Reflective Mealtime Practices
How reflective mealtime practices support children’s wellbeing Early childhood (ages 2-5 years) is recognised as a window of opportunity to support children to develop a positive relationship with food and a trusted relationship with their body [1,2]. Learning to eat a variety of foods is a skill built over time and each child learns at their...
Updating nutrition policy in the early learning sector
Collaborative advocacy in action Over the years, nutrition guidance in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) settings may have unintentionally contributed to practices or advice that feel restrictive or confusing for many children, families and educators. To combat this, Amie Bast and Kayla Di Maio from our Health Promotion team recently led a comprehensive review of Early Learning Association Australia’s…
A Day of Wonder at the Melbourne Aquarium
Clients and staff from our Early Intervention Psychosocial Support Response (EIPSR) program recently set off on a journey of discovery at the Melbourne Aquarium. EIPSR is a 12-month program delivered in partnership with Alfred Mental and Addiction Health, where BHN Recovery Practitioners provide community-based support to help people strengthen their mental health, build confidence, and…
New free Community Health and Wellbeing Support Line
In response to the recent terror attack at Bondi Beach, we have launched a free Community Health & Wellbeing Support Line. Anyone in the community including the Jewish community can call 03 8644 3366 to access compassionate support. If you’re feeling impacted, you don’t have to face it alone. Our team is here to listen, provide emotional support, and help you navigate the right services for your wellbeing. Referrals to Jewish community…
Supporting Accountability and Safety Through Men’s Behaviour Change
Our BHN Family Violence Team is funded as a perpetrator intervention service with a dual focus: holding men accountable for their behaviour and ensuring the safety of women and children. A key component of our 20-week Men’s Behaviour Change Program (MBCP) is accountability. When a man joins the program, he must provide contact details of…
Helping Men and Families Build Safer Homes and Heal from Violence
During the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we're shining a light on the Men's Behaviour Change Program run by our Family Violence team. Family violence affects people in ways that can be hard to put into words - it can impact confidence, relationships, and the ability to feel safe at home. At BHN,...
What’s changing in Aged Care? Everything you need to know about Support at Home
A major update to Australia’s aged care system arrives on 1 November 2025. The new Support at Home program will replace existing Home Care Packages (HCP), making it easier for older Australians to access tailored, high-quality support to stay independent and connected at home. This reform comes from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which urged the Federal Government...
Announcement of new BHN CEO
Message from the BHN Board Chair: On behalf of the BHN Board, I’m so pleased to announce the appointment of Andrea McLeod as the new CEO of Better Health Network (BHN), following a competitive recruitment process. Andrea brings a wealth of experience, having recently served as CEO at Windana, where she led a merger, spearheaded…
Better Start Report – High rise study listens to mothers’ concerns and finds opportunities for a safer future.
A report into the experiences and concerns of mothers and families in high-rise public housing in Victoria was launched today by Better Health Network (BHN) and the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. The Better Start Report shares the research findings on the experiences of mothers living in the State's high-rise public housing and provides recommendations for...