Beenleigh’s Families Now celebrates the terrific twos

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony, and Federal Member for Forde, Kay Elson, joined local Beenleigh families today to celebrate the second successful year of Families Now.

“Established by Beenleigh Centrelink and Lutheran Community Care, the center provides parenting and budgeting courses and referrals to local support services. To date, around 3,000 local families have benefitted from the unique support and comprehensive information Families Now offers.

“Families Now assists local families though access to information and help with parenting issues. Families facing difficult circumstances can also receive referrals through the centre to other local family focused agencies.

“The centre receives funding under the Coalition Government’s Stronger Families and Communities Strategy, further demonstrating our commitment to working with local communities to help them address the challenges they face,” Mr Anthony said.

Families Now patron, Kay Elson, said the center has recruited and trained 46 volunteers in the past two years, some of whom have gone on to find part time and full time positions using the skills they learned at the center.

“Being located in the same building as Centrelink’s Families Assistance Office means the service is also very accessible for parents, with close to half of all referrals coming from Centrelink staff. This means local customers are able to get information, advice and support at the one place.

“Families Now is currently developing another innovative approach to helping Beenleigh families, with plans to establish parenting camps focusing on communication skills for families,” Mrs Elson said.

“Centrelink and Lutheran Community Care must be commended for their foresight in establishing the centre and their role in bringing together many local agencies who are also available to provide support for families in the area,” Mr Anthony said.

The Families Now centre, including a supervised children’s playroom, is open to all families between 8.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. It is located at Beenleigh Centrelink, 100 George Street in Beenleigh.