Governments continue partnership to support Logan children

The future for Logan families is looking brighter, with all levels of government committing funding for Logan Together for a further two years.

Minister for Communities Shannon Fentiman said she was delighted the Queensland Government would provide $1.2 million over the next two years (to 30 June 2019) to advance Logan Together goals, which aims to provide extra support for children aged 0-8 years.

“This is a wonderful example of all levels of government working together so every child in Logan can get the support, love and care they need to grow from birth through the early stages of childhood,” she said.

“In an Australian first, Logan Together is changing the future for an entire generation of children over a 10-year period.

“In just two years, the project has helped deliver stronger engagement in early literacy programs, increased kindergarten attendance, improved access to hearing screening for prep students and supported specialist employment preparation services for parents.”

Over the past two years, the Australian and Queensland governments have each provided $510,000, and Logan City Council has contributed $160,000.

There have also been substantial in-kind contributions from all three levels of government and Griffith University.

The Queensland Government and the Australian Government have both committed $1.2 million each over the next two years and Logan City Council will provide $367,000 over three years.

City of Logan Mayor Luke Smith said Logan Together was improving outcomes for the most vulnerable local children.

“It focuses on child development outcomes and aims to help children maximise their chances at succeeding in life,” Mayor Smith said.

“By bringing together representatives from the government, community, academia, the non-government sector and the community, we can tackle the issues facing Logan families in new and innovative ways.

"Most importantly, by working collaboratively, we are improving opportunities for those who need it the most in our community, giving them the best possible start in life.

“We encourage all Logan service providers and community members to continue to get behind this nation-leading initiative and help Logan kids to grow up to be as healthy and happy as possible.”

Logan Together is one of six collective impact 'high potential' partner communities around Australia working with Opportunity Child, a wider learning network developing new ways of working together towards systems change.

Senator the Hon Zed Seselja, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Multicultural Affairs said the Australian Government was pleased to support Logan Together with an extra two years’ funding totalling $1.2 million.

“Logan Together provides a longer-term approach to addressing some of the disadvantages facing local families,” he said.

“The project’s ten-year timeframe recognises the long-term effort required to improve childhood development outcomes.

“Our government is pleased to extend our support for this collective impact initiative which is helping to create the best possible life opportunities for every child in Logan.”

Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen said positive investment in Logan’s youth was among his highest priorities.

“Communities are enriched by children,” Mr van Manen said.

“So often it is the youngest members of our society who have the most to teach us.

“It is imperative that our community as a whole remains committed to supporting our children’s development, education and health.

“Logan Together is already kicking goals in that space and I look forward to seeing its continued success locally.”

For more information about Logan Together go to www.logantogether.org.au/

ENDS

Media Contact:                                  Inga Williams                           0410 769 711