An innovative new community health service in Bankstown is providing integrated support for pregnant women and families navigating complex health and social needs.
The NSW Government has invested more than $2 million to deliver the new pilot service, Birthing and Nurturing Young and In Need (BANYAN), which is the first of its kind in NSW.
BANYAN adopts a Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) model to provide continuity of care for women and families navigating disability, neurodivergence, and/or substance use.
Each woman is supported by a midwife during pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period, providing women with consistent, personalised care. Care is then transitioned to a child and family nurse to provide ongoing support until the child is five years old.
Continuity of care with a known midwife leads to improved outcomes for women and babies. The BANYAN model also supports a safe, coordinated care for families during pregnancy and the early years of a child's life.
The service includes child and family nurses and paediatric allied health professionals working together as one collaborative team. Obstetric and paediatric medical support is also integrated and accessible within the service.
Women are referred by the mainstream Antenatal Clinic at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital following their booking in visit, or they can be referred directly by their GP, or self-refer.
Since commencing operations in March 2026, the service has supported the birth of more than 40 babies, including twins.
Families can also access paediatric allied health services for assessment and early intervention for developmental concerns identified through routine personal health record checks, helping children achieve the best possible health outcomes.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"We are committed to ensuring all women, children and families can access the right care at the right time.
"BANYAN is an innovative model that brings together maternity, child and family health, and allied health services to provide seamless support from pregnancy through to early childhood.
"We know how important personalised care is during pregnancy and in those early years. This is even more important for women and families with complex needs, who will be able to access continuity of care more easily through this service.
"By intervening early and providing tailored support, services like BANYAN can help improve health and developmental outcomes for children and give families the confidence and support they need to thrive."
Quotes attributable to Member for Auburn Lynda Voltz:
"Families with complex needs require an integrated approach and that is why it is so exciting that this new pilot service, a first of its kind, will be available right here at Bankstown Lidcombe Hospital in the heart of Greater Western Sydney.
"A bonus is that not only can a GP refer, but parents can self-refer as well, making life much easier for those in difficult circumstances."
Quotes attributable to South Western Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive, Sonia Marshall:
"The BANYAN service is an exciting new model of care that is making a meaningful difference for women and families in south western Sydney.
"We know complexities such as disability, neurodivergence and substance-abuse can affect women and families in many ways and have long-term impacts.
"This innovative service provides families with personalised, coordinated care from pregnancy through to early childhood, helping children get the best possible start in life."
Quotes attributable to Rebecca Bedding, Project Lead, BANYAN Service:
"We've already seen the positive impact this service can have, supporting women and families through pregnancy, birth and the early years of a child's life, with more than 40 babies born through the program so far.
"The Midwifery Group Practice model provides continuity of care for women and families experiencing complex health and social needs, helping to build trust, improve engagement and deliver better outcomes.
"Families often tell us they feel heard, supported and connected. By bringing a range of health professionals together around each family, we're able to respond early and provide the right support when it matters most."
