Tania Rimes: Driving change in child and family health

Tania Rimes, a psychologist turned Strategic Program Coordinator with the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District has dedicated over a decade to improving child and family health.

Her journey began in 2001 with Families NSW, where she played a pivotal role in early intervention programs targeting vulnerable families with children aged 0-5, collaborating closely with various service providers in the NGO sector.

As the landscape evolved, so did Tania’s role, transitioning into a more strategic position over time. With the advent of the Ministry of Health’s First 2000 Days Framework in 2019, Tania recognised a familiar thread from her earlier work—a renewed emphasis on early interventions to yield better out- comes for children. Her involvement as a co-investigator in a translational research grant for a First 2000 Days - Care Connect (FDCC) project is testament to her commitment to driving impactful change at a systemic level.

For Tania, the most fulfilling aspect of her work lies in the opportunity to innovate and collaborate across sectors. Her outward-facing role allows her to forge new connections and partnerships, enriching the scope of interventions and amplifying their reach.

“One of the best parts of my job is witnessing tangible improvements in the lives of families and children due to the 2000 First Days - Care Connect,” said Tania. Drawing from her own experiences as a mother of two boys, Tania brings a unique perspective of 33.33% in the intervention group. This suggests that the intervention is indeed making strides in boosting attendance rates. Acknowledging the differences in health seeking behaviour, socio-economic backgrounds and educational levels of families in this area, is key to enhancing services for families in South West Sydney. to her work. Navigating the complexities of the healthcare system firsthand has instilled in her a deep empathy for vulnerable families facing similar challenges.

Through their integrated care model, the FDCC project has proven to improve access to vital healthcare services and fosters healthier futures for children by catering to the unique needs of migrant and refugee families. The project’s ongoing evolution looks to ensure that children from these families receive the necessary support to thrive during their crucial early years.

“Having faced my own challenges as a parent navigating the health system, gives me an understanding of how complicated services can be to access. This is why FDCC program has been so successful, because we bring the services to where the families are.”