ACT receives early families funding boost

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony, today said the Australian Capital Territory was an early winner from the $365 million funding announced by the Prime Minister today for the Australian Government’s Stronger Families and Communities Strategy.

“Carers ACT will receive $103,000 under the Local Answers initiative to extend their ‘Caring Across Communities’ project to continue for a further 18 months. The project will help a number of culturally diverse communities in the area overcome isolation and access to important services, particularly for carers.

“This funding will particularly enable Carers ACT to continue to run educational sessions for carers to help them look after their own health. Carers do a wonderful job day in and day out and I am pleased this funding will directly help carers in the ACT.

“The ACT will also share the benefits from the $13.6 million for six projects funded under the Early Childhood – Invest To Grow initiative including the Good Beginnings programs. The program support parents with babies and young children build up family strength and resilience, boost parents confidence and make sure they know what other support services are available to them.

“Good Beginnings has proven to be a very successful program and one that showcases the practical and concrete value of the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy.

“Parents and families will also benefit from other initiatives such as the development of the $4 million Parenting Information Website. The website will give parents and professionals high quality 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 ACT,” Mr Anthony said.

More information can be found on the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy website.