A helping hand for Howard residents
Queensland media release
Monday, 19 April 2010
A special information day in Howard on April 30 will let residents know about the many Government and community support services available in their local area.
Centrelink Rural Services Officer, Allison Shoesmith, organised the community day after discovering people were missing out on vital services.
"Howard is a great place to live for many reasons but there are some difficulties that come with living in a smaller town," Ms Shoesmith said.
"Without public transport, for instance, residents can find it hard to access Government services such as Centrelink or Job Services Australia.
"Support services are available, but I was finding residents aren’t necessarily aware of them, or at least how they might be of help in their specific circumstances."
Ms Shoesmith said the local community centre helped her to connect with the many organisations who agreed to take part, and the response had been overwhelming.
"I’m really keen to link this community of more than 3,000 people to services that could benefit their lifestyle," Allison said.
A host of organisations have agreed to attend with Centrelink, including Job Services Australia, Medicare, Child Support Agency, Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres, Steps Disability Queensland, Headspace, Multicultural Services, Community Allied Health, Department of Communities, Yoorana Women’s Domestic Violence and Resources, Public Trustee’s Office, Council on the Ageing, Community Connect, Family Day Care, and Fraser Coast Training Employment Support Service (TESS).
Separated parents will be catered for at the information day, and are encouraged to collect free booklets about separated parenting from the Child Support Agency (CSA) booth.
CSA Bundaberg Team Leader, Troy Roberts, said separation can be difficult for parents and children, and the CSA’s 6 booklets contained valuable tips and hints on parenting from a distance, the relationship with the ex-partner, money matters, re-partnering and more.
"Parents can also approach the CSA booth for general information about child support, including submitting income estimates or applying for a change of assessment in special circumstances," Mr Roberts said.
The information day will be held at the Howard Community Centre on Friday April 30, from 10 am to 1 pm. Morning tea will be provided.
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink media contact.