Is the maternal and child health nurse service free in Australia?

Yes — every Australian state and territory offers a free maternal and child health (or equivalent) service. There's no fee and no Medicare requirement. The service is funded through state/territory health budgets.

How do I find my nearest maternal and child health nurse?

In most states, your birthing hospital automatically refers you to the local maternal/child health service within a few days of discharge. You can also self-refer: find your state's central phone number (Victoria MCH 13 22 29, SA Parent Helpline 1300 364 100, Tresillian NSW 1300 130 052) and they will direct you to your nearest clinic.

What are the Key Ages and Stages visits?

Key Ages and Stages (KAS) visits are scheduled appointments throughout early childhood where a nurse checks your child's development, weight, feeding, sleep, and immunisations. Common ages for visits: 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 4 months, 8 months, 12 months, 18 months, 2 years, 3.5 years. Exact schedule varies by state.

Is there a 24-hour parenting helpline I can call?

Yes. Victoria's MCH Line (13 22 29) runs 24/7. Tasmania's Parent Line (1300 064 544) is 24/7. Northern Territory's Parentline NT (1800 686 268) is 24/7. For other states, healthdirect (1800 022 222) runs a 24/7 national health advice line. NSW Tresillian (1300 130 052) runs 7 days/week but not 24 hours.

Can I visit a maternal child health nurse as a dad?

Absolutely — maternal and child health services are for ALL parents and carers. Dads, partners, grandparents, foster carers and kinship carers are welcome and encouraged to attend visits. Many services offer dedicated dad and partner groups.

maternal and child health nurse by state

by emma whitfield·24 april 2026

every Australian state and territory runs a free maternal and child health nurse service — but under different names and with different visit schedules. tap your state for the full breakdown including 24-hour helplines.

choose your state

VictoriaVIC

Maternal and Child Health

helpline: 13 22 29

New South WalesNSW

Child and Family Health Nursing

helpline: 1300 130 052

QueenslandQLD

Child Health Service

helpline: 13 43 25 84 (13 HEALTH)

Western AustraliaWA

Community Health Child Health Service

helpline: 1800 022 222

South AustraliaSA

Child and Family Health Service

helpline: 1300 364 100

TasmaniaTAS

Child Health and Parenting Service

helpline: 1300 064 544

Australian Capital TerritoryACT

Maternal and Child Health

helpline: 5124 1775

Northern TerritoryNT

Child and Family Health Service

helpline: 1800 686 268

24/7 parenting helplines at a glance

state	helpline	hours
VIC	13 22 29	24/7 phone advice from a qualified MCH nurse
NSW	1300 130 052	7 days/week
QLD	13 43 25 84 (13 HEALTH)	24/7 phone advice
WA	1800 022 222	24/7 national health advice line
SA	1300 364 100	7:15am-9pm, 7 days
TAS	1300 064 544	24/7
ACT	5124 1775	MACH Service (business hours); after-hours call healthdirect 1800 022 222
NT	1800 686 268	24/7 helpline (Parentline NT)

in an emergency always call 000. for non-emergency health advice nationally, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

what MCH nurses help with

•tracking your baby's growth (weight, length, head circumference)
•feeding — breastfeeding support, introducing solids, formula feeding
•sleep and settling — routines, waking, day naps, overnight concerns
•developmental checks — language, motor skills, social, milestones
•immunisation advice and records
•parent wellbeing — postnatal depression screening, connecting with support groups
•referral to GPs, paediatricians, speech therapists, child psychologists
•general parenting questions and concerns at any hour of the day or night

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related guides

baby milestones month by month

what to expect from 3 months to 5 years.

immunisation schedule checker

what NIP vaccines are due based on your child's age.

childcare exclusion periods

when sick children can return to daycare, by illness.

maternal and child health services are a state/territory responsibility — contact details, visit schedules and program names vary by jurisdiction. information sourced from each state's Department of Health. always check the official state page for the most current clinic locations and appointment systems. in an emergency always call 000.