Casey Early Parenting Centre (EPC) was one of the first facilities completed as part of the State Government's expansion and upgrade program. Higgins proudly collaborated with the VHBA on the fast-tracked construction of this vital community asset.

Operated by Monash Health and Queen Elizabeth Centre (QEC), Casey EPC is a purpose-built facility offering a range of structured programs to support families with children aged 0-4 years. Its mission: empower underprivileged minority parents and caregivers to raise happy, healthy, secure children. By focusing on strengthening parent-child bonds and addressing common challenges like sleep, feeding, child behavior, and overall well-being, Casey EPC is poised to make a substantial difference in the surrounding community.

The new centre is located in Clyde North, a developing suburb in Melbourne’s southwest. Consultation with local community groups, traditional owners, and childcare experts to finalise the design brief has ensured Casey EPC meets and exceeds local needs. The outcome includes 10 residential family units, four day-stay places, a communal kitchen and dining area, multi-purpose rooms, and landscaped outdoor play areas. 

The centre breaks free from the healthcare norm which are historically sterile and clinical. The people-centric design model mirrors the comforts of home, with spaces that are unpretentious, serene, and restorative. To separate inpatient and front-of-house services, the layout spans two single-storey buildings which are connected by an open light steel-framed walkway. They feature significant roof safety systems and two plant platforms on both roofs, carrying many components, including mechanical services switchboards, solar inverters, and hot water units. 

A considered landscaping approach creates a sense of community, full of activity and luscious greenery, with engaging features like rubber flooring, stone, log steppers, and outdoor shelters, including a sandpit for children to enjoy.