A $25 million fund to help local people fight joblessness and poverty was launched bythe Labor Government this week.
Federal Member for Calwell Maria Vamvakinou called on local community organisations in the Hume area to submit expressions of interest for grants from the Local Solutions Fund.
“We are asking for creative, practical solutions that will help our local community provide better options. We want to communities to work together to help the people of Hume – by increasing their opportunities to find work and build skills,” said Ms Vamvakinou.
“We are looking to local organisations with local knowledge and networks to identify what works best for our electorate.”
Minister for Human Services Senator Kim Carr said the Local Solutions Fund will help people get the support they need.
“Lots of people are missing out on the opportunities this country can provide. They are entitled to a fair go; and they are entitled to the government and community services that make it possible,” Senator Carr said.
The Fund is part of Building Australia’s Future Workforce, a package of measures to boost education, training and employment opportunities for Australians.
It will support locally-built programs tailored to specific community needs, with a particular focus on the needs of young people and families.
Hume is one of 10 Building Australia’s Future Workforce regions.
“People grow up in the school of hard knocks in many parts of Australia. We have to ensure that they don’t fall through the cracks in the system,” Senator Carr said.
Interested organisations in Hume can contact their own Community Action Leader Huon Damm on 04219 14423.
For more information about the Local Solutions Fund, including how to apply, please visit humanservices.gov.au. The closing date for expressions of interest is Monday 2 April 2012.
