A “family wellbeing” service to better support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families is due to open in the South Burnett in December.
The facility will be one of four across southern Queensland which form Stage 1 of a five-year $150 million State Government project.
The other initial centres will service Roma, Mackay and Moreton Bay.
Communities Minister Shannon Fentiman said tenders would open on Monday for providers for Stage 2.
This project will extend services to 15 more locations throughout Queensland.
“We are investing almost $128 million over five years for the second stage of these crucial wellbeing services,” Ms Fentiman said.
“They will provide efficient and effective services to help reduce the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the child protection system.
“Community organisations will work with families in culturally appropriate ways to help them safely care for their children at home, wherever possible, with further support drawn from kin and their communities.
“By March 2017, Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families will have access to a coordinated mix of support services across 19 locations.
“The total funding of $150 million will see the continued investment in services employing close to 135 mostly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers, in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-led services.”
Tenders close on Friday, October 21.
