State support for drought affected families
Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, has been able to source additional funding from the Victorian Government for local outreach worker, Ivan Lister.
Dr Sykes won the funding commitment from the Minister for Mental Health following extensive representations over the past two months.
Dr Sykes said, “Ivan Lister and fellow outreach workers play an extremely important role in connecting drought affected people with professional support services.
“Funding for Ivan has been on ongoing issue with Benalla Rural City recently needing to commit $15,000 from its limited resources to ensure Ivan’s employment until Christmas.
“I am advised that the Government’s commitment of an extra $15,000 will ensure provision of the outreach services until 30 June 2008.
“The Minister’s office has also advised that this is an interim measure whilst long term funding needs are assessed as part of ongoing overall drought assistance needs.”
Dr Sykes concluded, “There are large numbers of very ‘fragile’ people in our communities. Whilst the Government can’t make it rain they do have a responsibility to help people remain physically, financially and mentally able to survive the current tough times and to ‘bounce back’ when it is all over.
I will continue to lobby the Government to achieve this outcome.
Dr Sykes won the funding commitment from the Minister for Mental Health following extensive representations over the past two months.
Dr Sykes said, “Ivan Lister and fellow outreach workers play an extremely important role in connecting drought affected people with professional support services.
“Funding for Ivan has been on ongoing issue with Benalla Rural City recently needing to commit $15,000 from its limited resources to ensure Ivan’s employment until Christmas.
“I am advised that the Government’s commitment of an extra $15,000 will ensure provision of the outreach services until 30 June 2008.
“The Minister’s office has also advised that this is an interim measure whilst long term funding needs are assessed as part of ongoing overall drought assistance needs.”
Dr Sykes concluded, “There are large numbers of very ‘fragile’ people in our communities. Whilst the Government can’t make it rain they do have a responsibility to help people remain physically, financially and mentally able to survive the current tough times and to ‘bounce back’ when it is all over.
I will continue to lobby the Government to achieve this outcome.
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posted by Greg Naylor at
6:45 PM
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