Hepburn Shire Council has formally resolved to withdraw from being a contract manager in the delivery of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services at its Council Meeting on the 23 June 2026. Council came to this decision after careful consideration and believes that direct engagement between the Victorian Government and Central Highlands Rural Health (CHRH) is a more efficient and streamlined service delivery model.
Families can access key ages and stages consultations for children from birth to pre-school age. Other services available include breast feeding support, sleep and settling service, family violence sessions and new parent groups.
Maternal & Child Health Centres are co-located within CHRH. To book or change an appointment call (03) 5321 6550.
Locations are:
- Daylesford - 13 Hospital Street from 9 am - 4:30 pm (Monday, Tuesday and every other Thursday)
- Creswick - 1 Hill Street from 9 am - 4:30 pm (Monday, Tuesday and Friday)
- Clunes - 69 Service Street from 9 am - 4:30 pm (alternate Thursday)
- Trentham - 22-24 Victoria Street from 9 am - 4:30 pm (alternate Thursday)
You are welcome to attend any centre. For more information, including available services, visit Central Highlands Rural Health.
The Maternal & Child Health Line (24 Hour Line) is 13 22 29.
MCH withdrawal Frequently Asked Questions
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What is MCH?
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Maternal and Child Health (MCH) service is a free, universal service that is funded by the Victorian Government, Central Highlands Rural Health (CHRH), and Hepburn Shire Council.
This includes the Enhanced MCH service.
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How is MCH currently delivered?
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Hepburn Shire Council is the only Council in Victoria that is involved in the delivery of MCH through a tripartite arrangement.
This means a three-party agreement: Council, the Victoria Government, and Central Highlands Rural Health (CHRH).
Council receives the funding from the Victorian Government, then through a contract with CHRH, transfers the fund to CHRH on a quarterly basis.
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Will MCH still be free?
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Yes, MCH will continue to be a free and universal service for families.
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Is the MCH closing?
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No. MCH services are not closing. Central Highlands Rural Health will continue to deliver the high-quality Maternal and Child Health services they currently deliver from the local centres.
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Does Council deliver the MCH service?
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Council’s role is contract management, administration, and monitoring service delivery. Council has not directly delivered MCH services for many years.
Council does not employ MCH nurses, and no Council resources are used to deliver the service.
MCH nurses are employed by CHRH, who operate from CHRH sites. Families attend CHRH premises for appointment
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What change is Council proposing?
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Council is proposing that the Victorian Government directly engage with a community health centre such as CHRH to deliver the MCH service.
Council believes this approach will provide a more streamlined and efficient service delivery model.
This will be a decision for the Department of Health.
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What impact will there be on the community?
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There should be a minimal impact on the community, as the transition progresses.
The MCH services will continue to be run as they have been.
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Will this result in reduced MCH services
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MCH services are currently delivered at CHRH locations in Clunes, Creswick, Daylesford, and Trentham, as well as outreach into homes, kindergartens, and childcare centres.
It is expected that this will remain unchanged.
Council will work collaboratively with the Victorian Government and CHRH to minimise service disruption while the transition progresses.
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What happens next?
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Council has formally notified the Department of Health of its decision. Council has informed CHRH of its decision.
Council is committed to working collaboratively with the Victorian Government and CHRH to support a seamless transition, with minimal service disruption.
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Who will delver the MCH service in the future?
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Council will work closely with the Department of Health and Central Highlands Rural Health to support a smooth transition to a new model of service later this year for families.
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When will the changeover take place?
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The changeover is expected to take place before the end of 2026.
Council keep you informed as this information becomes available.
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How will Council know what is happening in Early Years?
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Council remains committed to early years advocacy and best practice through key planning and policy documents, including the Council Plan, Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan and relevant early years strategies. Council will continue working with partners to deliver these strategies.
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Do I need to do anything right now?
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No action required from families at this time. Please keep visiting the MCH centre you usually attend.
Appointments will continue as normal.
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