Palaszczuk Budget invests to support Townsville women

Published Friday, 15 June, 2018 at 10:11 AM

Minister for Communities and Minister for Disability Services and Seniors
The Honourable Coralee O'Rourke

The Palaszczuk Government will invest up to $3.2 million for the purchase of land and building of a new facility for the Women’s Centre Townsville, as part of the 2018-19 State Budget.

Minister for Communities Coralee O'Rourke said she was delighted to extend further support to the North Queensland Combined Women’s Service (NQCWS) which runs the Women’s Centre.

“I have long supported and worked with the team at the Townsville Women’s Centre to ensure they are able to meet the needs of North Queensland women in their times of need,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“It’s become clear that the service’s current premises in Patrick Street, Aitkenvale has now become unsuitable for their needs.

“That’s why I decided to step in and champion the need for a new facility for the Women’s Centre within the government.

“This much-needed service has been supporting vulnerable local women for more than 30 years and the new facility, once built, will help them continue their outstanding work long into the future.

“The Women’s Centre works with women to improve their health, wellbeing and connection with family and community, and provides sexual assault services, homelessness support and emergency relief services.”

The funding in the Palaszczuk Government’s 2018-19 Budget includes $200,000 for a scope, design, planning and building options study and up to $3 million, matched dollar-for-dollar by the NQCWS, towards the build.

The NQCWS receives close to $1.7 million each year from the Palaszczuk Government to operate the Women’s Centre.

Mrs O’Rourke said investing in women and families helps to achieve thriving communities.

“The Women’s Centre Townsville is a vital local resource to help women get back on their feet, find somewhere to live and rebuild their lives following domestic and family violence or sexual assault,” she said.

“I want to ensure Townsville women have the services and support they need in a safe and secure environment.”

ENDS

Media Contact: Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389