# Parents on Campus

**Source**: https://gsa.unimelb.edu.au/resources/parents-on-campus/
**Parent**: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/study-with-us/graduate-courses/pg-articles/return-to-study

### How GSA Represents Parents and Guardians

The Graduate Student Association represents the interests of all graduate students at the University of Melbourne, including parents and those with dependents. GSA recognise the unique challenges faced by student parents and are committed to advocating for policies and resources that support a balanced academic and family life.

This includes a [GSA Families Officer](mailto:familyofficer@gsa.unimelb.edu.au) in our Representative Council, dedicated family study rooms in the 1888 Building, [student aid initiatives](https://gsa.unimelb.edu.au/resources/student-aid/), ongoing advocacy and specialised events like [GSA Family Day](https://www.instagram.com/p/DHufAbiCYus/?img_index=6).

#### GSA’s Family Rooms

The 1888 Building has baby changing facilities and two family friendly study spaces.

GSA’s Family Rooms are a dedicated space for students with children, who may need a quiet and safe place to study.

The room is equipped with toys for children to play with, and plenty of desk space.

These are available from **Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm\**

If you would like to use one of the GSA Family Rooms you can book them via Direct Booking System (**[DiBS](https://go.unimelb.edu.au/DiBS)**) for up to 4 hours.

You must come collect the keys for these rooms at the GSA reception desk and return them after use.

**Please note: The family rooms are only available for Students with their children or dependents present.**

#### Parents Resources and Information

We have compiled a list of resources and information for student parents to help you with your studies and parental responsibilities.

GSA Parents on Campus Report

In 2020, the Graduate Student Association (GSA) developed a report outlining the challenges faced by graduate student parents at the University of Melbourne.

Key issues included:

- Limited access to affordable and flexible childcare
- Lack of family-friendly policies and facilities
- A prevailing sense of invisibility and isolation among student parents

In response, GSA’s report put forward a series of recommendations, calling on the University to improve childcare access, align institutional policies with the real needs of student parents, and foster a more inclusive, family-friendly campus environment.

GSA has also taken measures to better support graduate student parents. We have:

- Upgraded our **Family Room facilities**
- Hosted **Family Fun Day**events
- **Provided family activity vouchers**
- **Organised tailored workshops**on balancing study, careers, and parenting
- **Provided** clear, accessible information and resources for student parents via our website

[Read more](https://gsa.unimelb.edu.au/parents-on-campus-report/) about what GSA is doing to support parents on campus

Support for Student Parents

[University of Melbourne Baby Changing Room and Breastfeeding Room](https://students.unimelb.edu.au/student-support/childcare/parents-rooms)

[UMSU Welfare](https://www.instagram.com/umsu_welfare) provides nappies for student parents\
\* Fill out the form on the UMSU Welfare Instagram

[UMSU Union Mart](https://umsu.unimelb.edu.au/support/welfare/union-mart/) provides food, drink and household products\
\*Student parents can receive additional support by applying for [Union Mart’s Reserve Fund](https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=z_NbDvQft0aRdlLFOMIqTVrwpA3asyxLg4PRUd-mtfRURDhPOUVDQTVHMElWTlA2OERHNFhNUk1URS4u&route=shorturl).

Parenting Support and Resources

The University of Melbourne provides long [day care and kindergarten programs](https://services.unimelb.edu.au/childcare#home) for children of staff, students and alumni, as well as children from the wider community. \

**More Resources from the City of Melbourne and the Australian Government to support your parenting journey:**

[**Maternal & Child Health Service Victoria**](https://www.health.vic.gov.au/primary-and-community-health/maternal-and-child-health-service) \
Free universal primary health service available for all Victorian families with children from birth to school age. Find your local centre or contact the 24 hour help line.

[**PANDA**](https://www.panda.org.au/) **\**PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia – supports the mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and in their first year of parenthood.

[**Triple P Parenting**](https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/au/triple-p/) **\**Triple P – Positive Parenting Program® (Triple P) is a free, flexible, practical system of programs to help parents/carers develop skills, strategies and confidence to parent children positively.

[**CARE in MIND\**](https://careinmind.com.au/)Free 24/7 online and phone counselling for people living, working or studying in Melbourne’s northern, central and western suburbs.

**[Raising Children’s Network](https://raisingchildren.net.au/)\**Raising Children’s Network provides up-to-date, evidence-based, scientifically validated information about pregnancy, raising children from birth to 18 years and caring for yourself as a parent or carer.

[**City of Melbourne Family & Children’s Services**](https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/parenting-and-family-support) \
A range of services available for families and children in City of Melbourne

[**INFANT Program**](https://www.infantprogram.org) \
INFANT (INfant Feeding, Active play and NuTrition) INFANT is a free program designed for mums, dads and carers of babies and toddlers (0–2 years). Backed by more than 15 years of research from Deakin University, the sessions and resources help you feel confident about feeding, active play, and setting up healthy routines right from the start. These early habits have a big impact on your child’s growth and development.

UniMelb Student Rebate Scheme for Childcare

The University offers a Student Rebate Scheme to assist low-income and international student families with long day care costs. This rebate is available in addition to any Child Care Subsidy (CCS) support you’re already receiving.​

To learn more and see if you’re eligibility, you’ll need to email [childcare-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au](mailto:childcare-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au)

Get Active Kids Voucher Program

The Get Active Kids Voucher Program is a Victorian Government initiative that provides vouchers of up to $200 per child to assist eligible families with the costs of participating in organised sport and active recreation activities.\
Application periods are held at multiple points during the year.

[Click here](https://www.getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers/) to learn more and check eligibility

Smile Squad

An initiative by the Victorian Government’s free school dental program, offering comprehensive oral health services to all students in government primary, secondary, P–12, and specialist schools across the state. No Medicare card or health care card is required to access these services.​

**Services Provided**

- free oral health promotion
- free dental health check-ups
- free follow-up treatment as needed.

[Click here](https://www.health.vic.gov.au/smile-squad-services) to learn more about about Smile Squad and eligibility

Free Kinder in Victoria

- **What:** Two years of free kindergarten for all children in Victoria at participating services.
- **How:** No need to apply—funding goes directly to services.
- **Types of Services and Benefits:**
  - *Sessional Kinder:* Free (save up to $2,563); 3yo: 5–15 hrs/week, 4yo: 15 hrs/week.
  - *Long Day Care:* Offset up to $2,050; pro-rata for <15 hrs/week.

 For more information, [click here](https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/kindergarten)