Funding for two services provided by CIRCLE in Broome

1/4/96

Family and Children's Services has agreed to fund two services provided by community service organisation CIRCLE in Broome to support families and community groups.

This means the organisation can make a valuable contribution to benefit the community.

Family and Children's Services' Minister Cheryl Edwardes signed agreements today with the Broome CIRCLE for the Family Support Program and the Financial Counselling Services which guaranteed them $75,926 a year until June 30, 1998.

She said the services would give support to families and community groups in Broome and outlying communities.

"The Family Support Program is for families with dependent children and will help them manage their lives better and deal with or prevent crises," Mrs Edwardes said.

"Families will be given information on what is available for them in the community and helped to become more positive parents.

"There are many challenges for families today and this program will help them deal with those daily problems effectively with practical assistance, informal counselling and working in groups.

"The financial counselling will give people in Broome and outlying districts, who are suffering financial hardship, the means to understand money matters.

"It will help them become independent.

"They will be offered skills, knowledge, education and a variety of options which will help them make the most of their money.

"They can then plan their income in a positive way and make sensible, informed decisions."

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

"These agreements for funding of services will enable the agency to provide valuable programs and courses."

Media contact:  Diana Russell Coote 421 7777