Community connect issue thirteen

From the Ministers

News in brief

Helping the community back on its feet

Queensland’s summer flood disaster requires a recovery operation of unprecedented scale. The Department of Communities has been at the front line in the arduous task of cleaning up, helping people in an area bigger than New South Wales to bounce back.

Help available to flood-hit sports clubs

Department of Communities funding is available to enable sport and recreation clubs repair facilities affected by flooding and other natural disasters.

One-stop shop opens at Cairns

The Department of Communities is now also delivering its services in Cairns through the new Queensland Government Service Centre in William McCormack Place, Sheridan Street.

Community people

At this time of the year we should be focusing on the new school year and our normal working lives. Instead, large numbers of Queenslanders must rebuild their lives after the worst flooding in the state’s history.

Grants sow seeds for thriving gardens

The idea of growing vegetables has literally taken root among Queensland’s social housing tenants, thanks to a Department of Communities grant scheme.

Cultural training aids workers 

Community services workers across Queensland are learning how to understand different cultural perspectives via free cross-cultural training.

Going local works for Mary

Some hands-on local intervention has made a dream into reality for a Queensland woman and her furry friend.

Troubled kids’ ring of confidence

Respect, self confidence, discipline: three elements of a boxing program that is reducing violence and keeping Cairns teenagers in high school.

International Women’s Day hits ton

A host of events are being held across Queensland on 8 March 2011 to mark the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day.

Meagan grabs her second chance

A decade after she first lived in social housing, a Sunshine Coast woman is enjoying a new home and a second chance at life.

Networks share disability tips

Families of people with disabilities will be supported to share their knowledge and work together as part of a new community networking initiative.

Tap into help for abused seniors

Free practical support is available for Queensland seniors concerned about being abused, mistreated or financially exploited.

Creative challenge goes out to young ‘uns

Young Queenslanders are being encouraged to exercise their creative talents and “own it” during National Youth Week 1–10 April.

Busy week planned to salute carers

For one week in March, Queenslanders have the chance to recognise, celebrate and thank the state’s 4100 foster and kinship carers for their selfless and invaluable work all year round.

RentConnect offers rental blues solution

Queenslanders battling to find a home in the private rental market place can turn to people like RentConnect officer Anita Wissemann for assistance.

Island living gets a little easier

New homes are springing up in remote Indigenous communities around the state under a 10-year $1.6 billion joint government program.

Home help ramps up

Up to 5000 frail Queensland seniors and people with a disability are finding life easier with government-funded home modifications.

Skilling grants open career doors

Vocational education scholarships and assistance grants are boosting the career prospects of Queenslanders employed or volunteering in the community service sector.

Across Queensland

Home and free – Keith breaks out on his own

Too young for aged care, but needing support: Far North Queensland’s Keith Herrenberg is one of many Queenslanders with a disability who can now live independently thanks to a supportive alternative.

All about lifestyle

Launched in 2007, the Younger People in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC) program is a partnership between the Queensland and Australian governments.

Battlers gain access to no-interest loans

More Queenslanders will have access to a helping hand with the expansion of a no-interest loan scheme throughout the state.