Fighting joblessness and poverty will be a priority for the new Bankstown Local Advisory Group and Community Action Leader.
Minister for Human Services Senator Kim Carr said he looks forward to working with the Bankstown Local Advisory Group.
“People with local knowledge will play a very important role in making social services work better for people in need in Bankstown,” said Senator Carr said.
“There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution to joblessness and poverty – that is why communities must work together to develop projects to help stop people from falling through the cracks.”
Bankstown is one of the 10 regions across Australia which will be able to put innovative ideas into action through funding from the $25 million Local Solutions Fund.
Local Federal Members welcomed the involvement of community members in this project, with Carol Gereige providing support to the Local Advisory Group as Bankstown’s Community Action Leader.
Member for Blaxland Jason Clare said local community leaders will play a key role in the Local Advisory Group.
“They will help work with the community to identify service gaps and create practical solutions for our local area,” said Mr Clare.
Daryl Melham, Member for Banks, said: “By working closely with the Government and the community, they will be able to improve job and training opportunities for locals.”
“It’s great to be part of the Local Advisory Group and I know we’ll be doing some great work to find creative and practical ideas that help locals improve their work skills and find jobs,” said Ms Quinn.
Local businesses and organisations in Bankstown are encouraged to call Carol Gereige on 02 8935 6854 or email for more information about the Local Advisory Group or the Local Solutions Fund.
Information is also available at www.humanservices.gov.au/bafw.
Bankstown’s Better Futures, Local Solutions Local Advisory Group
Background Information
Bankstown’s Local Advisory Group had its first meeting on 23 March 2012.
Local Advisory Group members
Bankstown’s Local Advisory Group members include:
Name | Organisation |
Ms Cathy Quinn (Chair) | The Benevolent Society |
Uncle Harry Allie | Indigenous Elder |
Ms Mary Malak | Bankstown Multicultural Youth |
Ms Jenny Reid | Creating Links |
Ms Dale Donadel | Chester Hill Neighbourhood Centre |
Rev David Deal | Heartbeat Community Care |
Ms Sulabha Pawar | The Smith Family |
Mr David Puckeridge | Local Employment Coordinator |
Ms Therese O’Dwyer | Regional Development Australia |
Local Advisory Group priorities
Bankstown’s new Local Advisory Group has identified some key priorities which it will work to achieve in the local community:
- Establish new approaches to enable greater social and workforce participation
- Increase access and participation in services and programs for the local community
- Deliver sustainable employment, education and training outcomes for the local community