$1.5 million for family support services in East Arnhem

Families in East Arnhem will have extra support through a range of child-focused services to help them provide a safe, happy and healthy environment for their children and protect them from abuse and neglect.

The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, and the Member for Lingiari, Warren Snowdon, announced the Australian Government will provide almost $1.5 million in additional funding to Anglicare NT to deliver the Communities for Children Plus program in East Arnhem over the next three years.

Anglicare NT will employ four family support workers based in Nhulunbuy, Groote Eylandt Archipelago (Angurugu), Milingimbi and Numbulwar, who will also provide outreach services to Alyangula, Ramingining, Galiwinku, Gapuwiyak, Yirrkala, Gunyangara, Milyakbrra, Umbakumba and other nearby outstations.

East Arnhem is one of eight Communities for Children Plus sites to be delivered across the country by the Australian Government in partnership with state and territory governments.

“By coordinating the resources of local child and family services we can intervene early with support services before problems escalate,” Ms Macklin said.

“With strong links to child protection authorities and adult services, families at risk from mental health issues, drug and alcohol and domestic violence will be assisted.

“Anglicare NT will now deliver a range of services to help local families deal with substance abuse, mental health, and child abuse and neglect issues.”

Ms Macklin said local families and children will be supported through intensive parenting services, early learning and literacy programs, playgroups, and other services that the local communities indicate they need such as after school recreation programs, home budgeting courses and child nutrition education.

Communities for Children Plus targets children under the age of 12 who need extra support to reach their full potential.

Mr Snowdon welcomed the selection of East Arnhem as a Communities for Children Plus site in the Northern Territory.

“The services will be developed by the community and tailored to ensure they meet the needs of local children and their families,” Mr Snowdon said.

“This is a major win for the local community. The additional funding for Anglicare will build on the success of the existing Communities for Children service and help make the East Arnhem community a safe and happy place for children to grow up in.”