Helping Broken Hill’s Youth

Federal Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony, today visited a youth homelessness prevention service and met with early childhood service providers in Broken Hill to see first hand the work they do.

“Far West Reconnect is one of one hundred Reconnect services around the country to combat youth homelessness. The program helps young people and their families at risk through practical support, counselling and family mediation services.

“Far West Reconnect is now in its second year of operation. It serves Menindee, Wilcannia, Ivanhoe, Tibooburra, White Cliffs and Wanaaring with an innovative range of early intervention programs, working with local schools and teachers and developing family mediation and mentor teams.”

Mr Anthony also met with representatives from Broken Hill’s early childhood services.

“The local family day care, preschools, occasional care, outback mobile resource unit and aboriginal services all offer comprehensive support families in Broken Hill and surrounding area.

“The Coalition Government’s investment in child care, early childhood services and programs for young people demonstrates our commitment to the early intervention and prevention approach. We believe it’s far better to invest money up front, rather than to try and pick up the pieces which a situation reaches crisis point.

“The Federal Member for Parkes, Mr John Cobb, is a strong advocate in Canberra for services that strengthen families. I am glad to have had the opportunity to look at the work these services do on the ground.

“We will continue to listen to young people in rural areas and ensure that we deliver the services they need,” Mr Anthony said.