Message from the Director-General

The Department of Communities, which I have the privilege to lead, works to strengthen communities and protect the wellbeing of Queenslanders, particularly those who are vulnerable and most in need.

Every day the department is presented with fresh challenges, whether it is providing support for families and individuals who are victims of domestic violence or organising specialised services to deal with personal emergencies across the state.

While some of our staff may be working with vulnerable children to find them a safe place to live, others will be helping with sporting endeavours aimed at encouraging Queenslanders to become fitter and healthier.

Our client base touches on just about every part of Queensland society. We develop and coordinate policy, programs and services across a wide spectrum of responsibilities including:

• child safety and youth services
• specialist homelessness services, social housing and private housing assistance
• services and funding for people with a disability, their families and carers
• adoption services
• whole-of-government leadership on Indigenous policy
• partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• whole-of-government leadership on multicultural policy and promotion of positive community relations
• support for carers
• services for women, seniors and families
• sport, recreation and active living campaigns
• community recovery activities.

By delivering well-targeted, quality services, we aim to meet the Queensland Government ambitions and targets, specifically fair, healthy, smart and green, as outlined in Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland.

We are proud to offer services and support on behalf of the Queensland Government and will continue to work closely with community organisations to ensure the best possible outcomes and provision of services for Queenslanders in need.

Linda Apelt
Director-General