Australian Red Cross and Kimberly-Clarke have renewed their partnership to support families in Galiwin’ku (Elcho Island) for the ‘Baby Hub’ program, as new data shows demand for support has tripled.
The three-year partnership will ensure the provision of essential Huggies baby care products to the Northern Territory community and support the work of the Baby Hub team.
The Baby Hub is 550 km from Darwin, and the nearest hospital is a plane journey away in Nhulunbuy. The Baby Hub was first established in 2012 to address the community’s high pre-term birth rate.
Since 2021, Baby Hub has seen a 200 per cent increase in baby development support – and attendance at educational parenting sessions has grown significantly too, from 85 to 375 attendees.
Angela Guestrau, Senior Partner Adviser at the Australian Red Cross, said, “The Baby Hub is not merely a support service, it’s a catalyst for change – where mothers and children can access critical support whilst also fostering a deep connection to culture and country. It’s a lifeline for babies, toddlers and families in Galiwin’ku.
Belinda Driscoll, Managing Director at Kimberly-Clark ANZ, said, “Working with Australian Red Cross on the Baby Hub program is an opportunity for us to make a meaningful difference in the Galiwin’ku community – and we’re delighted to be extending our partnership for another three years.
“At Kimberly-Clark and Huggies, we believe that all babies deserve the best start in life, and by supporting the Baby Hub team we’re proud to invest in early childhood development and help support the needs of parents in Galiwin’ku.
“This partnership is not just about delivering immediate support though; it’s about investing in the long-term future of this co-designed and community led initiative. It forms part of our overall ambition to support 30 million people by 2030 and it’s also an integral part of our RAP journey.”
Bridget Woods, Team Leader of Baby Hub for Australian Red Cross, said, “Thanks to Kimberly-Clark’s ongoing support, we’ll continue to provide high-quality, responsive care to the community. We’re excited to see our partnership grow, ensuring every child has the resources and care they deserve.”
