Minister Anthony launches new Coffs Harbour Indigenous service

A new service that will provide long-term benefits for Indigenous families living in Coffs Harbour was opened today by Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony and Member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker.

“The Aboriginal Family Wellbeing Facilitation Service will help Indigenous people in Coffs Harbour with their family relationships through early intervention,” Mr Anthony said.

“The Coffs Harbour service is one of such 22 projects across the country, and will receive nearly $350,000 over three years from the Howard/Anderson Government.”

Mr Hartsuyker said local Indigenous people will staff the service to deliver specialised training to help families with safe, free and confidential counselling.

“I also asked Minister Anthony to visit Interrelate’s Children’s Contact Service to see first hand the work that they do. Children’s Contact Services provide a safe and neutral place for parents to maintain contact with their children when the family relationship has broken down,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

Mr Anthony said Children’s Contact Services were a Coalition Federal Government initiative and are working well across the country.

“I know Luke Hartsuyker is a strong advocate for families in Cowper and I will be working with him to ensure that families are supported,” Mr Anthony said.