QEC and Tweddle merger approved | QEC Skip to main content

We acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Traditional Owners of the lands on which we together walk, live and raise our children. 

We pay our respects to Traditional Owners past, present and future. 

We acknowledge the importance of children being raised with connections to culture, community and family. View our Acknowledgement of Country.

Inclusion statement

At QEC, we work together with families and communities to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming environment. We celebrate the different strengths and experiences that everyone brings.

We embrace diversity and want to make sure our places, processes, and services are fair, more accessible, and open to all.

It is important to us that people can express their beliefs, values and needs and that these are heard and understood so that everyone feels safe, respected, and a sense of belonging.

Queen Elizabeth Centre (QEC) and Tweddle Child and Family Health Service (Tweddle) will merge on 1 April 2027 to become Kinhaven, following approval by the Minister for Health. 

This is a significant moment for both organisations and an important step in a process shaped by consultation, due diligence and careful planning. 

By bringing together the history, experience and strengths of QEC and Tweddle, Kinhaven will deliver benefits for babies, children and families, the early parenting workforce and the broader Victorian community that neither organisation can achieve alone. 

Tweddle Board Chair Annette Mercuri said the Minister’s approval marked an important new chapter for both organisations. 

“QEC and Tweddle have each supported Victorian families for more than a century. By coming together, we can build on the strengths of both organisations and create an even stronger future for babies, children and families.” 

QEC Board Chair Nicki Batagol said the merger would deliver important benefits for Victorian families. 

“Merging to become Kinhaven gives us the opportunity to make it easier for families to access specialist early parenting support and strengthen the quality and consistency of care across Victoria. Families can also be confident that they will continue to receive support from the teams they know and trust.” 

In the lead-up to 1 April 2027, QEC and Tweddle will work together to create the new organisation. Staff will help shape how the organisations come together and families, partners, referrers and the community will be kept informed as this work progresses. 

Safe, high-quality care for babies, children and families remains the highest priority of both organisations. 

QEC and Tweddle will continue to operate independently until 1 April 2027. From the merger date, families will receive services from Kinhaven and can expect the same high-quality specialist care and support they receive today.
 

About the name

The name Kinhaven brings together two ideas: Kin meaning family, connection and belonging and haven meaning safety and support. 

Together, these ideas reflect what we heard matters to families when they seek early parenting support – feeling safe, supported, connected and able to access the help they need. 

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24 July 2026

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