Council’s new family room open for use

Wagga Wagga City Council’s Equity team has set up a new family room in the Civic Centre arcade, making it a convenient, comfortable and welcoming space for feeding and changing young children.

General Manager Peter Thompson believes setting up the room will make a difference for both staff working in the building and community members as they make use of the nearby facilities and services like customer service, art gallery, museum of the Riverina, library and the café.

“We have put a lot of thought into getting this facility just right for all those who need to use it,” Mr Thompson said.

“Our Equity team has called it a family room because we want to send the message to parents, grandparents or anyone caring for a young child that they are welcome.

“Council is keen to remove barriers and perceptions around parenting facilities only being available to women. Facilities such as this are designed to ensure all people caring for babies and children are welcome.

“The family room is a clean, friendly space where carers can express, breastfeed or bottle feed their child in a comfortable chair and in privacy.

“Our hope is that the whole community feels comfortable using this room.”

This conveniently located family room in the Civic Centre arcade of Council includes:

• Power for breast feeding pumps and charging facilities
• Two separate sinks
• Comfortable furniture
• Change station
• Microwave
• Secure lockable door system and early childhood resources

The Equity team has targeted completion of the room to coincide with World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August).

This new facility is situated next to Council’s Wagga Wagga Regional Family Day Care administration office and provides carers with a safe area to attend to the needs of young children.