$30m partnership to support place-based initiatives in Regional and Rural Australia

The Federal Government has announced a $30 million partnership over four years to support place-based initiatives in regional and remote Central Australia, targeted at strengthening family and community safety.

“No one knows a community better than those people that live and breathe it every day,” said Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth.  

“By adopting a strengths-based approach, we can support existing, or new programs and activities in Central Australia that align with community priorities.”

“Through true community consultation and exploring flexible funding options, we will be able to address underlying disadvantage and improve outcomes for children and families.”

This measure delivers on the Government’s Better, Safer Future for Central Australia by establishing the Investing Families – Strengthening Families and Communities Partnership.

It will see regional planning and delivery approaches funded to address family and community needs through Central Australia, including Alice Springs as well as remote communities. 

The measure builds on community consultation to date which highlighted the need for flexible funding models that can provide Community-led and responsive services in Central Australia, particularly for family and community safety.

Initiatives to be funded are anticipated to include: 

• Strengthening parents and families, including in the early years – parenting and other related social supports including coordination of holistic supports for families with complex and multiple needs such as the approach being taken in the Improving Multidisciplinary Responses program, development of cooking and household management skills, grandmothers groups, mentoring pathways to young people and families and access to food security. 

• Support for those impacted by family and domestic violence – women’s safety support services and programs, which may include relocation support and men’s healing support services;

• Prevention of family and domestic violence and other issues that go to supporting healthy relationships, self-esteem and self-respect – respectful relationships education for children and youth, youth leadership strengthening programs including youth recreation and prevention programs, strength-based preventative interventions such as physical or speech therapy for children with disability, Men as Role Model programs and connection to culture.

Acting Minister for Indigenous Australians Jason Clare said this is an important step in the rollout of the Government’s Better, Safer Future for Central Australia plan.

“We are investing in support for families and keeping communities safe,” he said. 

“This was a priority identified by Aboriginal community leaders, and we’re acting on their advice. We will work closely with communities to fund projects and programs that will make a difference on the ground in Central Australia.”