Little Sprouts Op Shop

Our project will support the establishment of The Little Sprouts baby & toddler op shop, to meet the needs of young mothers; provide work experience; interface with other young parents. Little Sprouts will be managed by Zoe Support, whose focus is young mothers and re-engagement in education utilising a unique place based, holistic wraparound support. The Op Shop will be child friendly with a creche to enable mothers to engage in onsite training opportunities. The centre will be a community centre for donations, and a centre for capacity building as young mothers gain confidence in work experience.

The Mildura LGA ranked as the fifth most disadvantaged LGA in Victoria. 70% per cent of residents hold a Health Care Card and 65% have not completed Year 12. The teen birth rate is 23.56 per 1,000, almost three times the Victorian rate of 8.4 and twice the national rate of 12.9. Currently there are 90 young mothers engaged in the program, with 66% engaged in education, including 35% higher education and 33% enrolled in pre accredited courses, with another 9% who have transitioned to employment.