Board

Perinatal Wellbeing Centre is governed by a volunteer Board and complies with the regulations of the ACT Associations Incorporation ACT 1991. The Board is responsible for the overall performance of the organisation, providing strategic direction and overseeing all operations of Perinatal Wellbeing Centre.

Meet our board

President	Meredith joined the board in 2018. Meredith is keen to support an organisation providing vital support to Canberra parents. Meredith has a background in complex ICT Project and Program Management, governance and risk management for a large federal government department. When she’s not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and one year old son, watching rugby, pottering in her craft room and writing poetry.
Louise Starr	Louise joined the board in 2021 and believes Perinatal Wellbeing Centre’s work has never been more important to support our community. In particular, Louise appreciates that the challenges that our community have faced in the last few years have been magnified for those journeying into parenthood during these uncertain times. Louise is an experienced not-for-profit director who brings policy, governance and risk management skills to the Perinatal Wellbeing Centre Board. She is a public policy professional with expertise working with communities in fragile environments. In her spare time, Louise enjoys spending time with her family, exploring Canberra’s outdoor spaces and seeking balance (literally) in the yoga studio.
Treasurer	Currently under recruitment


Lou Farrer	Lou joined the board in 2021. Lou is a senior research fellow and registered psychologist, with over 15 years of experience developing, evaluating, and implementing digital and other mental health programs in community, clinical, and educational settings. Lou is passionate about increasing the accessibility of mental health support in the community. She is a strong advocate of evaluation and harnessing research and data to understand the needs of population groups and the effectiveness and impact of mental health programs and services. Lou’s goal is to contribute her clinical and research expertise to support the Perinatal Wellbeing Centre to fulfil its mission and vision. Lou loves spending time with her family (including 2 young boys), listening to podcasts, and sharing a laugh and a good meal with friends.

Amanda Cook

Latest

Liz Kilby's Mental Health, Exercise and Pelvic Floor Fundraiser

A fundraiser for Perinatal Wellbeing Centre, recognising the relationship between positive perinatal mental health, pelvic floor health and recovery and exercise capability.
Perinatal Mental Health Week 2021

1 in 5 new mums and 1 in 10 new dads experience perinatal depression and anxiety, which is around 100,000 Australian parents each year. We're here, we see you! Join us for National Perinatal Mental Health Week.
Parking for Perinatal

Did you know the average cost of parking in Canberra is $15.50 per day? Put your spare change to work by setting up a recurring donation to Perinatal Wellbeing Centre and help us support local families to have the best start in life.
Family Stretch Class with Shine Om Yoga - Perinatal Wellbeing Fest

This 30-minute class is for you and your child(ren). It is an opportunity to connect and play. Please practice in a space that allows you to move safely, and have a soft toy or pillow available as we will test our balance.

How we help you

Perinatal Wellbeing Centre programs are designed to provide the support you need at every stage, and our team of Perinatal Mental Health Workers can work with you to tailor your own pathway through our services. Call 02 6288 1936 and speak to a member of our team about how you are feeling and how we can help. No diagnosis or referral is required.
What we do

Perinatal Wellbeing Centre is a community based non-government organisation providing support to families in the Australian Capital Territory. Primarily funded by ACT Health, it is staffed by experienced perinatal mental health workers and administration staff.
Donate today

Please show your support for parents and families experiencing perinatal mental health challenges by making a tax deductible donation to Perinatal Wellbeing Centre.
Support groups

Perinatal Wellbeing Centre provides support groups aimed at connecting you with others who are having similar experiences. Groups provide an opportunity to share mutual support, as well as looking at strategies to aid in recovery. To access a support group you need to first be a client of the Perinatal Wellbeing Centre. To become a client click here.
Perinatal anxiety

1 in 4 people will experience anxiety in their lifetime and for women it is more likely to occur during pregnancy or in the year following birth. As many as 1 in 5 women will experience perinatal anxiety. Certain factors, such as mental health history, complicated pregnancy or birth, or having an unwell or unsettled baby can increase the likelihood of developing perinatal anxiety.
Perinatal depression

Depression occurs in up to 1 in 10 women during pregnancy, and in up to 1 in 7 women after the birth of a baby. Men are also affected by postnatal depression. Certain factors, such as mental health history, complicated pregnancy or birth, or having an unwell or unsettled baby can increase the likelihood of developing perinatal depression.
Self care strategies for parents and caregivers

Caring for a small child can be rewarding, exciting, surprising and frustrating. It can also sometimes be stressful, exhausting and worrying. Check out our list of self care ideas, and think about how these ideas might fit into your routine.
The Cost of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety in Australia

Perinatal depression and anxiety costs $877 million a year in Australia, and that is just the beginning. Our new report 'The Cost of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety in Australia' highlights key findings on the economic costs of PNDA.
Board

Perinatal Wellbeing Centre is governed by a volunteer Board and complies with the regulations of the ACT Associations Incorporation Act (1991). The Board is responsible for the overall performance of the organisation, providing strategic direction and overseeing all operations of the Perinatal Wellbeing Centre.
Should you get the COVID-19 vaccination

More information about the COVID-19 vaccine for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy.

Meet our board

President

Louise Starr

Treasurer

Lou Farrer

Amanda Cook