$3.5 million for families in the Armadale community

 Seven communities in the Armadale area, Western Australia, will now have greater access to support services for families in need under the Howard Government’s $3.5 million Communities for Childreninitiative.

The Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson, today officially launched the Armadale Communities for Children project, which will provide families, children and communities with the skills and resources to build better futures.

“More than 13,700 families will have access to the services, which will help improve the health, early learning and development, and well-being of their children, as well as encourage community commitment to families,” Senator Patterson said.

“Some of the services available to families include parenting courses, health services, with a particular focus on ante and post natal periods, child care options and other respite services for parents without extended family support.

“Today’s launch will also see the opening of a cottage named in honour of its longest serving and respected volunteer, Shirley Newing, who has provided
over 25 years of service to the Armadale community.

“The funding is part of the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy’s Communities for Children initiative, which is designed to engage community organisations to develop local early childhood initiatives to improve outcomes for young children.

“Providing communities throughout Australia with the necessary support and funding needed to develop early childhood initiatives is a key priority of the Howard Government.

“I am delighted to launch this vital project, which will enrich so many lives in Armadale and surrounding communities,” Senator Patterson said.