The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) Castlemaine and District Group has marked the end of an era by donating its remaining breastfeeding resources, including four Medela Symphony hospital-grade breast pumps, to Dhelkaya Health. The donated resources will support Dhelkaya Health’s breastfeeding service, helping local families access specialised breastfeeding support close to home for years to come.
The donation recognises the longstanding relationship between the ABA Castlemaine and District Group and Dhelkaya Health, with both organisations sharing a commitment to supporting parents and babies across the Mount Alexander Shire and beyond.
After many years of providing mother-to-mother support, breastfeeding education, information sessions and access to breast pump hire, the local ABA group has made the difficult decision to close due to a lack of local volunteers able to continue the service.
Deanne Greenwood, Group Leader of the ABA Castlemaine and District Group, said the donation was a fitting way to honour the group’s legacy and ensures community benefit continues.
“For many years, the ABA Castlemaine and District Group has worked alongside Dhelkaya Health to support breastfeeding families throughout our region. While it is incredibly sad to see the local group close after supporting generations of families, we are proud that our remaining resources can continue to benefit the community through Dhelkaya Health’s breastfeeding service.
“On behalf of the many volunteers who have contributed to the group over the years, I would like to thank Dhelkaya Health for their longstanding partnership and commitment to supporting parents and babies. While the ABA Castlemaine and District Group is coming to an end, the impact of that partnership will continue through the families who benefit from these services in the years ahead.”
Dhelkaya Health acknowledged the contribution made by the ABA Castlemaine and District Group and the many volunteers who have dedicated their time and expertise to supporting local families over the decades.
While the local ABA group is closing, families will continue to have access to support through the Dhelkaya Health’s own Breastfeeding Support Clinic which operates from the Castlemaine campus in Cornish Street. This service is available 4 days per week and can be accessed by self-referral (mgp@castlemainehealth.org.au or phone 5471 3557) or through your GP, Maternal & Child Health Nurse or the birth hospital.
The ABA Breastfeeding Helpline is also available free of charge, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing evidence-based information and support from qualified breastfeeding counsellors. Families can call 1800 mum 2 mum (1800 686 268) for assistance at any stage of their breastfeeding journey.
