Our region is sharing in an extra $16 million to help locals transition off the Cashless Debit Card.
The Federal Government says it will support a new local service plan for the area.
The community will be able to apply to direct the money to where it’s felt it will be of best use.
A result of extensive consultation with the community, the plan outlines the current support services available and includes the service gaps, social issues and priority needs that have been identified.
Locally, the scheme has identified substance abuse, domestic violence and job readiness as key concerns.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth says the plans are a call to action and reflect the Government’s ongoing commitment to working closely with these communities.
“We are investing in these locations by providing new funding of up to $16 million to community organisations, and funding of a further $9 million, so they can expand existing services or fund additional services to meet the immediate needs these communities have identified. This is delivering for communities as we always said we would,” Minister Rishworth says.
“The Albanese Labor Government is already doing extensive work, hand in hand with communities, to address needs identified in the local service plans like improved service delivery and supporting economic participation.
“We’re delivering for these communities on things that work and that communities want as we always said we would.”
A number of key stakeholders including service providers and local councils, community organisations, the Department of Social Services and other Government stakeholders have been involved in developing the plans and formulating future actions to address the identified priorities.
