Eastern Shore sees double

The Tasmanian Multiple Birth Association (TMBA) Children’s Week Festival was held for the first time in 2024 at the Clarence City Council Hall in October.

Partnered with established community partners TasDads, Playgroup Tas and Libraries Tasmania Inc, the event was open to all families but specifically targeted parents of multiples.

TMBA president Rachel Callen said it was important that the event was free of charge to all attendees as cost was often a barrier to families of multiples.

“A recent report shows that multiple birth families face a significantly greater set of challenges compared to those with single births, including the costs of twins and higher order multiples,” Ms Callen said.

“Having multiples can have significant impacts on family life and overall quality of life.

“Sixty-one per cent of parents of multiples experience mental health challenges in their first year and parents of multiples are nine times more likely to experience disabling exhaustion.

“It’s the association’s aim to give these families an opportunity to participate within a community of support, engagement and encouragement that recognises their particular set of challenges.”

The TMBA supports Tasmanian multiple birth families by providing support, discussion, friendship, education and strategies to make the lives of multiple families more enjoyable.

For more information visit www.tasmba.org.au