Launch of 'Kindred Spirits'

11/5/94

Community Development and Family Minister Roger Nicholls today launched the Year of the Family magazine 'Kindred Spirits'.

Mr Nicholls said that 25,000 copies of the magazine would be distributed to schools, libraries, Local Governments, churches, service clubs, non-Government welfare agencies, and DCD offices throughout the State.

Sponsored by Satterley Real Estate, the magazine had been produced in time to stimulate discussion and debate during Family Week from May 15 to 22.

Mr Nicholls said that there would a big variety of family activities throughout the week, from Albany to Kununurra.

There were now 31 Year of the Family local committees - 10 more than originally planned   and - 38 DCD offices had organised at least one function each.

Highlights of Family Week in the city include:

·       a Perth Press Club debate on the topic 'Governments need to intervene less with families'.  Mr Nicholls will be on the affirmative team;

·       an open day at the Parent Help Centre, 28 Alvan St, Mt Lawley from 10 am to 2 pm on Friday, May 20, for families with pre-school children.  Activities will include storytelling, puppet shows, face painting, badge making and many other things;

·       an afternoon tea at Government House on Sunday, May 15, for 220 people who were selected from hundreds of entries in a competition run by the Year of the Family Unit;

·       with support from Perth City Traders, family entertainment and activities in Forrest Chase on Friday night, May 20;

·       free entry for WAFL football matches on May 14 and 21 for children under 16;

·       a family kite-making and kite-flying day at Langley Park  from 1pm to 4pm Saturday May 21, including stunt flying and parachute kites dropping lollies.

Suburban and country activities include art, photography and essay competitions; grandparents' day at school and 'adopt a grandparent' day; ecumenical church services; family picnics and sports days; family breakfasts, lunches and dinners; heritage walks; and music, dance, poetry and theatre.

Media contact:  Hugh Ryan 221 5468