Weekly 18 June 2015

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THE ORGANISATION behind a long running program which assists Tweed high school students facing challenges are overjoyed at the news it has escaped the chopping block at the last minute.

The REALskills program, operated by the Family Centre in Tweed Heads for the past 12 years, is one of 100 programs across the country which have been given a last minute $40 million reprieve from the offi ce of Social Services Minister Scott Morrison.

Mr Morrisons offi ce said the funding, which was put in place to address critical frontline service gaps that emerged as a result of the grants process which concluded last December, will cover the programs for two years until 30 June 2017.

Family Centre Director David Boutkan said the news came as a tremendous relief to their staff as well as to the many families who are involved with the program after the initial announcement in December that its funding would be cut.

We have fought a long campaign to raise awareness of the importance of this program to the community so there is a big sense of relief at this decision, said Mr Boutkan.

We are talking about a program which is part of every Tweed high school and which has had more than 6500 participants over the past 12 years.

The goal is to equip young people with the skills they need to know and understand risks with a key focus on understanding relationships.

Over the years we have built up signifi cant momentum and trust with families, schools and other service providers and if there had been any interruption all that work in developing relationships would have been lost.

The programs coordinator Colleen Dowd said the main strength of REALskills is these collaborative relationships which

allow the program to adapt to the needs of individuals.

The program is complex and has changed and developed over time as we have learned ourselves, said Ms Dowd.

Underlying everything is that sense of trust young people develop as they get to know the people involved and it was crucial for this to be maintained.

Without programs like this schools simply cant meet the needs of young people who

are facing challenges, especially those who are considering leaving the school system.

Mr Boutkan said he was grateful to the principals of the fi ve local state high school principals who signed a letter of support for the program as well as to Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot for her role.

Justines support was instrumental in this, she raised the issue in Parliament and really helped us out a lot, said Mr Boutkan.

Ms Elliot said she was relieved at the governments decision.

This is a great victory by the community and for the community, it shows how much we can achieve when we all work together, said Ms Elliot.

The REALskills program provides such an important service for young people and the fact that Tony Abbott wanted to cut it shows how cruel and out of touch his Government is.

REALskills saved at the last minute

David Boutkan and Colleen Dowd

Call Gary NOW for free quote0421 999018 or (02)6676 0098

www.tweedskips.com.au Twee

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Weekly 18 June 2015