General News
21 February, 2025
Hours reduced for The Nest
The Nest has recently reduced their opening hours, with the funding received from their Early Years Awards now used to fund their program facilitator.
For the next six months, opening hours have been reduced to 9 am to 12 pm from Monday through to Wednesday and Baby Playgroup will only open between 10 am and 12 pm on Fridays.
Executive officer of Go Goldfields Carolyn Bartholomeusz said The Nest provides an accessible, safe, and welcoming space supported by a knowledgable facilitator, but requires a long term financial commitment to make a difference to families in the community.
“But now we are in the precarious situation of potentially not having the money to keep the lights on for this important community resource, it has proven itself as an effective approach to improving the outcomes for families in regional areas,” she said.
“We have heard from families how important it is to have the right support in place so they can create the best environment for their children. It is the kind of support that helps break the cycle of disadvantage and gives families the support they need.”
Free programs parents have been able to access at The Nest over the past 12 months include peer to peer parenting program, dad’s group, infant first aid training, kinder registration, kinder preparation, and legal services.
Lisa Hedin Smith is a local parent who has recently been involved with Go Goldfields’ programs.
She said she has greatly benefitted in the past from services in the community that were available to young parents.
“Playgroup is really important for being able to connect with the community and other parents, that’s where I have made my friends in the community that I still have now,” Ms Hedin Smith said.
She recently completed the Being a Parent course in Dunolly and said it is crucial to have these groups available.
“It is so important to have multiple platforms where you meet others in similar situations,” Ms Hedin Smith said.
She said without The Nest, there is no one in the community to drive these programs and support local parents and children.
“It’s about talking to each other as parents and giving each other ideas, if you reduce The Nest hours, it automatically reduces that space to connect,” Ms Hedin Smith said.
Central Goldfields Shire said they continue to advocate to both federal and state governments for the funding needed to carry on the work of Go Goldfields.