Page MP Janelle Saffin today announced the Australian Government is delivering more than $430,000 in Page for community projects by five local community organisations.

Ms Saffin congratulated the five organisations for their work to improve the lives of the most vulnerable people in the community.

“These organisations deliver each project in response to community needs, such as early intervention, parenting support, support for volunteering and mentoring and camps for young people.

The local organisations to receive funding to provide these programs are:

• Ballina Byron Family Centre Inc
• Men and Family Centre
• Ngunya Jarjum Aboriginal Corporation
• The Fatherhood Project
• Jumbunna Community Preschool and Early Intervention Centre Inc

“Today’s announcement means the Ngunya Jarjum Aboriginal Corporation in Casino can continue its program of early intervention and support for families with children at risk in small indigenous communities.

“The funding is also for valuable programs like the Fellas Project at Ballina Byron Family Centre, which provides parenting support for fathers and expectant fathers as well as mentoring and activities to increase the self esteem and relationship skills of teenage boys.” Ms Saffin said.

“The Australian Government values the enormous contribution made by these projects to the local community and this funding will enable this good work to continue.

This funding will help these important local organisations to deliver quality services over the next 12 months,” Ms Saffin said.

These local projects are among more than 220 community projects to across Australia to share in $19.6 million.

 “We know that by working organisations with local knowledge and links we can help build a stronger community and support local families in need,” the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin said.

A full list of the projects is available at: www.fahcsia.gov.au