Minister celebrates communities and children in East Gippsland

Gippslanders were today invited to celebrate new activities and services for children and families in the area, at an event in Lakes Entrance hosted by the Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson.

Senator Patterson today announced the community organisations that will be allocated funding under the Howard Government’s Communities for Children initiative in Lakes Entrance.

“Kilmany UnitingCare has been funded $3.3 million until 2008 under the Howard Government’s $140 million Communities for Children initiative, part of the $365.8 million Australia-wide Stronger Families and Communities Strategy,” Senator Patterson said.

“Communities for Children focuses on improving life outcomes for young children aged up to five years and their families.

“The range of new services and activities will directly assist young children and families in the area; provide more training, workshops and forums for professionals and service delivery agencies; and fund research to inform further work and activities.”

Some of the activities announced included post-natal community support, parenting skills and family days, a toddler gym, and further development of book and toy libraries and assistance for playgroups.

Other activities include local research into the needs of small communities in the area and into indigenous children’s early years, safety for children and the links between grandparents, parents and children.

“The Howard Government maintains its support for all Australian children and this is exemplified by the continued support for the children of the East Gippsland Shire.
“I was pleased to be able to come here today to celebrate the successes of the East Gippsland Communities for Children site, which will continue offering important support to local children and the community,” Senator Patterson said.