Support for families making a difference in Belmont

The Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin today visited Jacaranda Community Centre in Belmont in Western Australia to meet with vulnerable families getting back on their feet with support from the Gillard Government.

“It’s great to see first-hand the fantastic work Jacaranda is doing to help local families give their kids the best possible start in life,” Ms Macklin said.

“The Gillard Government is providing more than $1.2 million over three years so that Jacaranda can keep supporting local families with services like financial counselling, emergency relief and family support services.”

As part of its financial counselling services, Jacaranda also recommends to many of its clients that they volunteer for income management.

Income management, which is operating in metropolitan Perth, helps families ensure their welfare payments are spent in the best interests of children, and that money is available for life’s essentials such as rent, food, and bills.

“We know income management is helping families in Perth make sure food is on the table, the bills are paid, and the kids are getting off to school healthy and ready to learn,” Ms Macklin said.

“More than 1,400 people are now participating in the trial of income management in Western Australia, which began in 2008.

“An independent evaluation of people participating in the trial found most respondents said that income management had improved their lives and those of their families.

“I’m pleased that the Gillard Government’s investments in services like Jacaranda are helping local parents get the skills they need to make sure their families are growing up happy, healthy and safe.”