Howard Government delivering a better community for all
The health and wellbeing of young children and families in nine communities across Australia will be enhanced under the Howard Government’s $142 million Communities for Childreninitiative.
Delivering a keynote address at the International Conference on Engaging Communities in Brisbane, the Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson, today announced the organisations which will provide early childhood services to children and families in nine locations across Australia.
“The successful organisations will engage their local communities as part of the Communities for Children initiative, giving individuals and families the opportunity to be part of and contribute to stronger and more resilient communities,” Senator Patterson said.
“These organisations will work with local communities to provide a wide range of services to improve the health and wellbeing of children aged up to five years.
“The organisations will develop a four year Community Strategic Plan to support the health and early development needs of young children, including early learning and care, healthy young families, supporting families and parents, creating child friendly communities and ensuring that family and childrens services work effectively together.
“The funding is part of the Howard Government’s $490 million Stronger Families and Communities Strategy, designed to engage community organisation in developing local early childhood initiatives to improve outcomes for young children.
“I am pleased that today’s conference will address the importance of building stronger communities by promoting volunteering and supporting partnerships between the community, business and government sectors.
“The delivery of early childhood support services to children and families throughout Australia will ensure greater access to relevant skills and resources to build a better future for all,” Senator Patterson said.
Communities for Children
| Successful Organisations | Location |
|---|---|
| Barnados Australia | Shellharbour, NSW |
| Windermere Child & Family Services Inc | Cranbourne, Victoria |
| The Smith Family Good Beginnings Consortium | Townsville West, QLD |
| Mission Australia | Cairns, QLD |
| Centacare Townsville | Mt Isa, QLD |
| Anglican Community Care Inc | Murray Bridge, SA |
| The Salvation Army Property Trust | South East, Tasmania |
| Pilbara Area Consultative Committee | West Pilbara, WA |
| Great Southern Division of General Practice Ltd | Lower Greater Southern, WA |
| * The Smith Family and Good Beginnings Australia | Katherine, NT |
* The Katherine Communities for Children site in the Northern Territory was announced by Senator Patterson on 29 July 2005.