June 18, 2019
Child Safety Minister Di Farmer dropped into Kingaroy briefly on Tuesday to visit local groups providing support to vulnerable South Burnett families.
Ms Farmer visited UnitingCare staff before heading to the Kingaroy Youth Park to meet South Burnett CTC employees.
During the meetings, Ms Farmer was briefed on various programs run by the two organisations, including the successful “Intensive Family Support” and “Family and Child Connect” projects which are working with at-risk families.
She also chatted with some of CTC’s support workers who assist children and families affected by domestic and family violence.
Workers involved in counselling and residential services shared stories from the front line.
Ms Farmer’s visit coincided with a media release from her department which confirmed Budget funding for the two organisations.
The funding will deliver $2.8 million for UnitingCare and $6.2 million to South Burnett CTC to continue support programs over the next few years.
The Budget also provided $180,000 in funding for Murgon-based Laurel Place to provide support and counselling for young people affected by sexual violence or abuse.
The Department plans to spend almost $1.5 billion in 2019-20 across Queensland to prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect; help end domestic, family and sexual violence; and address the disproportionate representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in the child protection system.
