I am proud to present the Department of Communities’ 2010–11 Annual Report. Throughout the year, and despite disruptions to staff and office buildings, we continued to deliver our services across the state through approximately 1600 funded non-government organisations (NGOs), and directly by the department in seven regions, at more than 200 regional service centres and two youth detention centres, all supported by a central corporate office.
Community recovery
Our department played a key role in the community recovery and reconstruction effort following the natural disasters that affected Queensland in 2010–11. In response to the disasters, the department mobilised staff and resources, moving quickly into affected regions to provide on-the-ground support and accommodation solutions.
Working together
We continued to work with our non-government partners in the community services sector. We introduced common service agreements, to reduce the level of red tape for organisations to deliver a range of programs and introduced new output funding and reporting mechanisms to improve accountability.
Contributing to national priorities
We continue to work closely with the Australian Government to deliver on National Partnership Agreements and priorities. In 2010–11, we expended $116.7 million for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to deliver 99 new dwellings, purchase five dwellings in urban and regional centres, and complete 630 upgrades and approximately 4200 repairs and maintenance to existing dwellings.
We also continued delivery of the social housing element of the Nation Building — Economic Stimulus Plan. Through detailed planning and management of individual construction projects, the department completed 2406 dwellings.
In conjunction with the Australian, state and territory governments we signed the National Disability Strategy to improve community inclusion, disability services, education, health and housing. Together with the Australian Government we provided $518 million to help more than 170,000 people to remain living independently under the Home and Community Care Program.
Closing the Gap
Closing the Gap on Indigenous disadvantage is a long-term commitment and this year the department continued to work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to help meet targets.
We progressed implementation of the Cape York Welfare Reform trial including enhanced parenting services in Aurukun, Coen, Hope Vale and Mossman Gorge. We provided $18 million in alcohol reform services for communities impacted by alcohol management reforms.
We also improved housing and development opportunities in Indigenous communities by negotiating land use and lease agreements and launched deadly stories, a three-year campaign to raise awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievements.
Supporting early intervention
The department continues to support and assist vulnerable Queenslanders through the provision of prevention and early intervention services. In 2010–11 we allocated $9.4 million for 11 early intervention and Indigenous family support programs to support 2600 families and allocated more than $19.2 million to fund 49 family intervention services.
We provided $1.8 million to the dvconnect helpline and through the Helping Out Families initiative we commenced Family Support Alliances’ and Intensive Family Support services, and enhanced the Home Health Visiting Program.
We conducted Eat Well Be Active sessions for more than 23,300 students and delivered Deadly Sports Clinics to more than 7300 participants in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Strengthening and supporting Queenslanders and their communities
In December 2010, the department completed a Forensic Disability Service at Wacol to provide secure accommodation for people who are subject to a forensic order, have an intellectual or cognitive disability and do not require specialist in-patient care.
Throughout the year, we completed neighbourhood centres and service centres to provide improved service delivery and client access.
We hosted the Queensland Multicultural Festival, attended by more than 50,000 people and supported Queensland seniors, pensioners and veterans by administering $208.5 million in concessions.
To assist people with a disability, we launched the Disability Online website which provides a single entry point for disability-related information. We also allocated $19.5 million to implement Growing Stronger reforms to deliver a stronger and fairer disability system.
In 2010–11 we provided $1.2 million to Homeless Persons Information Queensland to operate a telephone information and referral service, as well as $55.8 million to support 124 services in Brisbane, Cairns, Mt Isa, Rockhampton and Townsville to address homelessness ‘hot spots’.
Thank you
I thank all staff for their flexibility and commitment throughout the year to continue delivering services to improve the lives of Queenslanders. As well as helping disaster- affected residents through community recovery, we continued to deliver services as usual with minimal disruption and ongoing support to our most vulnerable clients.
I would also like to thank our non-government partners and volunteers for their continued efforts and the important role they played in Queensland’s recovery.
I look forward to working together in 2011–12 to continue to ensure the best possible outcomes and to build fair, cohesive and vibrant communities.
Linda A. Apelt
Director-General
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