By Deanne Jeffers
A CRITICAL support service in the Goulburn Valley is on the brink of closure, potentially leaving vulnerable families without the help they rely on. Goulburn Valley Pregnancy and Family Support Service, operated by the Caroline Chisholm Society, is preparing to close its doors for good, leaving a gap that could have devastating consequences for vulnerable families.
For the past three years, services in Shepparton have been funded by a $600,000 grant from Westpac’s ‘Safe Children, Safer Communities’ initiative. Other grants, donations, and the work of volunteers have enabled the programs to continue. However, under current funding arrangements, they can no longer be sustained. Without urgent financial support, the service will cease operations by the end of the year.
“We want to continue our services, but it’s crunch time, and without strong financial support from the Goulburn Valley community, we will not be able to provide the comprehensive services we know we do so well,” said longtime staff member at GV Pregnancy and Family Support Service, Natalie Connally.
Perhaps best known for its specialisation in the First 1,000 Days of a child’s life, the organisation has spent nearly five decades supporting pregnant women, keeping families together, and reducing the need for child protection services’ involvement. The organisation’s material aid service has also been vital in providing essential items like clothing, sanitary packs, and prams—donated by the community and safety-checked before distribution.
As the service approaches its 50th year, the staff are rallying for support, needing to raise $100,000 by December to keep the doors open into 2025. This amount would cover eight months of operating costs, allowing them to continue supporting those who rely on their care. The goal is achievable, with Connally emphasising that if 1,000 people donated $100, they would meet their target.
Connally expressed her disappointment over the potential closure, saying, “We’ve helped the community for 49 years, now we are asking for the community to support us.”
The service assists 10-30 families per month, with demand varying but the need always critical. The ability to provide immediate, same-day help—particularly to those who may have fallen through the cracks elsewhere, is one of its strongest assets. Without the service, families would face lengthy waitlists at other agencies, and many would struggle to access the resources they need.
The broader impact of the closure would be felt most keenly by vulnerable populations, including migrant and refugee women, who often do not have access to traditional support services. Grandparents and other carers who find themselves unexpectedly responsible for children also rely on the immediate assistance provided.
In addition to material aid, the service has been instrumental in helping to keep families together. Their 200-hour program connects mothers with vital services like housing, financial support, and counselling, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both mother and child. More than 50 women have been able to stay with their children thanks to this support.
The consequences of losing this service would be catastrophic for the region. The First 1,000 days from conception to the child’s second birthday are crucial in shaping the future health and wellbeing of children. The support offered by Goulburn Valley Pregnancy and Family Support Service has played an irreplaceable role in ensuring many children get the best possible start in life.
With doors open for donations and collections from Monday to Wednesday between 9am and 2pm, the organisation is asking the community to rally behind them. Tax-deductible donations are encouraged to see this vital service into the future.
To donate or learn more, visit: www.caroline.org.au/save-caroline-chisholm-society-shepparton/
