The Palaszczuk Government has recognised the success of its Community Connect trial, with the upcoming State Budget to provide ongoing funding for Community Connect workers to continue their great work in 12 neighbourhood centres across the state.
The Community Connect trial was established in January 2017 to enhance the provision of social services through neighbourhood centres in disadvantaged areas of the state.
Minister for Communities Coralee O’Rourke said the ongoing funding in the State Budget for these services was recognition of the hard work of the Community Connect workers in their neighbourhood centres.
“The Community Connect trial was established to enhance the delivery of vital social services to Queenslanders at 12 neighbourhood centres across the state,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“A review of the trial in January 2018 found that Community Connect workers supported a variety of vulnerable people and families facing issues such as financial stress and domestic and family violence.
“As a result of the success of this trial and the subsequent review and feedback from neighbourhood centres, the Palaszczuk Government will provide recurrent funding of $1.5 million annually from 2019-2020 to continue to employ Community Connect workers.”
The Palaszczuk Government currently provides operational funding to 124 neighbourhood and community centres across the state.
Mrs O’Rourke said supporting neighbourhood centres was another example of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to creating thriving communities.
“We want to create thriving communities where Queenslanders, regardless of their personal circumstances, are able to participate in their community, be resilient and enjoy social and economic wellbeing,” she said.
“This funding will help the Palaszczuk Government invest in jobs today and for the future, while delivering infrastructure and services for our growing state, such as those through our vital neighbourhood centre network.”
