Media Release by Senator the Hon Kay Patterson

$3.4 million for families in the North Western Adelaide community

Greater access to support services for families in need within the North Western Adelaide community will be possible under the Howard Government’s $3.4 million Communities for Children initiative.

The Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson, today officially launched the initiative, which will provide families, children and communities with the skills and resources to build better futures.

“This massive funding boost will empower and strengthen families who have identified areas within the community where action is needed,” Senator Patterson said.

“Under the initiative, Uniting Care Wesley Port Adelaide (UCWPA) will work with support services and programs with the aim of building the capacity, skills, resources and resilience of families and communities.

“The focus will be on improving child outcomes and wellbeing across the broad domains of health, early learning and development, support for families, parents and caregivers.”

The services to be delivered to these communities include:

  • Mobile Intensive Supported Playgroup;
  • Ante/Postnatal Distress Support Group and Supported Playgroup;
  • Professional Development and Training for Early Childhood Workers; and
  • Community and School Facilitator.

“UCWPA will work together with local stakeholders including community leaders, family service providers and all levels of government.

“The Communities for Children initiative, part of the Howard Government’s $490 million commitment to the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy, works in partnership with communities to achieve better outcomes for young children, aged up to five years, and their families.

“This funding will provide families in the North Western Adelaide community with the necessary support needed to develop early childhood initiatives, which ensure the best possible outcome for children and families,” Senator Patterson said.