$11.75M FOR FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES IN GIPPSLAND
September 19, 2011
$11.75 million in Federal Government funding will be spent helping local organisations to deliver family support services in Gippsland, according to The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
The funding will be provided through the Family Support Program and will enable the organisations to deliver services for the next three years.
Mr Chester said organisations receiving the funding would focus on supporting vulnerable and at risk children and their families.
“With the increased cost of living and difficult economic circumstances facing many local families, there is clearly a growing demand for support services to help families,” Mr Chester said.
“Financial and relationship counselling are the type of services that can help local families get back on their feet.
“Parenting skills and playgroup activities are also offered through the Family Support Program to help the relationships between parents and their children.”
Mr Chester has encouraged Gippsland families experiencing difficulties with their finances or relationships to contact a relevant agency for support.
“It is important that local families know that there is support available when they need it,” Mr Chester said.
“There are a number of organisations across Gippsland which can assist families through difficult times using a range of measures and I encourage anyone experiencing hardship to seek help.”
Anyone seeking further information in relation to the Family Support Program can log on to http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/families/progserv/familysupport/Pages/default.aspx
Various family support services will be available through the following organisations which have received funding:
East Gippsland
Centacare Gippsland – $80,000
Family Mediation Centre – $610,000
UnitingCare Gippsland – $3 million
Latrobe Valley
Anglicare – $830,000
Berry Street – $330,000
Centacare Gippsland – $550,000
Family Mediation Centre – $2.75 million
Good Beginnings Australia – $80,000
Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation – $90,000
Relationships Australia – $2.75 million
Victorian Aboriginal Childcare Agency – $260,000
Wellington
Centacare Gippsland – $265,000
UnitingCare Gippsland) – $180,000
