Council-owned facilities officially breastfeeding welcome

Published on 06 August 2024

Colac Otway Shire Council is proud to be supporting the rights of breastfeeding women by registering key Council-owned facilities as ‘Breastfeeding is Welcome Everywhere’ venues.

Bluewater Leisure Centre, COPACC, the Colac and Apollo Bay libraries, as well as the Colac Maternal and Child Health Centre are now partners to the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) initiative and have signage on display at each facility.

Council’s Mayor Marg White said a woman’s right to breastfeed in public places was already protected by state and federal law.

“These laws ensure that mothers have the legal right to breastfeed in public spaces without fear of discrimination or obstruction,” she said.

“We are demonstrating Council’s commitment to supporting women to feel more confident and comfortable to breastfeed when out and about, by promoting these venues as safe family spaces they can come and use during opening hours.

“We also want to help encourage breastfeeding in public spaces to be seen as normal and supported by our community.”

To qualify for recognition with the ABA as a Breastfeeding is Welcome Everywhere venue, it needs to be publicly and easily accessible for mothers, ensuring they can drop in for spontaneous visits. It also needs to have staff with welcoming attitudes.

“We’ve been delighted by the enthusiastic support shown by the staff at our Council-owned facilities, as well as our partners at the Geelong Regional Library Corporation, to embrace this initiative.

“I hope it encourages other businesses and service providers in the shire to sign up and support breastfeeding women in our community to easily find a comfortable and welcoming place to breastfeed.”

Registered venues are also listed on the ABA’s interactive online map which shows Breastfeeding is Welcome Everywhere venues around the country: Your local community | Australian Breastfeeding Association

Council’s work on this project is supported by VicHealth Local Government Partnership (VLGP) funding.

Pictured left to right: COPACC Engagement Officer Hanna Mueller, Ari Sharp and Eli, Acting COPACC Manager Nat Atherden, Em Woodcroft and Tahlia and Colac Cinema Manager Jack Adamson-Hill