A new first-time parents’ group is now available in the Surf Coast following a baby boom in Anglesea and Aireys Inlet.
The dedicated group is the first in the area for more than two years, following an increase of close to 30 per cent of birth notifications across Aireys Inlet and Anglesea during the 2024/25 financial year.
Aireys Inlet’s new mum Belinda said having a first-time parents’ group available in Anglesea rather than travelling to Torquay was great.
“It’s nice to meet up with other local mums and see how their bubs are growing and hopefully they’ll all grow up together,” she said.
A total of 31 birth notifications for Aireys Inlet and Anglesea were received for the 2024/35 financial year, seven more births than the previous year, with many babies born to first-time parents.
Surf Coast Shire councillor Leon Walker said council now runs first-time parents’ groups facilitated by staff in Torquay, Winchelsea and Anglesea that all serve surrounding areas.
“Becoming a parent for the first time is life-changing and having a local network makes a world of difference,” he said.
“These groups are all about building friendships, swapping tips, and knowing you’re not alone in the journey, and it’s also a place where lots of life-long friendships are formed.
“It’s exciting to see a mini baby boom in Anglesea and Aireys, and I’m so pleased that these first-time parents have easy access to this group, which will serve as a wonderful support for them.”
There were 364 birth notifications for Surf Coast Shire, and 110 parents attended council’s first-time parents’ groups during the 2024/25 financial year.
