BENDIGO councillors have called on the state government to up its contribution to maternal and child health care, as they vote to reinstate services to Marong.
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Nurse visits resumed to Marong on August 6, after residents of the area petitioned for their reinstatement.
It came three months after councillors also voted to reinstate services in Elmore, describing their withdrawal as "a process failure".
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Councillor Matthew Evans said the situation raised the question of sustainability into the future, saying the state government needed to offer more support so services could be maintained.
"This is such a vital service for families and it's important that we consider to deliver this service and the funds around that are sustainable," Councillor Evans said.
Councillor Vaughan Williams thanked the petitioners, saying he was happy to see the nurse visits reinstated.
Cr Williams said Marong was growing with young families moving into the community, making services such as maternal and child health care even more relevant.
He said face-to-face services in the town could take away stress on young parents, and give them important interaction with other parents.
Other council news: Spate of council plans open for public comment, community response strong
A petition to reinstate the Marong service drew 233 signatures after services were not reinstated to two small towns after the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown.
Councillors voted to reinstate weekly centre-based maternal child health consultations for a six month trial at Marong's kindergarten.
They also voted to begin planning for the Marong Community Facilities Project, a community hub that will integrate kindergarten, maternal and child health services, and general community spaces in the town centre.
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