Federal member for Page Kevin Hogan today announced the Ballina Byron Family Centre will receive $183,000 in funding from the Coalition Government, ensuring their essential front line community service can continue to assist local residents.
“This is great news for our community. This funding, for two additional years to 30 June 2017, will be delivered to ensure the Ballina Byron Family Centre can continue to provide its Fella’s Family Project – the only male focused programme in the Ballina and Byron shires,” he said.
“Ballina Byron Family Centre’s initial Federal Government funding application under the Department of Social Services’ New Way of Working for Grants scheme was unsuccessful. However a service gap analysis into the grants scheme commissioned by Minister for Social Services, Scott Morrison earlier this year resulted in funding being approved.
“I thank the Minister for implementing the gap analysis. This funding is good news for the Northern Rivers, particularly for our residents who use and benefits from this.
“I look forward to Ballina Byron Family Centre continuing to provide their front line services in the local community.”
The Centre’s Acting Manager Bernie Wilson welcomed the announcement as “great news for the service but more importantly for the community”.
The project covers both Ballina and Byron shires and during its time of operation has supported over 850 men and young males.
“The service would like to thank the efforts of Kevin Hogan for his role in advocating for the continuation of this valuable community program,” Ms Wilson said.
The Fella’s Family Project aims to strengthen parenting and relationship skills for fathers, expectant fathers, grand fathers and male carers, and strengthen self-esteem and relationship skills for young males 11-16 years.
