Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

Queensland families to benefit from families funding

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony, today said Queensland will share in the $365 million funding announced by the Prime Minister today for the Australian Government’s Stronger Families and Communities Strategy.

“Lifeline will receive $3 million over four years for a range of early intervention and prevention services to give children the best possible start in life and help families at risk. This funding will focus on families in the Coomera area and into the Gold Coast hinterland areas of Cedar Creek and Pimpana.

“This considerable funding from the Communities for Children initiative will see non-government organisations working in partnership with community leaders, family service providers, business and all levels of government.

“In this case, Lifeline will consult across the local community to develop a Community Action Plan that responds to the needs and problems identified by the local community and support the 2,100 children under the age of five years in the area. Responses might include running parenting courses, setting up day care services, or improving the coordination of services.

“More than $230,000 has also been provided for two projects under the Local Answers initiative which is all about encouraging communities to come up practical ways to solve local problems. The projects include:

  • $98,000 over one year for the Beenleigh Area Youth Service Association’s Integrated Service Response to Pregnant and Parenting Young Peopleproject. This service will provide support for young parents through birthing and parenting sessions in cooperation with the Logan Hospital and Community Health.
  • $138,000 over one year to extend the Youth Information Referral Service’s successful One Stop Shop project in Mackay and outlying rural communities. This funding will enable the service to continue a counselling and information service to a large number of young people and families in the area.

“Queensland communities will also share the benefits from over $13.6 million for six projects funded under the Early Childhood – Invest to Grow initiative such as the $4 million Parenting Information Website. This website will give parents and professionals quality assured information on early childhood development, the health and well-being of children and positive parenting.

“This new look Stronger Families and Communities Strategy focuses even more on children’s development during their formative years will provide great support for families in Queensland,” Mr Anthony said.