Media Release by The Hon Larry Anthony MP

New South Wales early winner in families funding

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony, today said New South Wales was an early winner from the $365 million funding announced by the Prime Minister today for the Australian Government’s Stronger Families and Communities Strategy.

“Two communities are set to benefit from $6 million under the Communities for Children initiative for a range of early intervention and prevention services to give children the best possible start in life and help families at risk.

“This considerable funding will be facilitated by non-government organisations that will work in partnership with community leaders, family service providers, business and all levels of government.

“The YWCA will receive $3 million over four years and they will manage this funding for programs in Lismore. Mission Australia have also been allocated $3 million over four years to manage in the Liverpool suburbs of Miller, Green Valley, Cartwright and Sadlier in Sydney.

“Both these organisations will consult across their local communities to develop a Community Action Plan that responds to the needs and problems identified by the local community. Responses might include running parenting courses, setting up day care services, or improving the coordination of services.

“Under the Choice and Flexibility in Child Care funding, eight new services will provide 200 new child care places that will help support those families who do not have access to main stream child care services.

“More than $470,000 has been provided for four projects under the Local Answers initiative which is all about encouraging communities to come up practical ways to solve local problems. The projects include:

  • The Nambucca Valley Neighbourhood Centre’s Tool Box for Blokesproject;
  • The Surf Lifesaving Central Coast’s Beach Education program;
  • The University of Newcastle’s Support at Home for Early Language and Literacies project; and
  • The Forster Local Aboriginal Land Council’s Tobwabba Parental Aspirations project.

“New South Wales communities will also share the benefits of the early $13.6 million funding for six projects funded under the Early Childhood – Invest to Grow initiative.

“Early funding announcements include $100,000 for the Northern Rivers Division General Practice project which will expand parenting support services delivered through its Lismore Family Care Centre.

“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 New South Wales,” Mr Anthony said.