Funding to support parents from all cultures

A CITY of Greater Geelong program that supports culturally and linguistically diverse Australians in Geelong to adapt to parenting in Australia has been given a five-year boost by the federal Liberal Government.

On Sunday, Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston announced the City of Greater Geelong would receive almost $180,000 for its Parenting in a New Culture program, which has supported 25 parents in the past year to strengthen their family unit and connect with their local community.

Geelong deputy mayor Trent Sullivan said the program was making a meaningful impact in families’ lives.

“Greater Geelong is proudly a multicultural region and we want everyone in our community to feel welcome and to know how to access the services available.

“This program has been so important in supporting parents from diverse cultural backgrounds and we are appreciative of the government’s funding to help it continue.”

Senator Ruston said Parenting in a New Culture organised parenting groups, providing a safe space for parents to ask questions, improve their parenting skills and meet other parents in the Geelong region who may be going through similar challenges to themselves.

“We know that parenting can be difficult and there are added challenges when you have to adapt to living in a new area which is why we are committed to offering support to prevent breakdowns and ensure children feel secure in their own homes and communities,” she said.

“The program introduces parents to a range of life skills like how to use banking services, navigate the Centrelink and education system and how to access services like the Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria.”

Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson said a one size fits all approach did not work for everyone, and the city used local knowledge to better respond to the needs of individuals and the needs of the wider community.

“The counselling and education programs have been designed to tackle the unique and complex challenges that Australian families face and help minimise the chances of family breakdown.

“The City of Geelong has a wealth of experience supporting parents’ and children’s wellbeing and development and extensive local knowledge of the Corangamite community.

“The Morrison Government will continue to deliver funding to community services to provide early intervention for at risk families to ensure they can achieve all of their aspirations.”

Liberal candidate for Corangamite Stephanie Asher welcomed the program.

“It’s such a fantastic program which provides real practical help to connect families in our beautiful community,” she said.