Media Release by Senator the Hon Kay Patterson

Building Stronger Indigenous Communities

The Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson, today announced funding of more than $490,000 for three new projects that will benefit Indigenous communities in remote and regional Australia.

“Funded under the Family and Community Networks Initiative (FCNI), the projects will help Indigenous communities address local problems,” Senator Patterson said.

Senator Patterson said strong communities are those that can help themselves.

“These projects demonstrate the Government’s commitment to working in partnership with Indigenous people to develop projects which meet their needs and achieve better outcomes,” she said.

“The three organisations which will receive funding are the Queensland Police Citizens Youth Welfare Association, the Mungallah Aboriginal Corporation and the Guyra Local Aboriginal Land Council.

“The Queensland Police Citizens Youth Welfare Association will receive $132,770 over three years for the “My Way” project, which aims to reduce youth crime rates by encouraging Indigenous youth to participate in sport, recreation, art and cultural activities.

“The Mungallah Aboriginal Corporation in Western Australia will receive $205,570 over three years to employ a Community Development Coordinator to help the community develop management techniques and leadership skills and encourage social and family participation within the community.

“The Guyra Local Aboriginal Land Council in New South Wales will receive $160,000 over two years to build partnerships between Aboriginal communities and key government and community stakeholders in the northern tablelands of NSW. The project aims to improve the region’s financial and social situation by building better relationships and working together.

“In total, $3,385,243 has been allocated to 13 community projects under FCNI since 2003-04.

“Many of these projects have had a positive impact on the communities which have been assisted and I hope to be able to announce further projects over the coming weeks,” Senator Patterson said.