Funding for South Lake Ottey Family & Neighbourhood Centre

16/2/96

Family and Children's Services is to fund the South Lake Ottey Family and Neighbourhood Centre, enabling it to make valuable long-term plans that will benefit the community.

Family and Children's Services Minister Cheryl Edwardes announced today that the department had signed an agreement with the service which guaranteed it $49,041 a year until June 30, 1988.

Mrs Edwardes said the centre was an excellent place for people to meet and learn vital new skills to improve their lifestyle and their family and community relationships.

"The services run from this centre are a source of great support for the local community, particularly when people feel isolated," she said.

"Among other things, they can find out what is available for them in the community and meet people.

"The centre offers courses which help parents learn to prevent and handle crises.

"It also puts people in touch with local services which help them cope with the challenges of daily life."

Mrs Edwardes said she believed the agreement marked the start of a good relationship which would benefit the local community.

Secure funding would enable the agency to plan for the future with programs and courses to meet the needs of local residents.

Media contact: Diana Russell Coote 421 7777