A new Traralgon office will expand access to family and relationship support services in a region where child vulnerability, family separation and family violence remain significantly higher than state averages.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester attended the official opening of Better Place Australia’s new Traralgon office on Thursday and welcomed the organisation’s continued investment in services for local children and families.
Better Place Australia employs more than 140 staff across 13 locations statewide, with Gippsland offices in Traralgon and Sale.
Mr Chester said access to local support services was particularly important given the challenges facing families across the Latrobe Valley and broader Gippsland region.
“This opening is about making sure Gippsland families can access practical support when they need it most,” Mr Chester said.
“Whether families are navigating separation, parenting arrangements, financial stress, family violence or other difficult circumstances, having services available locally can make an enormous difference.
“Early support can help prevent problems escalating and give children and families a better chance of achieving positive long-term outcomes.”
Better Place Australia data shows higher levels of vulnerability among children and families across Gippsland compared with the Victorian average.
In Morwell, 38.2 per cent of children were developmentally vulnerable on one or more Australian Early Development Census domains in 2024, compared with 22.3 per cent across Victoria.
Latrobe also recorded the second-highest rate of family violence incidents in Victoria in 2024-25, while rates of separation and divorce across Gippsland were above the Victorian average.
Better Place Australia CEO Kirstan Corben said the significance of the new Traralgon office extended well beyond the building itself.
“This opening is about more than a new building; it’s about Gippsland families and providing the services that are needed,” Ms Corben said.
“Children are at the centre of what we do, and we know children and families across Gippsland face higher levels of vulnerability than many other parts of Victoria.
“Having services available locally means we can support families experiencing separation, family conflict and other challenges, while keeping the needs and wellbeing of children at the centre.”
Mr Chester said children needed to remain at the heart of efforts to strengthen family wellbeing.
“When families are under pressure, children can often carry the consequences,” Mr Chester said.
“That is why services which support parents, reduce conflict and help children navigate family change are so important.
“The local data demonstrates the level of need across our region, and I congratulate Better Place Australia and its staff for continuing to invest in Gippsland and provide support close to home.”
Better Place Australia’s services in Gippsland include family dispute resolution, children’s contact services, family and relationship support, elder abuse prevention and financial counselling.
Pictured: Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester with Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner Fiona Warne and Family Adviser Barbara Livingstone at the opening of Better Place Australia’s new Traralgon office at the Traralgon Business Centre on Grey Street.
