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Media Release - Katrina Hodgkinson, MPLast modified: November 9, 2007 - 11:30 AM
Media Release - 1 November 2007 - Katrina Hodgkinson MP Harden Brighter Futures looking Dim The Nationals Member for Burrinjuck and NSW Shadow Minister for Community Services, Katrina Hodgkinson, has written urgently to the Minister for Community Services urging swift action to ensure the continuation of the Brighter Futures family support program in the Harden Murrumburrah Shire. "The announcement by Child Care Providers Pty Ltd that they are closing the Murrumburrah Early Learning Centre on 23 November has put in doubt the delivery of the Brighter Futures family support program in this area," Ms Hodgkinson said. "Brighter Futures is a DoCS program that assists families to cope with the stresses of disability, mental health problems, domestic violence, lack of family, social support or parenting skills," Ms Hodgkinson said. "Ten of the 49 children enrolled in the Murrumburrah Early Learning Centre are being assisted under the Brighter Futures Program and a further four are waiting for placement under this program. Ms Hodgkinson said the closure of the Murrumburrah Early Learning Centre will have a massive impact on local families and the economic stability of the community. "Many of the families with children enrolled at the centre are going to face severe difficulties because of the closure, which I have been told is for `commercial' reasons," Ms Hodgkinson said. "In addition four jobs are likely to be lost when the centre closes on 23 November. "Companies that provide a social service for profit have a responsibility to the communities that they assist to maintain these services on which communities depend, during hard times," Ms Hodgkinson said. "This blow is made even worse because of the impact of the continuing drought on the Harden Shire. "It is still unclear as to what measures Child Care Providers Pty Ltd took to try and maintain this important service as information about the reason for the closure is sparse and hard to come by. "I will be working hard to see that the Department of Community Services Brighter Futures Program continues to be delivered to families needing support in the Harden area," Ms Hodgkinson said.
Media Contact: Katrina Hodgkinson 6226 3311, 0427 495 022 or burrinjuck@parliament.nsw.gov.au Contact details |
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© 2008 Harden Shire Council |
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