$3.4M EXPANSION OF SERVICES FOR PEOPLE IN NEED: MINISTER
Published Sunday, 04 November, 2007 at 07:00 AM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr has announced $3.4 million for an alcohol diversion and homelessness support project in Mount Isa.
Ms Nelson-Carr said the Queensland Government would provide $1.151 million every year for three years to the Jimaylya Topsy Harry Centre on Duchess Road.
“For the past four years, Jimaylya has been a life line to local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who are experiencing homelessness and alcohol issues,” she said.
“Established as part of the Indigenous Homelessness Regional Blueprint for Mount Isa, Jimaylya is a vital service developed in response to community concerns about public drinking and the need for a safe place for people to gather within reach of support.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the Jimaylya Topsy Harry Centre’s services would now be expanded.
It offers hostel accommodation for up to 26 people, as well as a designated ‘wet centre’ with shelter accommodation.
“Jimaylya provides a supportive environment for people experiencing various stages of homelessness and alcohol misuse, giving them access to the critical support they need to start to rebuild their lives,” she said.
“I’m especially pleased that in addition, seven detached houses – the Wulliberri Houses – will be refurbished by the State Government which will further boost accommodation and help members of the community develop life skills.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said Jimaylya worked with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women to improve their quality of life by providing:
• learning opportunities such as literacy, numeracy, art and craft, and computer classes; • development of daily living skills, such as cleaning and food preparation, and;
• access to health, employment and housing services.
Media Contact: Karla Steen 0417 603 409
Ms Nelson-Carr said the Queensland Government would provide $1.151 million every year for three years to the Jimaylya Topsy Harry Centre on Duchess Road.
“For the past four years, Jimaylya has been a life line to local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who are experiencing homelessness and alcohol issues,” she said.
“Established as part of the Indigenous Homelessness Regional Blueprint for Mount Isa, Jimaylya is a vital service developed in response to community concerns about public drinking and the need for a safe place for people to gather within reach of support.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the Jimaylya Topsy Harry Centre’s services would now be expanded.
It offers hostel accommodation for up to 26 people, as well as a designated ‘wet centre’ with shelter accommodation.
“Jimaylya provides a supportive environment for people experiencing various stages of homelessness and alcohol misuse, giving them access to the critical support they need to start to rebuild their lives,” she said.
“I’m especially pleased that in addition, seven detached houses – the Wulliberri Houses – will be refurbished by the State Government which will further boost accommodation and help members of the community develop life skills.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said Jimaylya worked with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women to improve their quality of life by providing:
• learning opportunities such as literacy, numeracy, art and craft, and computer classes; • development of daily living skills, such as cleaning and food preparation, and;
• access to health, employment and housing services.
Media Contact: Karla Steen 0417 603 409