Soon after your baby is born, the hospital or midwife will contact the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Service. Regular follow up and appointments will be made for you to visit one of the Council's MCH centres (usually the centre closest to where you live). However, the first Maternal and Child Health visit is usually completed at home and is a chance for you and your nurse to get to know each other and talk about any concerns.The MCH Service is a free service and available to all families with children aged 0 to 6. The service aims to promote the health and wellbeing of children and provide information and support.

Services provided:

The Maternal and Child Health Service provides a schedule of contacts and activities for all families, with an emphasis on prevention, promotion, early detection and intervention for health and wellbeing. It also provides a universal platform that can provide:

•Assessment of your child's growth and development

•Appropriate referral to other health agencies, specialist services and support - if necessary

•Health and early parenting information

•Linkages to community resources to meet your family's needs

•Bringing families together, fostering social networks, supporting playgroups and strengthening local community connections.

Information, guidance and support on issues including:

•Breastfeeding

•Child health and development

•Maternal Health

•Parent-child relationships

•Child accident and injury prevention

•Immunisation

•Nutrition

•Family planning

Other Services

• New Mothers Group - Tuesday Mornings at Council Reception - Social Contact and Guest Speakers
• Postnatal Wellness Groups

Visits - how often?

The Maternal and Child Health Service provides 10 key ages and stages visits from birth to 31/2 years, including a home visit after birth and visits at 2,4 and 8 weeks; 4,8,12 and 18 months; and 2 and 31/2 years of age for all children and their families. If you have any concerns or questions about your child's or family's health and wellbeing, the service is provided 52 weeks of the year, and is supported by the 24-hour Maternal and Child Health Line (13 22 29).

Where do I attend?

Bennett Road Maternal & Child Health Centre

1J Bennett Road, Horsham

Contact: Wendy Brown and Jenny Bull, MCH Nurses


Phone: 03 5382 1729

Mobile: 0428 489 255

Hours: 9.00am-5.00pm Monday-Friday, by appointment.

Contact: Melissa Moore and Melanie Wade, MCH Nurses

Phone: 03 5382 2487

Mobile: 0409 024 750 

Hours: 9.00am-5.00pm, Monday-Friday, by appointment.

Robin Street Maternal & Child Health Centre

13 Robin Street, Horsham

Contact: Judy Harrington, MCH Nurse


Phone: 03 5382 3747


Mobile: 0418 507 624

Fax: 03 5381 2886

Hours: 9.00am-5.00pm, Monday - Thursday, by appointment.

Statewide after Hours Maternal and Child Health Line: 132 229 (24 hours)