Parents and children will benefit from more modern, multidisciplinary facilities as Council's Kyneton Maternal and Child Health service (Kyneton MCH) relocates to Central Highlands Rural Health's Kyneton campus.
Kyneton MCH will move into Kyneton Health's Ambulatory Care Centre building this month, with Council resolving to hand back the existing leased site of the former Lady Brooks Kindergarten to the Victorian Government.
The decision follows an extensive analysis of the land and current condition of buildings which, following the relocation of Kyneton Kindergarten to Edgecombe Street in February 2022, were found to need either significant restoration or be completely demolished to be fit for purpose.
Mayor Annette Death said the relocation of Kyneton MCH was a positive outcome that would enable better connections with other allied health services.
"Council will support a smooth transition of the MCH service with minimal disruption to families who rely on it," she said.
"We'll continue to work with the Victorian Government and others on the future use of the former Lady Brooks Kindergarten site, while also continuing our advocacy with the Federal Government around the provision of childcare more broadly across the shire."
At the new Kyneton MCH hub, staff and clients will have access to a large waiting area, reception, large consulting room, a room for new parent groups and a courtyard.
CHRH Executive Director – Community Operations Phil Catterson said the MCH would complement other programs and specialist services provided at Kyneton Health.
"We have a number of co-located services on site including occupational therapy, dental, physiotherapy, allied health, and infant hearing specialists," he said.
"We look forward to welcoming Kyneton MCH to our site as we continue to strive to deliver on our purpose to provide best care for every person, every time in the community."
Council is working closely with existing building tenants Kyneton Toy Library to find them a suitable alternative location, while also investigating options to relocate the restored baker's cart on the former Lady Brooks Kindergarten site.
Visit Maternal and Child Health for more information.
