Southern Youth and Family Services (SYFS) is one of 60 neighbourhood houses, neighbourhood centres and community centres across Australia that will benefit from a more than $780,000 investment thanks to the Albanese Labor Government.
Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes MP was pleased to announce that SYFS will receive $15,000 to deliver the Cringila Learning Resource Support program.
This program aims to equip disadvantaged young people with the tools they need to re-engage with education and employment, succeed academically, and feel a sense of belonging. Providing essential back-to-school supplies, as well as connecting families with wrap-around support services, SYFS aims to address the complex challenges that lead to disengagement and disadvantage.
SYFS is an independent charitable organisation which supports disadvantaged families and young people in the Illawarra and across south-eastern NSW through a wide range of vital services, including accommodation, counselling, mediation, and programs targeted at improving outcomes for at-risk local families.
Neighbourhood houses are at the heart of communities across Australia, helping more than 400,000 Australians each week to feel welcome, safe and connected.
With the help of the Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association (ANHCA), organisations will receive grants of up to $15,000 to support community-led initiatives and combat social isolation.
This funding is delivered under the Strong and Resilient Communities – Inclusive Communities (SARC-IC) Activity. More information on SARC grants is available on the Department of Social Services website.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek MP:
“Neighbourhood houses and centres can offer a lifeline to vulnerable people, supporting them to meaningfully reconnect and engage with their communities.
“We are proud to be working with ANHCA, Australia’s largest place-based social infrastructure, and support their contribution to community solutions.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes MP:
“I am so delighted that the Albanese Labor Government is supporting the incredible work SYFS does in the Illawarra with this $15,000 grant for the Cringila Learning Resource Support program.”
“We know that keeping young people engaged in education and employment leads to more positive outcomes in the long run. By taking a holistic approach to re-engagement, SYFS is working to foster long-term stability for these at-risk families, keeping them in school and connecting them with the early intervention services they need.”
“I really want to thank Narelle Clay and the whole SYFS team for the invaluable contribution they make to our community.”
Quotes attributable to CEO, Southern Youth and Family Services, Narelle Clay:
“The grant is so welcomed – it’s being used to purchase school items for vulnerable young people."
“The main purpose is to assist with the transitioning of children/young people from primary school to high school and to support other high school students, especially in elective subjects or subjects that require additional resources, like mathematics and science."
“It is so positive for us to see the joy that the parents and children/young people show when they receive this help.”
ENDS
*Photo attached of Alison Byrnes MP at the Cringila Community Centre with (from left to right):
Narelle Clay – CEO at Southern Youth and Family Services
Amanda Giles – Principle at Cringila Public School
Paula Thurgate - Community Liaison Officer at Warrawong Public School
Persa Atkins – Community Development Worker, Cringila Community Centre as part of Southern Youth and Family Services
Gordana Seljanovska – Community Worker, Cringila Community Centre as part of Southern Youth and Family Services
