The latest step in Tresillian’s long and proud history was taken in Lismore on 18 November when its new family care centre in Lismore was officially opened.
On hand to celebrate this vital support for parents struggling with the demands of a new baby were the organisation’s council president, Dr Nick Kowalenko and CEO Robert Mills, representatives of the North Coast Primary Health Network and the Northern NSW Local Health District (the two will provide financial and other support for the next three years), Southern Cross University, Lismore Mayor Jenny Dowell, and Karen Hogan, on behalf of her husband, Federal MP for Page, Kevin Hogan.
Dr Kowalenko, a psychiatrist, said, “It’s well documented how effective the Tresillian service is when it comes to supporting new parents. We’re pleased that families in the local area will have access to Tresillian’s early parenting services without having to travel to Sydney.”
Not as happy as Tresillian clients themselves, several of whom attended the opening with their babes-in-arms.
Said Heather Sullivan, holding seven-month-old son Jake, “Tresillian Family Care Centre is quite literally a life-saver, it’s been such a great support for us.”
Speakers at the opening mentioned how parents of all backgrounds can experience difficulties with newborns. Karen Hogan spoke of how a high-level nurse of her acquaintance had struggled with early motherhood.
Officially opening Tresillian Lismore were Karen Hogan,
wife of the Federal MP for Page, and Robert Mills, Tresillian CEO.
Dr Kowalenko explained that staff members Tracey Hughes and Clare Forshaw had been seconded to the then Northern Rivers Division of General Practice to make the family centre happen. They spent a year in Lismore establishing the service: “We are delighted that Tresillian has been able to return to ensure that this service continues well into the future.”
Tresillian’s operational nurse manager Debbie Stockton said, “It’s not unexpected that parents find the lack of sleep and stress of a crying baby impacts on their mood and ability to cope.
“Our nurses are able to identify and support parents who are at risk of, or are experiencing, postnatal depression and anxiety, so the family can receive the help they need as early as possible.”
Appropriately, the opening took place during Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Awareness Week,
Tresillian began life in 1918 as the Royal Society for the Welfare of Mothers and Babies. It now has centres around Sydney and in Albury-Wodonga, and a broadened scope that includes specialised nursing, medical and psychological support, both on site and via the internet and phone.
Tresillian Lismore is at 46 Uralba Street, Lismore, (02) 6622 8705 or
