Media Release - Family Relationship Centres Good News For Families

Catholic Social Services Australia Executive Director, Frank Quinlan, has welcomed the news that Centacare agencies will be involved in ten of the 25 new Family Relationship Centres announced by the Federal Government today.

The agencies will provide services in Ballarat, Rockhampton, the Gold Coast, Port Augusta, Geraldton, Midland, Geelong, Nowra, Wagga and Greensborough.

"Today's announcement further acknowledges our long established track record for professional expertise in counselling and mediation and our readiness to serve people in more regional parts of Australia," Mr Quinlan said. 

"Our agencies are known and respected in their local communities and will continue to provide services in areas that larger providers often find less attractive," Mr Quinlan said.

Centacare agencies in Rockhampton, the Gold Coast and Port Augusta have won tenders in their own right. Ballarat*, Geraldton, Midland and Geelong will operate as the lead agency in each of those consortiums and Nowra, Wagga and Greensborough will operate as partners in consortiums led by other community groups.

"The Family Relationship Centres will provide support for couples before and during marriage and will also help separating couples focus on the interests of children through mediation rather than litigation," Mr Quinlan said.

"These new centres are good news for families in need across Australia, particularly those families in regional centres who may not have access to the services taken for granted by many Australians.

"Our involvement in the project continues to ensure services will be available for disadvantaged Australians," Mr Quinlan said.

Catholic Social Services Australia provides social services to over a million Australians each year. Thirty of its 63 members operate under the Centacare banner. 

24 January 2007

CONTACT:    Judith Tokley              0408 824 306 / 02 6285 1366