A Good Shepherd project based in St Albans, which provides support to local families with young children, has been recognised through an extension of Federal Government funding until 30 June 2009.

Federal Member for Gorton Brendan O’Connor said that Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service Inc. has been allocated further funding of $95 000 for its Step Out project under the Federal Government’s Local Answers initiative.

"This excellent program gives much needed help and support to socially isolated and financially disadvantaged families with young children in areas like Sunshine, West Sunshine and St Albans," Mr O’Connor said. 

"The extension of funding will allow the program to continue the great work it does to build stronger families in our local community – and that benefits all of us."

Mr O’Connor said that funding for the Step Out project was due to end this year, but Good Shepherd has delivered such obvious practical benefits to families in our local community that it was decided to extend the funding.

"I can’t speak highly enough of the work that Good Shepherd does to help people and families in need in our local area. I’m very pleased that this extension of funding has been announced."

The funding is part of $7.8 million allocated to 105 organisations under the Local Answers initiative across Australia.

"The aim is to support small-scale, time-limited projects that help address specific community needs," Mr O’Connor said.

"The focus is on supporting children and families and includes building skills in areas such as parenting, relationships, leadership and training for volunteers.

"It’s really all about helping families and communities to be stronger and more self-reliant."