Kalgoorlie Parenting Information Centre a help to fathers: Minister

28/8/00
Fathers in the Goldfields are taking their role as parents seriously, according to Family and Children's Services Minister June van de Klashorst.
On a two-day visit to the Goldfields, Mrs van de Klashorst said the number of fathers visiting Kalgoorlie's Parenting Information Centre had increased by more than 70 per cent this year.
"The masculine culture of the area has meant that in the past men have been reluctant to seek advice on families and raising children," she said.
"However, over the last six months more than 3,300 people have visited the centre, 20 per cent of them men.
"Staff have been working at making the centre inviting to men and have asked women who drop in to encourage their partners to also visit the centre."
Mrs van de Klashorst said the centre had about 560 books, 204 videos, 78 booklets and numerous brochures with information on parenting.
"As well as parents from Kalgoorlie-Boulder, library memberships at the centre have also been taken out by parents from Kambalda, Norseman, Coolgardie and Laverton," she said.
"A significant number of queries to the centre concern the development and behaviour of toddlers with pregnancy and birth also popular topics.
"The Parenting Information Centre is particularly important in Kalgoorlie where many families don't have the support of an extended family.
"Research has shown that most parents view their parental responsibilities as sometimes daunting, challenging and demanding, as well as rewarding.
"The research also found that some new parents felt unprepared for assuming the responsibilities of being a parent.
"Parenting Information Centres, which are located in shopping centres around the State, provide the support and information parents need.
"The family is the primary influence on a child and a healthy family life is critical to the well being of children and the broader community."
With Father's Day this Sunday (September 3), Parenting Information Centres will focus on fathers during the month with special displays for men.
Kalgoorlie's Parenting Information Centre is at St Barbara's Square in Hannan St.
Media contact: Owen Cole 9481 7810