Media Release by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP

Family Violence Outreach Program Funded

Joint Media Release with:

  • Karl Hampton MLA, Minister for Central Australia
    The Hon Warren Snowdon MP, Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health & Regional Services Delivery, Member for Lingiari

Indigenous women and children in Alice Springs who are experiencing domestic and family violence will receive improved services and support through the Alice Springs Women’s Shelter.

Federal Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin, Minister for Central Australia Karl Hampton and Member For Lingiari Warren Snowdon today announced the Australian and Northern Territory Governments will invest more than $1 million over three years to employ four outreach workers to provide improved support services to Alice Springs and the town camps.

“This additional funding will extend current services, providing women and children with individualised safety plans, as well as assistance to access other services, including Centrelink, family support services, legal and counselling services,” Ms Macklin said.

“Domestic violence has a devastating effect on families and communities.”

Mr Hampton said the Alice Springs Women’s Shelter had a 30 year history of providing support to women and children who face domestic and family violence.

“The Shelter is being funded as part of the $150 million Alice Springs Transformation Plan – a partnership to deliver real change and improved life outcomes for Indigenous people in Alice Springs and the town camps,” Mr Hampton said.

The Governments are also establishing a Personal Helpers and Mentors service in Alice Springs to work one-on-one with people with a mental illness to build confidence and increase connections within the community.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience higher rates of mental illness and other problems that affect their wellbeing than other Australians.

Mr Snowdon said the new service will help people in Alice Springs and nearby Papunya to achieve their personal goals such as finding suitable housing or improving relationships with family and friends.

The Personal Helpers and Mentors service provider is currently being selected. The service is expected to be operational by the end of the year.