New Tresillian North Intensive Parenting Unit officially open

More specialist support is now available for Northern Tasmanian families with the opening of the Tresillian North Intensive Parenting Unit, operated by Tresillian in partnership with the Tasmanian Government.

The new centre, located at 237–241 Wellington Street, includes a four-bed residential unit and day services to support families with babies and toddlers experiencing parenting challenges such as sleep and settling, breastfeeding, toddler behaviour and parental wellbeing.

The centre will also host mental health support delivered by the Gidget Foundation Australia.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said the $9 million service will help improve outcomes for families across the North and North West.

“As the first service of its kind for the region, it will ensure families can access timely support during the critical first 1,000 days of their child’s life,” Minister Archer said.

“Services include support for sleep and settling, breastfeeding, toddler behaviour and parental wellbeing. The centre will also include space for mental health support services to be delivered by expert parental support provider Gidget Foundation Australia.

“In addition to day service appointments, mothers and babies needing a more intensive level of support will have access to a residential four-night, five-day program in the care of expert child health nurses, with their children aged from newborn to three years.

“We are delivering for Tasmania by investing in the accessible, family-centred care our communities need.”

Tresillian will also deliver services in the North West through its 2U Van, visiting Burnie, Central Coast, Waratah-Wynyard, and Circular Head areas two days each week.

Tresillian CEO Rob Mills said the Tasmanian Government shares Tresillian’s vision, to support families through guidance, coaching, modelling parenting practices, building confidence, and resourcing parents to help them in the early years of their child’s life.

“The integrated care approach provided to families at Tresillian includes practical advice from Tresillian nurses around issues relating to baby, along with the option for counselling from a Gidget House practitioner,” Mr Mills said.

“It can be a stressful and overwhelming time caring for a baby – this is all about helping families thrive, and services like Tresillian have a positive impact on the wider community.”

Day services opened earlier this month, with residential beds expected to open in December 2025.

Services are free with a Medicare card.

The state-wide Parent’s Help Line (1300 827 282) is available daily from 7am to 11pm.