Media Release by The Hon Sussan Ley MP

Good Beginning for Nambour’s local community

Joint Media Release with:

  • The Hon Alex Somlyay MP, Federal Member for Fairfax

Service providers, groups and individuals will have the opportunity to contribute to the future direction of their local community at an open forum in Nambour, Queensland.

Speaking at the open forum in Nambour today, the Parliamentary Secretary for Children and Youth Affairs, the Hon Sussan Ley, joined local Member, Alex Somlyay, in going over the Howard Government’s commitment to delivering support services to strengthen families in the Nambour community.

“Today’s forum is an opportunity for the community to gain further understanding of government policies to assist families to become involved in their community,” Mrs Ley said.

“The Howard Government recognises and supports families with a number of programs including the family support program, Nambour Good Beginnings, run by the Nambour Community Centre.

“The Centre has introduced the Good Beginnings program within its own community with support of $216 000 in funding for three years under the Government’s Responding Early Assisting Children (REACh) program.”

Federal Member for Fairfax, the Hon Alex Somlyay, said the program supports families who are identified as at risk through geographical isolation and social disadvantage.

“”The service delivery includes Nambour, Palmwoods, Woombye, Yandina, hinterland strip to Eumundi as well as Kenilworth and some proposed new regions of Montville and Mapleton,” said Mr Somlyay.

“Through peer mentoring with trained volunteers, home visiting and providing information on family support services and social networks, this program aims to give families the tools to better manage any issues, which arise within the family unit.

Mrs Ley said a further $50 000 over the next four years has been made available to the Centre under the Local Answers initiative, strengthening families by boosting their confidence in parenting and awareness of support services.

“Local Answers is part of the Government’s $490 million Stronger Families and Communities Strategy, providing prevention and early intervention services for families within the community.

“Today’s forum is an example of the Howard Government’s continued push to support projects and services helping local communities address local issues to the benefit of the community,” Mrs Ley said.