Nerang Early Years Centre helps strengthen families

Gold Coast families will have greater access to children’s services with the launch today of the State’s second Early Years Centre at Nerang.

Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said families and expectant parents would benefit from the one-stop which would provide access to a wide range of child and family-related activities and support.

“The Early Years Centre provides education and care services, family support, health services, plus referrals to specialist or intensive support services where required,” she said.

“Some services have been provided from interim accommodation since last November 2007 so the new home is very welcome.

“The Martin Street centre will also support satellite centres at Labrador and Coomera.”

State Member for Gaven Phil Gray said the centre was a significant initiative which would benefit Gold Coast families.

“The centre is a fantastic boost to the many families in the local area and will provide welcomed support to them,” Mr Gray said.

“The Nerang, Labrador and Coomera centres are integrated with other local service providers, including Queensland Health.

“This will ensure families have ready access to high-quality, accessible services such as visiting specialists, speech and occupational therapists and networking with local early childhood education and care providers,” he said.

The Bligh Government has committed some $3.6 million over three years for the services in this fast growing area.

“The Early Years Centre is being operated by non-profit organisation The Benevolent Society, which has nearly 200 years of experience working with the needy and vulnerable in our communities,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

Michael Tizard, the Benevolent Society’s Senior Manager for operations in Queensland said the Early years Centre was delivering really positive results for children and families.

“The Benevolent Society has already provided support to around 200 families and more than 250 children, through breakfast clubs and playgroups across the North Gold Coast area,” Mr Tizard said.


“By providing early childhood health, education, and parenting programs in the North Gold Coast area, we’re helping kids become ready for school, so they can start learning on day one,” he said

This new service forms part of the Government’s $32 million commitment to establish four new Early Years Centres across the State to provide a range of services for children up to the age of eight

A centre is operating at Caboolture, with further centres being established at Browns Plains and Cairns.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the Early Years centres would provide prevention and early intervention services which strengthen family relationships, increase resilience, and improve child health and wellbeing.

Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280