Federal government grant funding for the Goolwa Community Centre under the Strong and Resilient Communities - Inclusive Communities (SARC-IC) has been extended.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth advised local MP for Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie, of the funding extension on 3 July. 

The SARC-IC Activity assists vulnerable and disadvantaged people establish pathways towards self-reliance and empowerment through community-focused approaches. 

These actions aim to support individuals participate in their community socially and economically. 

Ms Sharkie says the Goolwa Community Centre received $195,000 over the 2022-23 and 2023-24 periods to deliver a program for women in vulnerable positions, encouraging them to establish social connections, develop support networks and build confidence. 

These goals are achieved through collaboration with local service providers who offer targeted support projects including yoga, adult, digital and financial literacy, self-defence and life coaching.

Having demonstrated the success of these projects and the benefits it has offered to women in the Goolwa community, the Centre has now been awarded an additional $180,000 and a one-year extension to increase the scale of their projects and continue their work, Ms Sharkie says. 

“I was delighted to receive the news from Minister Rishworth that additional funding had been awarded to the Goolwa Community Centre.”

“The Goolwa Community Centre, like so many others across the Mayo electorate, offers people a safe place for connection, interaction and personal development.” 

“This program will ensure vulnerable women in the Goolwa area have access to programs which equip them with skills to increase their confidence and independence.”

“This funding will allow the Centre to increase the project's scale, ensuring its benefits reach a greater number of participants.”

“I commend the work of the Centre and acknowledge the significance of their contribution to the Goolwa Community.”

Find out more about the Goolwa Community Centre and its programs on its website.