Gosford Central Community News
August 29, 2011
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Family support services get increased funding
Issue 015
Grant aims to support disadvantaged families osford City Community Information Service will receive a grant of $36,142 to assist it in delivering vital financial support services to disadvantaged residents in the Central Coast area.
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Yarran Early Intervention Centre at East Gosford Photo: Naomi Bridges
ix family support services in the Gosford area have had their contracts renewed for three years under the Gillard Governments $13.4 million investment to continue support services for vulnerable families and children across the Central Coast.
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The family support providers who’ve had their contracts renewed include Yarran Early Intervention Services at East Gosford, which will receive $345,000 in funding, Interrelate Family Centres Limited at Erina, with $3,847 100, Centacare Catholic Family Services at Gosford will receive $867,252, Relationships Australia at Gosford will receive $664,463, the Uniting Church in Australia at Gosford will receive $1,501 634 and the Shared Parenting Council of
Australia in Saratoga will receive $647,640. Member for Robertson Ms Deborah O’Neill said: “Many local services have received much need funding, as part of the Gillard Government’s $1.041 billion Family Support Program.” “This investment will allow our local support providers to continue doing their vital work helping Central Coast families.” The Family Support Program provides services in over 2200 locations across Australia to support
families, improve children’s wellbeing and safety, and build more resilient communities. Community organisations around the country receive funding to deliver important services such as parenting skills training, relationship counselling and family law services. “We know that their work is having a positive impact on the lives of local people,” Ms O’Neill said. “Triennial funding gives our local providers greater certainty and allows them
to focus on the essential support services they are providing, rather than spending time applying for grants. “The new Family Support Program provides more intensive support for vulnerable and at-risk children and families. “I welcome the Australian Government’s continued commitment to the Central Coast in delivering muchneeded family support services for our community.” Media Release, 22 Aug 2011 Matt Pulford, Office of Deborah O’Neill MP
Member for The Entrance Mr Chris Spence said the grant is part of a $315,000 boost in recurrent funding by the NSW Government to support the No interest Loans Scheme (NILS). “The increase came into effect on 1 July and brings the total annual funding to nearly $2.1 million,” he said. “This increase represents more support for struggling families and individuals who need access to fair, safe and equitable credit for the purchase of essential goods and services.” Mr Spence said the NSW Government currently funds 58 NILS service providers across the state. “This scheme provides interest free loans of up to $1200 to low income earners in difficult financial circumstances so they can buy essential household or medical products and services,” he said. “NILS supports stability within the community by helping families buy essential white goods for their home, computers for their children and keeps the family car on the road.” Mr Spence said the
scheme is a vital safety net for many people who would otherwise turn to high cost payday lenders, loan sharks and expensive ‘rent to purchase’ schemes. “Since Fair Trading began funding administrative support for the NILS® program in late 2008, more than 6000 loans totalling more than $5 million have been provided,” He said. Mr Spence said the current funding period was due to end on June 30 this year before the LiberalNational Government stepped in and announced a 12 months’ extension in order to maintain stability for the funded services. “The Government’s funding provides for ongoing employment of administrative staff and the employment of a full-time state coordinator,” he said. “I applaud the Gosford City Community Information Service Ltd for the valuable services and support they deliver to those in need in our community.” Media Release, 19 Aug 2011 Aaron Henry, Office of Chris Spence MP
Mangrove accident proves fatal
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report is being prepared for the Coroner following a fatal motor vehicle collision on Wiseman’s Ferry Rd, Central Mangrove, on Tuesday, August 16.
About 7.20pm a red Toyota Hilux travelling south along Wiseman’s Ferry Rd left the road and collided with a power pole before overturning.
A passing motorist called Police and emergency services, however, the 35-year-old driver of the Toyota suffered critical injuries and died at the
scene. Investigations into the incident are continuing. Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information that might
assist investigators is urged to contact Gosford Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Media Release, 17 Aug 2011 NSW Police Media Gosford-Narara Community Centre NILS Project Officer Tammy Coyte and Member for the Entrance Mr Chris Spence