Non-government organisations (NGOs) across Queensland are being feted today (27 Feb) on World NGO Day for their work protecting some of the youngest and most vulnerable Queenslanders.
At a meeting with community partner PeakCare today, Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women Di Farmer praised their membership base of close to 60 community organisations.
“I’m delighted to be able to thank our community partners in person for the important work they do,” she said.
“Their knowledge and expertise strengthens our response and ensures families are able to access the right kind of support at the right time they need it.
“During these unprecedented times of demand for services, their work is all the more significant.
“I am proud of the fact that since 2015, the Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women has funded the creation of over 1500 jobs in the NGO sector.”
Last financial year more than 29,000 people used community-based Family and Child Connect services and Intensive Family Support or Family Wellbeing Services with several thousands of families also accessing a range of additional family support services.
“We invested $660 million in NGOs last year,” Ms Farmer said.
“This investment shows that together with community partners the Queensland Government is committed to building a state-wide family support system that helps families in need earlier.”
World NGO Day is an annual celebration recognising the founders, employees, volunteers, members and supporters of organisations independent of government. Along with PeakCare, Ms Farmer met today with other NGOs including Micah Projects, the Immigrant Women’s Support Service and CREATE Foundation.
“NGOs are the backbone of our communities and we rely on their local relationships in communities to provide the right support when families or individuals need a hand,” Ms Farmer said.
“They are advocates for community and allies in partnership to help us build a stronger and better Queensland.”
