Opening of the Tresillian Wollstonecraft Early Parenting Centre, Wollstonecraft NSW

[E&OE]

I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, the Cammeraygal People of the Eora Nation, and pay my respects to their elders, past and present, emerging leaders and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders gathered here today.

It is a real delight for Linda and me to be with you all on this significant day in the life of Tresillian and particularly for parents and their babies.

The new centre will enable Tresillian Wollstonecraft to support families and increase the confidence of parents.

I love that mission — it speaks of kindness, selflessness and community.

Linda and I have just had a tour of the Day Services and Residential areas, and the facilities and set up here are top shelf.

This event also allows Linda and me to continue our rewarding association with Tresillian, which spans my time as both Governor-General and Governor of New Wales.

Indeed, we hosted an event at Government House Sydney back in 2018 to mark Tresillian’s centenary.

Tresillian is one of the great not-for-profit organisations, supporting New South Wales and ACT families when they are facing the challenges of a new baby.

This state-of-the-art facility will further increase that vital support.

One of the things I particularly like about Tresillian is that its model of care is evidence-based.

The model is based on extensive research and uses proven techniques to identify parent strengths and promote care attuned to the child's developmental needs.

The impact is clear.

Says one family: ‘My partner and I gained so much from this invaluable experience. We left feeling supported and, most importantly, confident as parents.’

And another: ‘We will always remember the positive impact you had on our lives.’

They are powerful statements and speak to the positive impact Tresillian is making.

Collectively, across thousands of young families, that’s a huge impact on our community.

We shouldn’t be surprised because it’s in Tresillian’s nature to nurture.

There is another critical element to today’s opening of Tresillian Wollstonecraft: thanking you, the Tresillian people and everyone involved in this new centre.

It is people who bring centres such as this to life — quality people who identify a need in the community and act upon it.
So, I want to acknowledge all involved in Tresillian Wollstonecraft and those who have made today possible …

… Tresillian Board members, clinicians, staff, volunteers, donors and supporters.

You can all be very proud of your achievement.

To the Tresillian Wollstonecraft family — Linda and I express our heartfelt thanks for all you have done and continue to do to guide, support and nurture families and children.

We look forward to hearing of the many positive outcomes to come from the new centre and spending time with you this morning.

[Ends]