The City of Greater Bendigo has announced plans to transfer control of its maternal and child health service (MCH) back to the Victorian government, with the transition expected before the end of 2026. The council decided to step away from funding the MCH service by the end of the year.

Chief executive Andrew Cooney explained that the decision was driven by the goal of ensuring the service is best placed to support families in the future, rather than being solely about funding. He noted that maternal and child health nurses are increasingly supporting families with more complex needs. Moving the service into the public health system could provide better access to coordinated care, clinical support, and career opportunities for nurses.

Jes Matthews, a Bendigo mother who relied heavily on the MCH nurse for breastfeeding support, weight checks, and reassurance about her son Bill's health, expressed concern about the change. She described the nurse as "like a family member. She's like an aunt, really," and said, "I don't think I'd have the confidence to know my son was actually OK [without her]." Matthews fears that future parents may not receive the same critical support and described the announcement as a shock that "might really throw people."

The council also highlighted financial considerations, with a representative noting, "It sounds like a lot of money, but it's certainly not covering that 50-50 cost sharing that councils have been doing in the past."

The move reflects a broader strategy to integrate maternal and child health services within the public health system to improve service delivery and nurse support.

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