal and Child Health Services
All new families are contacted soon after the birth of their baby to arrange a home visit ensuring parents are supported early and connected to essential services. MCH services are free and available to families from birth until a child turns four. Families are also able to seek service and support during the antenatal period for pregnancy and birth planning, emotional support and parental preparation.
Two of Council’s MCH nursing team are also qualified Lactation Consultants offering additional breastfeeding support to mums who need it.
A range of popular programs are facilitated by MCH nurses including First Time Parents Groups and Circle of Security parenting programs, helping families build confidence and strong relationships with their children.
The service also provides assessments and referrals to connect families with additional support where children have specialised health or developmental needs.
Council delivers Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Services, offering additional visits for families who may be experiencing challenges and need extra support during early parenting.