4 local projects will share in $20 million in funding from the Federal Government under the Stronger Families and Communities Stratergy Local Answers Initiative.

Karen Chijoff with Jackie Kelly welcomed The Honourable Mal Brough on Tuesday, 28 August 2007, who announced the funding.

The local projects:

• Werrington Community Project Inc- "Strengthening Communities in Kingswood   Park and Kingswood " received $219,574. This organisation is dedicated to supporting vulnerable families through education and resources for parenting.

• Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust NSW- "St Marys Integrated Child and Family Centre" received $152,787. This centre is aimed at helping the development of families. Some of their activities include aiding young mothers in continuing the education and teaching parenting classes.

• North St Marys Neighbourhood Centre Inc- "Now What? Young Fathers Program" received $77,741. This program is aimed at teaching young fathers the importance of healthy relationships and essential parenting skills.

• Dads in Distress Incorporated- "DIDS Western Sydney Expansion Project-NSW" received $210,780.  DIDS is an organisation who is dedicated to preventing the suicide of fathers suffering from the stress of recent divorce or separation.

 "This funding will be of great benefit to these organisations and the local families which they support. This is evidence of the Howard Government's commitment to supporting Australian families" Karen Chijoff said.