By Deanne Jeffers
AFTER facing possible closure last year, the Goulburn Valley Pregnancy and Family Support Service has confirmed funding until the end of 2026 — a welcome reprieve for a program that has supported vulnerable families for almost five decades.
While the extension provides short-term stability, the organisation says ongoing community support is essential to future-proof the service and reinstate programs lost during earlier funding cuts.
Run by the Caroline Chisholm Society, the Shepparton-based service offers confidential support to pregnant women, new parents and families in hardship, including material aid with no referrals or ID required.
CEO Lolou Kini expressed gratitude to the community for helping keep the service open.
“The Caroline Chisholm Society extends our deepest thanks to the Shepparton community for your generous support,” Ms Kini said. “Thanks to you, we’ve remained open during a time of growing need — supporting over 400 families this past year, with demand for material aid tripling. Your kindness and donations have made a real difference. Together, we’re ensuring that every family in the region knows they are not alone.”
The organisation hopes to restore its Integrated Family Support Service, which previously provided enhanced help to mothers at risk or facing complex circumstances.
To meet rising demand, GV Pregnancy Support is also seeking donations and volunteers, including people on Centrelink needing approved volunteer hours.
Children’s summer hats, new underwear and socks, boys’ size 4–5 clothing, and girls’ size 12 clothing are urgently needed.
Learn more at www.caroline.org.au/save-caroline-chisholm-society-shepparton/, email gv@caroline.org.au, or visit 15A St Andrew Road Monday-Wednesday, 9am-12pm.
