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Gidget House St Leonards Expands Vital Support for New Parents

Published on: August 2025

Record: HANSARD-1323879322-156363

Gidget House St Leonards Expands Vital Support for New Parents

Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore)

—I extend my warmest congratulations to Gidget Foundation Australia on the relaunch of Gidget House St Leonards – now located in a beautiful dedicated space within the maternity ward of North Shore Private Hospital. The recent event was a fabulous celebration of the Foundation's vital work, attended by community leaders, families, and supporters. Special thanks to the speakers Zarnie Berthold – a founder of Gidget Foundation Australia and best friend of Louise "Gidget" Cotton – and GFA Ambassador Tara Ruston, who shared her personal journey, alongside her husband and proud dad Cooper Cronk. We were also joined by Tanya Taylor, Mayor of Willoughby; Kellie Sloane MP, Member for Vaucluse; Fran Grant, who delivered the Acknowledgement of Country; and Robert Cusack, CEO of North Shore Private Hospital. Operating since 2018, the St Leonards service, has supported over 600 families through more than 4,300 free counselling sessions. Its relocation increases capacity, ensuring mental health support is available at the beginning of the parenting journey. Congratulations to CEO Arabella Gibson, the incredible GFA team, and all who make this essential support possible.