PARENTING, children's wellbeing and housing were major concerns of those who contacted the Far South Coast Family Support Service, service manager Andrea Powell noted in her annual report.
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Other concerns were domestic violence, family separation, financial, and drug and alcohol related.
“Housing vulnerability and risk of homelessness is a common problem for many families,” Ms Powell said.
“The severe shortage of rental properties and associated housing affordability remains a critical issue in the Bega Valley.
“Staff have assisted many families with obtaining temporary crisis accommodation, supported tenants appealing at the Residential Tenancy Tribunal, and advocated on behalf of homeless families with both public and private rental managers.
“Women and children who experience domestic violence are often referred to Family Support for ongoing support from domestic violence specialist services,” she added.
Board chairperson Joanna Rideaux also talked about domestic violence and housing in her report.
“The closure of women's refuge (between July and December), the dismantling of a well-established women's and children's service, and the ongoing problems associated with a lack of affordable housing were some of the challenges imposed on us in 2014/15.
“As always, we have done our best to respond quickly,effectively and constructively where possible to continue to support and advocate for families in our community.
“We facilitated suicide prevention training for community members from Eden and Bega, we extended our Just for Mums program, offering mentoring, social networking opportunities and parenting skills training for young mothers and we employed Julie Nagel in the position of Indigenous family worker.
“I would like to acknowledge what the whole team here at Family Support do every day.
“Their passion, flexibility and tireless dedication to provide support and advocacy for their clients are clear to anyone who comes into contact with the service.
“It is an exceptionable team,” Ms Rideaux said.
The team consists of child, youth and family workers Kellie Bateman, Valerie Schmid-Oke, Catherine Ubrihien and Julie Nagle.
Laura Botto is the community educator (parenting), Andrea Powell the service manager and Pauline Wellington the office manager.
The board of management members for 2015/16 are chairperson Joanna Rideaux, vice-chairperson Claire Lupton, secretary Kylie Dummer, treasurer Carline Long, Mary Hourigan and Paul Brunton.