Extra $1.26 million to make Coen safer for children

The safety and wellbeing of vulnerable young children and their families in Coen will be enhanced thanks to a $1.26 million boost in Queensland Government funding.

Minister for Communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Warren Pitt said the Apunipima Cape York Health Council would receive $630,000 a year for the next two years to provide interim early intervention and prevention responses to domestic and family violence.

“This funding has been allocated under the Safe Havens initiative, which aims to reduce the impact of domestic and family violence on children, young people and their families in four Indigenous communities,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Apunipima Cape York Health Council will work with the Coen Kindergarten Association and the Coen Justice Group to deliver youth activities, community capacity building, family counselling and brokerage services in the region.

“The aim is to then provide these interim services through a one-stop community hub, which is expected to be established in the area in the near future.”

A joint, three-year, $17.83 million initiative of the Queensland and Commonwealth governments, Safe Havens provide timely and effective services to help children experiencing family violence in the Mornington Island, Palm Island, Coen and Cherbourg communities.

Mr Pitt said more than $2.1 million had been allocated in the 2007–08 State Budget for Safe Haven services in the four communities.

“Services will be, or have been, established to keep children and young people aged up to 18 away from any harm,” he said.

“They will do this by providing a short-term safe environment for children and young people who are affected by domestic and family violence, and by supporting families who need help dealing with the issues that cause domestic and family violence.”

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280