Townsville family services on display at Early Years Expo

Date published: 21 February 2018

Townsville parents are encouraged to attend the first Early Years Expo being held at Townsville Stadium on Sunday, March 11.

The expo will offer locals the opportunity to speak with health professionals, early childhood educators, and parental support groups and take part in workshops while the kids enjoy some free activities.

Nicole Pierotti, a psychologist and founder of Baby Smiles, will be running two workshops and answering questions throughout the day.

Community and Cultural Development Committee Chair Cr Colleen Doyle said the expo is a great way for parents to learn about the early years services available in Townsville.

“Having the Early Years Expo is a great way to educate expecting parents and families about the early childhood years, and offer them support networks along the journey,” Cr Doyle said.

“We have a huge amount of services available to the community and this is a fantastic opportunity to share it with parents in Townsville.

“Local businesses have the chance to link with families in Townsville and potentially expand and create more jobs to meet any increase in demand.”

The Early Years expo will also feature the first of the traditional Welcoming Babies Ceremony for the year.

Parents have the choice to attend one of three ceremonies- 9am, 10.15am or 11.30am- and spots are limited for the popular event.
Cr Doyle said the Welcoming Babies ceremony is a great way to introduce newborns to the community.

“The ceremony is a beautiful way to celebrate the birth of a baby and commemorate it with an official welcome to the city,” Cr Doyle said.

Each baby welcomed in the ceremony will be given an official certificate, a plant, and a gift bag.

Registrations for the day are now open for babies 13 months and younger.

The event is proudly sponsored by Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy.