News

MDAS family services to continue at Robinvale

Tue, 08 Mar 2016 04:01:00

Mallee District Aboriginal Services will continue to deliver key family services programs to Robinvale’s Koori community for another year.

MDAS took up the provision of family services in the Robinvale area in March last year, and has operated from the Murray Valley Aboriginal Cooperative’s Time Out Service building in McLennan Drive.
“Our partnership with the Robinvale community filled the void in terms of services provided under contract from the Department of Human Services,” said MDAS Family Services Manager Andy Charles.
“These are critical services and our priority was to ensure they were reinstated at Robinvale and were improved in terms of the programs the community required,” he said.
“The level of service and the number of programs we’re providing has grown substantially over the past year and we’re pleased our agreement with the Department has now been extended.”
Services now provided by MDAS at Robinvale include a Men’s Time Out Service, Integrated Family Services, Housing Support, Parenting Under Pressure Program, Youth Justice and Early Diversion and Kinship Care.
Mr Charles said there were currently six staff at Robinvale, but that looks likely to increase with client numbers continuing to steadily growth.
“A lot of our early work was in re-engaging with the community as we reinstated services, and initially client numbers were small,” Mr Charles said.
“But we have demonstrated to the community that the services we provide are culturally-appropriate, responsive and effective, and through this confidence has grown with client numbers building,” he said.
“The Integrated Family Services program has been the busiest aspect with more than 15 families engaging this year and growing.  This is really positive because of the focus this program has on being able to provide support to families who may struggle and need some assistance.
“Time Out services has also been able to support about 30 men, while demand has also been strong within our Housing support program.”
Mr Charles said feedback had been positive and staff were looking forward to continuing to the year ahead.
“What we are hearing from the community is encouraging – that people are now confident in our staff and in MDAS and are pleased to be receiving the services they need within their own community.”