Family and child centre for remote Queensland community

One of Queensland’s most remote Indigenous communities has been boosted by a new million dollar child and family support service centre.

Speaking at the launch today, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony said the centre would provide quality child care, child health services and other vital community facilities for families living in the isolated north-western community of Doomadgee, in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

“Families in remote communities need and deserve better access to child care and family services,” Mr Anthony said.

“This new Centre has been designed in partnership with the Doomadgee community with particular input from the Warrgoobulginda Women’s Group and elders of the community to ensure all its programs are tailored to the needs of the local community.

“The Centre will act as a meeting point for the community and provide services including playgroup and parenting programs, vacation care and long day care, as well as crisis accommodation for mothers and babies.

“As well as child and family specific services, the centre will act as a venue for community meetings, and provide access to internet and teleconferencing facilities.

“The Coalition Government is committed to funding community and family services which best meet the unique needs of Australian families and communities, no matter where they live.

“People in rural and regional communities are best placed to know what they need to ensure the future of their communities. This funding is another example of the Coalition Government providing communities with the tools they need to help themselves.

“We listen and respond to the needs of rural and regional Australia,” Mr Anthony said.