Governor General visits Young Mums

On Friday 3^rd September, the young women of Cara were thrilled to receive a visit from Her Excellency the Governor-General of Australia, Ms Quentin Bryce. The Governor-General spent time with the young mums and their babies and was able to meet current and past clients of Cara as well as the staff team, Board members and a few special guests.

With her special and keen interest in the welfare of young people, Her Excellency spoke to the girls about the challenges they are facing and how they are progressing with parenthood, schooling and getting their lives back on track.

The Young Mum’s program, developed in 2002 as a new and leading edge program for pregnant and parenting young women, is unique within Victoria and Australia. The Governor-General was able to see first hand the environment in which the young mums and their babies are living; a home environment where they are cared for and supported by a team of dedicated Cara staff.

House Parent Glenda Mate was honoured to introduce Her Excellency to the girls and to demonstrate the virtual babies which are used to help young mums practice their parenting skills and prepare for the arrival of their babies.

Cara CEO Robyn Di Virgilio said “The Governor-General’s visit is a wonderful opportunity for Cara’s young women. They were extremely excited to meet Her Excellency, and it will be a very special memory they will always have and a positive light in their difficult lives.”

At the conclusion of the visit, Isabelle, who is an ex Cara client presented the Governor- General with a lovely quilt which Her Excellency graciously accepted.

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