Goondiwindi Regional Council partners with O’Connell Advisory to identify gaps in services for at-risk youth and families
A regional Queensland border council is working to identify gaps in services for the region’s at-risk youth and families. Here’s what’s ahead.
A comprehensive mapping project has commenced in the Goondiwindi region to identify gaps in services for at-risk youth and their families.
The project is funded by the Queensland government, to be undertaken by O’Connell Advisory who will identify existing services in the region in order for local government to gain a better understanding of the current service landscape and opportunities to fill gaps.
It will also seek to enhance the co-ordination and effectiveness of services in the region, given the complex jurisdictional challenges involved.
Goondiwindi mayor Lawrence Springborg AM said the initiative will promote improved collaboration and outcomes for the community.
“This is about doing the work to understand what’s happening on the ground and making sure that government funding is aligned to meet the needs of our unique border community,” he said.
Mr Springborg said there’s no use in government agencies handing out more funding without a comprehensive understanding of where the needs are and what models are and are not working in the region.
“This initiative represents a significant step forward in council’s ongoing commitment to cross-border advocacy and regional wellbeing,” he said.
“The need for service mapping was first recognised during cross-border crime meetings jointly chaired by Goondiwindi Regional Council and Moree Plains Shire Council. These discussions highlighted the difficulties faced by service providers and agencies in delivering practical and consistent support to residents along the Queensland-NSW border.”
Mr Springborg said as regional border community, residents and the broader community often fall through the cracks when in it comes to accessing state funded services.
