Published Wednesday, 21 November, 2007 at 12:05 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Palm Island services to grow stronger under company banner
More than $2 million in programs and services are moving under the new Palm Island Community Company banner, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr announced today.
Ms Nelson-Carr joined local residents and company board members on Palm Island to celebrate the company’s launch and introduce board members to the community.
“There’s much to celebrate because this community company will provide a new way to boost services and business opportunities available to the people of Palm Island,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Several government-funded services are transitioning to the company with more to follow as part of this new model of service delivery which is unlike any other in Indigenous Australia,” she said.
“Initially, the company will manage more than $2 million in government funding to deliver the Safe Haven initiative, diversionary programs, community support and disability services.
“These programs and services will support children, families and people in need.
“We expect other government departments to also direct funding for services through the company in the future.”
The Palm Island Community Company is a partnership with the Palm Island community, Palm Island Traditional Owners, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council and Queensland Government.
“The company will offer business services to non-government organisations, manage the delivery of a range of social services and provide business advice and support to residents,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“It represents a new way of working and it’s already being closely watched as a future management model for other communities across Queensland and Australia.”
Ms Nelson-Carr joined Mayor Delena Oui-Foster today in a ceremonial signing of the company's Constitution and Shareholders' Agreement.
The celebrations included a Kup Murri of traditional food and dancing.
Councillor Oui-Foster said: “Today marks a way forward in working in partnership with government to ensure the much-needed delivery of services at a grassroots level.
“I’d like to see that this process empowers the community towards economic and social prosperity in the future.”
Media contacts: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280, Harry Landman 0407 637 510, Mayor Delena Oui-Foster 4770 1304
Ms Nelson-Carr joined local residents and company board members on Palm Island to celebrate the company’s launch and introduce board members to the community.
“There’s much to celebrate because this community company will provide a new way to boost services and business opportunities available to the people of Palm Island,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Several government-funded services are transitioning to the company with more to follow as part of this new model of service delivery which is unlike any other in Indigenous Australia,” she said.
“Initially, the company will manage more than $2 million in government funding to deliver the Safe Haven initiative, diversionary programs, community support and disability services.
“These programs and services will support children, families and people in need.
“We expect other government departments to also direct funding for services through the company in the future.”
The Palm Island Community Company is a partnership with the Palm Island community, Palm Island Traditional Owners, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council and Queensland Government.
“The company will offer business services to non-government organisations, manage the delivery of a range of social services and provide business advice and support to residents,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“It represents a new way of working and it’s already being closely watched as a future management model for other communities across Queensland and Australia.”
Ms Nelson-Carr joined Mayor Delena Oui-Foster today in a ceremonial signing of the company's Constitution and Shareholders' Agreement.
The celebrations included a Kup Murri of traditional food and dancing.
Councillor Oui-Foster said: “Today marks a way forward in working in partnership with government to ensure the much-needed delivery of services at a grassroots level.
“I’d like to see that this process empowers the community towards economic and social prosperity in the future.”
Media contacts: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280, Harry Landman 0407 637 510, Mayor Delena Oui-Foster 4770 1304