IT grants to help local family services

Community organisations delivering child and parenting support services across the country will share in $1.8 million from the Gillard Government to upgrade their information and communication technology.

Almost 150 local organisations will receive one-off grants of $9,500 to upgrade their IT services for each program they deliver under the Government’s Family Support Program.

The Family Support Program delivers targeted child and parenting services in regional and disadvantaged communities across Australia, including Indigenous Parenting Support Services, Supported Playgroups and the successful Communities for Children program.

These services aim to improve child development, build parenting skills, and strengthen family relationships.

The one-off grants can be used to purchase and upgrade computers, software, telephone systems, internet connections and other IT costs.

This will help organisations reduce the burden of their administrative and reporting requirements so they can get on with the job assisting children and families across the country.

For example, Playgroups Queensland is going to use the funding to upgrade slow computers and purchase graphic software to produce promotional materials to support playgroups across the state.

The Gillard Government supports a strong, viable community sector. Capacity building grants like these are one way we can help the sector continue to improve the delivery of their essential services for the community.

Further information on the Family Support Program can be found on the FaHCSIA website.