$19.6 million investment in our local communities

The Rudd Government is providing $19.6 million for more than 220 community projects across Australia to encourage strong families, leadership and volunteering.

These projects provide on the ground, practical help for people facing social and personal challenges and also help strengthen communities through locally developed initiatives.

The Community Investment Program projects have a strong focus on supporting vulnerable children and families, and building cohesive and strong communities.

Local organisations deliver each project in response to community needs, such as early intervention parenting support, support for volunteering and mentoring and camps for young people.

The Government values the enormous contribution these organisations make to local communities.

By working with organisations with local knowledge and links we can help build strong communities.

For example, in Adelaide, South Australia, Hackham West Community Centre will receive about $120,000 to run a project that improves parenting and relationship skills and helps vulnerable families become self-reliant.

Activities include a range of parenting and educational courses, women’s support groups and community reference group activities.

A number of projects include a strong focus on supporting vulnerable children and families.

For example, in Bathurst, New South Wales, Shine for Kids will receive more than $105,000 to provide educational support for children and young people with an imprisoned parent or relative, to help break the cycle of crime, particularly in Indigenous families.

This project, Breaking the Cycle – Supporting Children and Young People, provides support for homework, writing, reading and researching projects on the internet, as well as a peer mentoring program to provide positive role models and alternatives for children with an imprisoned parent, and assistance for inmate parents to work with their children’s carer to keep their children safe.

A full list of the projects is available at: Community Investment Program.