Local Solutions in Round Five Local Answers

The Australian Government is providing $20 million in funding for 133 projects in communities across Australia under the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy Local Answers initiative.

Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Mal Brough, today said these projects would build on the 480 projects already funded under previous rounds of the Local Answers initiative.

“This round of Local Answers allowed for the funding of new projects, along with the continuation of existing projects that could prove results in their local communities,” Mr Brough said.

“68 new projects will be funded with a $10 million investment by the Australian Government and include projects that support building parenting skills, leadership training and skills training for volunteers.

“Our $10 million investment will support the continuation of 65 existing projects that build on mentoring and parenting programs and provide courses for at risk teenagers.

“The Local Answers program allows for local communities to devise solutions to local problems and the Australian Government continues our support of these projects.

“This initiative is an important way in which the Howard Government gives local organisations the opportunity to build communities from the local perspective. Programs such as parenting programs, youth mentoring and supporting refugees have been made possible by this initiative.

“The level of support to these programs is one of the dividends of the strong economic and budget management over the past decade and is something that could be at risk without a continued strong economy and the belief and trust the Australian Government places in those on the local level knowing what is best suited to their community.”

A full list of projects funded under Local Answers Round Five can also be found at FaCSIA website.