Neighborhood centre gets funds to support Mackay–Sarina areas

Mackay’s George Street Neighbourhood Centre will support vulnerable families in the area as part of a $100,000 funding allocation to deliver an early intervention program for Mackay and Sarina.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt said the funding would allow the centre to operate a short-term prevention and early intervention family support program under the Department of Communities’ Future Directions initiative.

“Support will cover areas such as crisis response, individual and family counseling, life skills development, training and client advocacy,” Mr Pitt said.

“The project aims to support families at imminent risk of involvement with the statutory child protection system by reducing barriers to services for the referred families.”

Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin said the project would also gather information to guide the development of future prevention and early intervention responses for Mackay and Sarina.

“The 12-month funding package has been allocated in a manner that will help the George Street Neighbourhood Centre fast-track the delivery of the program,” Mr Mulherin said.

“This program is an example of how successful partnerships between government and non-government organisations support the people of Queensland.”

Media contacts: Mr Pitt’s Office 0417 789 208; Mr Mulherin’s Office 0409 305 662