Media Release
21 January 2014
Moorabool Finalist in Excellence Awards
A Moorabool Shire Council early intervention program that supports and connect mothers who are
experiencing post-natal depression or anixiety, is a finalist in the 2014 LGPro Awards for
Excellence in the Service Delivery category.
The LGPro Awards for Excellence promote and celebrate the outstanding work being undertaken
and delivered by individuals and teams working in Local Government in Victoria.
Named the Emotional Wellbeing Group, the program provides opportunities for women to share
experiences about the impact of mental illness in their lives, gain greater insight into and
understanding of their difficulties and issues, and explore alternative and constructive approaches
to emotional health and wellbeing.
The program is facilitated by a Maternal and Child Health Nurse and a Family Support Officer. The
group uses art therapy as a tool to engage women in self exploration and group discussion. The
activities selected are chosen to elicit a range of ideas or to express emotions through art. The
program aims to de-stigmatise the issue of Postnatal Depression, and can aid women to become
more empowered to talk more openly with friends and family, to increase the levels of social and
family supports.
Council CEO Rob Croxford said he was pleased to see this program recognized by LGPro.
“I would like to commend all our Early Years staff who are involved in this program. They definitely
deserve to be nominated for an award for the difference this program has made to the lives of the
women who have accessed it,” Mr Croxford said.
Finalists in this category have demonstrated best practice (outstanding action), or the pursuit of
excellence, in the delivery of a service to the community or a specified target market that is able to
be continued on an ongoing basis.
Winners will be announced at the 2014 LGPro Annual Conference Dinner to be held on Thursday
13 February 2014 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
For further information on the group, phone Robyn Howarth, Maternal and Child Health
Coordinator, on 5366 7100.
Rob Croxford
Chief Executive Officer
For media enquiries contact mediaenquiries@moorabool.vic.gov.au or phone (03) 5366 7100.