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The Smith Family welcomes $1.5 billion family funding boost

Media releases

02 August 2013

The Smith Family welcomes the Federal Government's decision to provide ongoing funding of $1.5 billion for the Family Support Program (FSP) over four years. The investment will enable the community sector to provide high quality service delivery, aimed at improving outcomes for Australian children and their families.

Dr Lisa O'Brien, CEO of The Smith Family said, "As a national children's charity that cares about the ongoing support of disadvantaged children, we are delighted that the Federal Government has acknowledged the need for a place-based response that supports thousands of children and their families across Australia."

"We are pleased that the Government recognises the importance of early intervention and prevention strategies which is what The Smith Family focuses on with its early, long-term and ongoing support to help young Australians stay supported and motivated in their education," said Dr Lisa O'Brien.

As the facilitating partner in nine Australian Government Communities for Children sites, The Smith Family, in consultation and collaboration with local stakeholders, helps facilitate the delivery of a range of programs designed to bring about positive outcomes for children aged from birth to 12 years, and their families.

This includes programs to support the development of early literacy and numeracy skills in preschoolers, as well as preparing and supporting them as they enter school for the first time. Support is also provided to improve children's physical, emotional and cognitive development and their educational outcomes.

Programs are also offered to parents to help them develop the positive relationships with their children that will nurture the development of their learning and their social and emotional capacities. Through these programs, families have higher social inclusion and better connections in their community.

Media contacts:

Andrew Dickson | National Media Manager (National) - 0421 285 529 | andrew.dickson@thesmithfamily.com.au
Carla Horton | Senior Media Advisor (QLD & WA) - 0423 618 776 | carla.horton@thesmithfamily.com.au
Reid Jermyn | Media Advisor (VIC, SA & NT) - 0412 803 566 | reid.jermyn@thesmithfamily.com.au
Ben Chenoweth | Senior Media Advisor (NSW, ACT & TAS) - 0413 346 934 | ben.chenoweth@thesmithfamily.com.au

The Smith Family is a national children’s education charity that helps young Australians experiencing disadvantage to create better futures for themselves through harnessing the power of education. We partner with around 800 Australian schools and work with over 162,000 children and young people experiencing disadvantage access our education support programs to help them overcome . For more information, visit thesmithfamily.com.au