Tasmania shares in early families funding

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony, today said Tasmania will share in the $365 million funding announced by the Prime Minister today for the Australian Government’s Stronger Families and Communities Strategy.

“The northern suburbs of Launceston will receive more than $3 million under the Communities for Children Initiative for a number of projects to strengthen family relationships and parenting skills.

“Anglicare will manage the allocation of this funding and will consult across the local communities to develop a Community Action Plan that responds to the needs and problems they identify.

“There are around 2,100 children under the age of five in the area and this funding will make a real difference to their lives. Programs such as parenting courses, setting up day care services, or improving the coordination of services are all possibilities for development under the Community Action Plan.

“Colony 47 in Glenorchy will receive $175,000 under the Local Answers initiative to extend the successful Parents and Kids Together Project. The project aims to strengthen family relationships and enhances parenting skills for parents with children 6 to 12 years of age.

“This extra funding will enable them to help more families build and strengthen their relationships and reduce the risk of young people becoming homeless.

“Tasmanian families will also benefit from more than $13.6 million for six national projects funded under the Early Childhood – Invest to Grow Initiative such as the $4 million Parenting Information Website.

“This website will give parents and professionals quality assured information on early childhood development, the health and well-being of children and positive parenting.

“This new look Stronger Families and Communities Strategy focuses even more on children’s development during their formative years will provide great support for families in Tasmania,” Mr Anthony said.

More information can be found on the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy website at www.facs.gov.au.