Bringing a new baby into the world is a big adjustment — and for parents of multiple newborns, it can quickly become overwhelming.
For a first-time mother of twins, triplets or more, the day-to-day tasks of feeding, bathing and changing can feel relentless, especially when there are older children at home as well.
Since 2019, local families have been able to turn to Council's Multiple Birth Support Program, based at the Kalkee Road Children's and Community Hub. It's become a welcome source of practical help for those who need an extra pair of hands.
Not everyone has friends or family nearby, and many parents rely on the support of community volunteers — the kind of support this specialist program offers.
Now, the call has gone out for new volunteers to join the team at Kalkee Road.
"We've had some wonderful people involved since Council restarted the program six years ago," said Cr Angela Munn.
"It had been in recess for four years, and there was a clear need to bring it back. But as time goes on, many of our original volunteers have moved on to other things or are no longer available — so we're looking for some new helping hands," Cr Munn said.
Volunteers do all sorts of tasks that help ease the load — folding washing, preparing meals, or helping with general household jobs. Sometimes it's doing the shopping or minding the children while parents get to an appointment. Even a couple of hours a week can make a real difference.
And over time, some volunteers build strong, lasting connections with the families they support.
"The Kalkee Road Children's and Community Hub has been one of Council's great success stories," said Cr Munn.
"The Multiple Birth Support Program, in particular, has been a bright spot — and thanks to the dedication and care of our community volunteers, many families, including single parents, have felt supported through those early, demanding months.
"With that kind of help, new parents can keep life ticking along as normally as possible while managing everything that comes with a multiple birth."
Council is now actively recruiting new volunteers to be part of the program.
