More parenting support for culturally and linguistically diverse families

The Morrison Government is supporting culturally and linguistically diverse Australians in the Geelong area to adapt to parenting in Australia and give their children the best start in life.

Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston today announced that City of Greater Geelong would receive almost $180,000 over five years for their Parenting in a New Culture program which has supported 25 parents in the past year to strengthen their family unit and connect with their local community.

“The Parenting in a New Culture program organised parenting groups, providing a safe space for parents to ask questions, improve their parenting skills and meet other parents in the Geelong region who may be going through similar challenges,” Minister Ruston said.

“The program introduces parents to a range of life skills like how to use banking services, navigate the Centrelink and education system and how to access services like the Victorian police and Ambulance.”

Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said we know that a one size fits all approach does not work for everyone and the City of Greater Geelong use local knowledge to better respond to the needs of individuals and the needs of the wider community.

“The counselling and education programs have been designed to tackle the unique and complex challenges that Australian families face and help minimise the chances of family breakdown,” Senator Henderson said.

“The City of Geelong has a wealth of experience supporting parents’ and childrens’ wellbeing and development and extensive local knowledge of the Corangamite community.

“The Morrison Government will continue to deliver funding to community services to provide early intervention for at risk families to ensure they can achieve all of their aspirations.”

City of Greater Geelong Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan said the program was making a meaningful impact in families’ lives.

“Greater Geelong is proudly a multicultural region and we want everyone in our community to feel welcome and to know how to access the services available,” Cr Sullivan said.

“This program has been so important in supporting parents from diverse cultural backgrounds and we are appreciative of the Government’s funding to help it continue.”

This funding forms part of the Morrison Government’s annual commitment of more than $290 million to a range of services delivering crucial early intervention support to families and children in need across Australia. 

Visit the DSS website for more information about family and children programs funded through the Families and Children Activity.