New family and children’s centre for Bathurst Island, NT

The Minister for Community Services, Larry Anthony, today announced funding for the establishment of a family and children’s centre for the remote Aboriginal community of Nguiu on Bathurst Island in the Northern Territory.

The Nguiu community will receive a capital grant of up to $660,000 to construct the centre and an annual recurrent grant of $275,000 to assist in its operational costs.

“This funding highlights the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to Australia’s rural and remote communities,” Mr Anthony said.

“The Nguiu community has a very high participation rate in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission’s Community Development and Employment Project, and other employment and training programs.

“So this new multi-purpose centre for Bathurst Island will provide a variety of services to families participating in these programs, as well as others with a need for such services.

“Services include long day care for pre-school aged children, after school and vacation care for primary school aged children, nutrition programs and a children’s health monitoring program.

“The centre will also provide support to families with children on family and parenting issues.”

“The establishment of this centre is a tangible step towards implementing the Government’s commitment to building stronger families and stronger communities, and increasing economic and social participation,” Mr Anthony said.

“It also highlights the government’s acknowledgment and support of motivated and dynamic communities.