Opening of child care and community centre at Australind

22/11/97

A new child care and community centre worth more $1 million has been opened at Australind today by Family and Children's Services Mininster Rhonda Parker.

"The new Riverlinks Child Care and Community Centre will play a key role in strengthening community links," the Minister said.

"Community facilities encourage a sense of place and a sense of responsibility among members of the community.

"The centres provide a focus, a new 'heart', by bringing families and individuals together which strengthens local ties and encourages community involvement."

Mrs Parker said the project was a joint initiative involving Family and Children's Services which provided $871,000; the Shire of Harvey, $135,000, plus land; the Lotteries Commission gave $300,000; and $25,000 was provided by the Western Australian Health Department.

The Minister said the new centre had been operational since the end of July and was already being extensively used by organisations like the Australind Family Playgroup, the Lions Club, Easy Slim and Brownies.

"The need for the centre has been proven with more than 700 individuals passing through in any given week, and community feeback has already been positive," she said.

"Community centres provide a wide range of preventative, early intervention and support services for children and their families."

The State Government is committed to providing services to strengthen family ties and Family and Children's Services has entered into partnerships with local governments to build similiar centres at Merriwa, Wungong, Ballajura South, Ellenbrook and Rockingham.

"It is pleasing that the Government has had such an important role in providing funds and working with the community to create such an excellent facility," Mrs Parker said.

Media contact: Donna Cole (08) 9481 7810