September school holiday fun for Palm Island kids: Minister

Children on Palm Island will have the chance to exercise their minds and bodies, and express their creative side through arts, dance and cultural events during the upcoming school holidays.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr today announced $125,000 for Bwgcolman Futures to run the fun-filled school holiday program.

“Bwgcolman Futures’ Arts, Culture and Dance Project will provide arts, dance and sports-based workshops and field trips for young people,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“It will reinforce healthy messages, while providing positive diversion activities for young people and families,” she said.

“It will also enable the community – and particularly young people themselves – to come together safely and have a good time.”

The funding has been provided under the Alcohol and Other Substances Demand Reduction Program.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the Bligh Government was strongly committed to working in partnership with Indigenous Queenslanders, and improve the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“The Partnerships Queensland vision is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders to have their cultures affirmed, heritage sustained — and the same prospects for health, prosperity and quality of life as other Queenslanders,” she said.

“Working with Indigenous communities, such as Palm Island, and local organisations like Bwgcolman Futures is an important part of this commitment — and a tangible way that we can make a difference together.”

For more information on how the Department of Communities is delivering innovative community services to support and strengthen individuals, families, or communities; visit: - www.communities.qld.gov.au

Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280, Harry Landman 0407 637 510 (or 0427 800 892 today).