Funding for two local organisations will provide a short term reprieve for a critical service that supports families and communities in the Upper Hunter.
I welcome Minister Morrison’s 11th hour decision to provide funding for vital community service organisations that the Abbott Government had previously axed following a disastrous tender process last year.
I am pleased that funding has been extended to Upper Hunter Community Services and Scone Neighbourhood Resource Centre allowing them to continue to provide their invaluable services to the community.
The Government’s announcement clearly acknowledges that the cuts would have significantly compromised these services.
However, the funding announcement fails to address other frontline service gaps created after the Abbott Government savagely cut $270 million dollars from vital supports.
A large number of organisations will still have their funding cut after 30 June and will be forced to cut back services and staff or even close their doors forever.
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Our electorate boasts many high achievers in a whole range of fields and my position provides an opportunity to meet many of them. In Parliament House last week I met two more.
Sophie Nichols is a Young Ambassador with UNICEF Australia, the United Nations body devoted to the welfare of children around the globe. The St Catherine’s Singleton Year 12 student is a young woman going places and I wish her well.
Darren Goodsir sought me out at the annual Press Gallery Ball. The former Cessnock boy is now Editor-in-chief at the Sydney Morning Herald. A very senior position in Australian journalism and a big achievement.
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Don’t forget my mobile office will be in Muswellbrook next Monday 29th June at the Muswellbrook Council Chambers from 2pm to 4pm. Appointments are available or just call in. For appointments please call 4991 1022.
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I am always keen to assist with issues or questions relating to Federal Government departments or put you in contact with someone who can, so please ring, write, visit the website or call in.
Why not go the extra step by following me on my Facebook page “Joel Fitzgibbon” or on Twitter and type in the search bar “fitzhunter”. Or by regularly checking my website at www.joelfitzgibbon.com or you can even sign up to my E-Newsletter.
To contact the office, phone 1300 301 753, visit www.joelfitzgibbon.com or by post 3 Edward Street, (PO Box 526) Cessnock, 2325.
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