Tenders open for new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services

Published Friday, 01 July, 2016 at 11:50 AM

Minister for Communities, Women and Youth, Minister for Child Safety and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence
The Honourable Shannon Fentiman

The Palaszczuk Government is calling on organisations to apply for a share of $150 million to deliver support to Indigenous children and families.

Child Safety Minister Shannon Fentiman said tenders for the first stage of the state-wide rollout of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Services opened this week, with the rollout commencing at Roma, Mackay, South Burnett and Moreton Bay.

“The Palaszczuk Government is prioritising community-controlled services with the rollout of dedicated family and wellbeing services in 20 locations across the state,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Queensland’s first four family and wellbeing services will be open by the end of the year and the remaining 16 services will open their doors over the next two years.

“They will give families access to a range of targeted support such as helping to improve their social, emotional, and physical wellbeing and safety.”

Ms Fentiman said the service model will be delivered by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“We have consulted extensively with key stakeholders, including the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak body, to build a service that reflects the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities,” she said.

“This means taking a bigger, bolder, community-led approach to dealing with complex issues in our community.

“We will continue to work with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to improve access to culturally-appropriate support for vulnerable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.

“This is about looking at better ways to deliver services to help reduce the number of children being removed from their families and communities and coming into care.”

Ms Fentiman said expressions of interest closed at 3pm on August 5.

For more information on tendering for the new services, go to QTenders.  

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