Happy New Year to everyone!
I have been on leave over January, but it is great to see that ABA’s work keeps rolling along all year.
ABA’s Bushfire Project team attended the Eurobodalla Show in southern NSW on 27-28 January and shared new resources from the project with parents and caregivers of young children and the emergency responders who support them. They also met with key individuals involved in emergency planning in the Eurobodalla Shire to advocate for improved planning to protect the needs of infants and young children in evacuations and other emergency situations. This project will provide guidance for national emergency readiness strategies for infants and young children.
The ABA Tasmania Branch and the national Breastfeeding Information team welcomed an invitation to provide evidence to the state’s Select Committee for Reproductive, Maternal and Paediatric health services in Tasmania. ABA’s submission advocates for improved breastfeeding support at all levels of health services, including recognition of the importance of peer-led counselling services, assistance for healthcare providers to access ongoing training and professional development, and improved perinatal services for regional parents. ABA Tasmania Branch volunteers were able to use the extensive knowledge and experience they have gained through supporting Tasmanian breastfeeding mums and families to identify gaps in existing services and propose effective solutions. Submissions closed on 25 January 2024 so we can all look forward to reading this submission, and others, when they are published.
Thanks to all the care you have given to women and families during this festive and holiday season, and thanks to all our ABA volunteers who have answered calls on helpline, attended events and ‘been there’ for new mothers and families.
Dr Jen Hocking
Professional Engagement Lead
