Katherine has been chosen to be the second location for a NT Government Child and Family Centre.
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Chief Minister Michael Gunner made the announcement in Katherine on Monday.
Tennant Creek was the first town to receive a new centre.
Mr Gunner was in Katherine for his annual Chief Minister’s speech, where he spoke to about 100 people, outlining the Territory’s path for the next year and beyond.
The new centre will see $600,000 invested annually and is expected to be operational by end of this year.
A location has not yet been decided.
Chair of Wurli-Wurlinjang Health Service and Jawoyn Association, Lisa Mumbin said she was encouraged by the NT Government talking to community groups about what can be achieve for the children of Katherine.
“The establishment of a Child and Family Centre for Katherine led by an Aboriginal Controlled Organisation is a fantastic opportunity for us to work together to bring about the change that we all believe in,” she said.
“The strong Aboriginal centred leadership of the Child and Family Centre will be the driver of a coordination point that brings the community together and provides access to services for everyone.”
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There are currently six Child and Family Centres in the NT, located in Palmerston, Ngukurr, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Yuendumu, and Alice Springs.
But the NT Government has allocated $11.4 million over four years to expand the number of Child and Family Centres from six to 17.
The 11 new Child and Family Centres will be established across the Territory as part of the Implementation Plan for the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the NT.
“The Territory Labor Government is making significant investments in key areas that will create safer communities and lead to generational change,” Chief Minister, Michael Gunner said.
“Child and Family Centres will support at-risk children, young people and their families.
“Each centre will be unique and driven by the local community’s priorities and needs. This is part of local decision making, and we are giving that power to the community to drive.”
The services and programs at each centre will be driven by the local community as part of local decision making principles, and are designed to help families and communities strengthen their capacity to raise children successfully, giving them the best start in life.
Katherine MLA Sandra Nelson said the new Child and Family Centre is something she has been advocating for.
“A new Child and Family Centre in Katherine is great news for our community,” she said.
“The NT Government continues to invest in the Katherine community and in solutions to ensure that vulnerable children and families receive the best pathways for a bright future.”
The Child and Family Centres will:
• Assist and support local families experiencing vulnerability to address their needs
• Strengthen community leadership and capacity to support families to raise happy and healthy children
• Place strong, sustainable and accountable systems for improving child and family wellbeing
• Partner with government agencies, non-government agencies, and local communities
• Controlled by local communities and include local governance structures, supported by Local Decision Making
The Katherine Times has asked the NT Government where the new Child and Family Centre will be located and who will have access to the facility, and is waiting on a response.
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