Shepparton Early Parenting Centre hits its stride

Families in the Goulburn Valley will soon have better access to free support for their little ones closer to where they live, with construction starting on a multi-million-dollar Early Parenting Centre (EPC) in Shepparton.

The Shepparton EPC is being built on an undeveloped site and new address at 6 Evergreen Way, Shepparton. The site is between the Bangerang Cultural Centre and Philippine House.

The Shepparton EPC will feature:

10 overnight family units
four day-stay places
shared kitchen and dining areas
multi-purpose room
playroom
outdoor spaces
onsite carparking.

Construction is being overseen by builder AW Nicholson Construction. Goulburn Valley Health will operate the Shepparton Early Parenting Centre when it opens.

Prioritising a ‘homely’ environment

Designs for the multi-million-dollar Shepparton EPC have also been unveiled.

The Shepparton EPC will feature two single-storey buildings, which will be linked by a covered walkway.

The design of the Shepparton Early Parenting Centre prioritises a warm, domestic, and culturally safe feel – helping parents and caregivers effectively bring any new routines and practices home following their stay.

Take a look.

Gallery

An artist's impression of a modern, single-story building with a mix of gray and brick-patterned walls. It features a black canopy over the entrance and decorative plants in front. Some individuals are near the entrance, and a bicycle rack is visible.

Artist impression: exterior of the Shepparton Early Parenting Centre

An artist's impression of a grassy open space with a few people enjoying the outdoors. The area is bordered by modern, single-story buildings and shaded by trees. Purple flowers are in the foreground.

Artist impression: outdoor spaces at the Shepparton Early Parenting Centre

An artist's impression of a modern daycare center building, featuring a mix of dark and light exterior materials and a fenced play area with colorful red and blue circular patterns.

Artist impression: outdoor spaces at the Shepparton Early Parenting Centre

An artist's impression of a modern, spacious room with a vaulted ceiling and contemporary circular light fixtures. Several people are seated or standing around wooden tables. A counter and exit sign are visible in the background.

Artist impression: communal kitchen and dining area at the Shepparton Early Parenting Centre

An artist's impression of a modern room with a play area. Children and adults engage in various activities. The room features circular ceiling lights, a colourful rug, large windows, and a playhouse structure.

Artist impression: playroom at the Shepparton Early Parenting Centre

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What is an Early Parenting Centre (EPC)?

Early Parenting Centres support parents or carers with children up to four years old. They help build parenting skills and confidence by providing help with:

sleep and settling
parent-child bonding and attachment
child behaviour and development
strengthening parenting capacity
building community connections.

Early Parenting Centres provide a number of services, including:

day-stay – centre-based day programs
overnight stay – families stay at the centre for support delivered over a week
flexible supports – telehealth, home visits and/or outreach.

About the EPC expansion and upgrade program

The EPC we're building in Shepparton is one of eleven new or upgraded facilities being delivered through the Victorian Government's early parenting centres expansion and upgrade program.

The program is delivering:

upgrades to two existing EPCs in Footscray (complete) and Noble Park (complete)
nine new EPCs in growing areas across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Find out more about the early parenting centres expansion and upgrade program.