Community Services Minister visits support services

The Minister for Community Services, John Cobb, accompanied by local Federal Member for Bass, Michael Ferguson, today visited Anglicare Tasmania, Colony 47 Inc and Relationship Australia to see first hand the much-needed services being delivered to homeless young people, or those at risk of homelessness in the state.

‘It was great to see how these organisations support young people and their families in the local community,’ Mr Cobb said.

‘These organisations are delivering support to young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, aged between 12 and 18, and their families, to ensure they maintain a connection with the community,’ Mr Cobb said.

‘Anglicare Tasmania, Colony 47 Inc and Relationships Australia, are together delivering much needed support to Tasmania, in particular rural and remote areas.

‘The Australian Government has committed over $400 000 in the current financial year to Anglicare Tasmania to provide services to parts of the state including Burnie, Devonport and rural and remote Tasmania.

‘Colony 47 will deliver Reconnect services to Hobart, Kingston, New Norfolk, Sorell and Huon Valley to Cygnet with the help of over $380 000 in Australian Government funding for 2006-07.

‘Australian Government funding of $192 000 in the 2006-07 financial year, will support Relationship Australia to deliver help young people to reconnect with their family, work, education, training and community.

‘The support given through these organisations is invaluable to the many young people and their families in Tasmania who are helped every day, and I congratulate all those involved in delivering such important assistance across the state,’ Mr Cobb said.