Changes to Maternal and Child Health Service
Published on 18 July 2025
West Wimmera Shire Council will partner with West Wimmera Health Service to deliver a more integrated Maternal and Child Health service backed by clinical expertise.
Council voted at its meeting on Wednesday to endorse the transfer of the Maternal and Child Health service to West Wimmera Health Service, a move designed to improve support for families through a model underpinned by strong clinical governance and specialist care.
The decision follows extensive community consultation, including in-person forums in Kaniva, Edenhope, and Goroke and written feedback via Council’s website.
Mayor Tim Meyer said it was not an easy decision for Council to make.
“We know how much trust the community places in us to deliver this service, and we don’t take that lightly,” he said.
He said in a By Five report, parents were interviewed about their experience with MCH services across the Wimmera.
“The report showed just how valued the Maternal and Child Health service is to families,” he said.
“However, what stood out was that parents spoke about the quality of care, not whether it was Council- or hospital-run.”
Under the West Wimmera Health Service model, families will continue to receive care from the same trusted MCH staff in the same local locations, ensuring continuity of care and familiar faces.
Feedback highlighted deep community appreciation for the existing service and strong relationships with current MCH nurses.
Cr Meyer said the MCH service would continue operating at Kaniva, Edenhope, Harrow and Goroke.
"Council is committed to making sure this service continues just as families know it, with the same staff, same locations, and the same level of access they've come to rely on,” he said.
“We’re not losing Maternal and Child Health by making this change – that’s not on the table.
“What we are doing is putting our trust in a specialist provider to help meet the growing needs of local families.”
“West Wimmera Health Service has a proven model of care in place across our neighbouring shires, and by partnering with them, we can give West Wimmera families access to the same high standard of support.”
West Wimmera Health Service already operates MCH services in Hindmarsh and Yarriambiack shires.
Cr Meyer said the move provided families and MCH services with more integrated support across services such as allied health, paediatric specialists, early intervention services and NDIS support.
Council will formally notify the Department of Health of its intention to transition the service, initiating the official handover process in line with required timeframes.
West Wimmera families will remain at the centre of care, with continuity, accessibility and safety guiding the transition.