After almost two decades delivering our KidCare program in the Great Southern Region, Relationships Australia WA is passing the baton to the Badgebup Aboriginal Corporation.
Established in 2007 by the late Lynthia Flowers and Angela Ryder, former Senior Manager Aboriginal Services at Relationships Australia WA, the outreach service, operated by the Tambellup Aboriginal Progress Association, focused on reducing the levels of family violence in the local community.
The building, an old service station, was recently renamed ‘Lynthia’s Place’, in honour of Lynthia, who passed away in September 2019, in recognition of her dedication to the program. Lynthia was a strong and inspirational leader and is sadly missed by her family and community.
Relationships Australia WA CEO Danielle Newport said Lynthias’s legacy is cemented in the community, and we are thrilled to see the program continue in the hands of an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) in the region.
“Funding guideline changes that came into effect on 1 July 2024, mean that Relationships Australia WA’s Family Relationship Centre, no longer fits the criteria for the funding and we can no longer run the program in Tambellup.”
“Whilst we are sad to end our partnership with Tambellup Aboriginal Progress Association (TAPA), we know the program will remain strong and focused under the management of the Badgebup Aboriginal Corporation,” Danielle said.
“Our goal was always to find a local ACCO who could take on the responsibility for the program and to ensure it remains sustainable for the community.”
KidsCare’s Aboriginal Resource worker, Kerry Smith, will carry on the work of her mother as she transitions from Relationships Australia WA to the Badgebup Aboriginal Corporation in February.
“We know how critical this program is to the local families who have been attending for years, and we want to ensure that the program will continue for as long as possible”
“Knowing that Kerry can continue the legacy of her mother is an even better outcome for us.”
The trailblazing of Lynthia, Angela, and now Kerry will see the program continue as a cornerstone for Aboriginal Family and Domestic Violence prevention in Tambellup and Katanning,” she said.
KidCare provides a safe and confidential space to address children’s behavioural problems, and social and emotional trauma which impacts on their ability to learn at school. The family service aims to promote well-being from early childhood to school readiness through partnerships with local service providers.
Badgebup Aboriginal Corporation CEO Julie Hayden said;
“We are very pleased to have the opportunity to continue the important work of KidCare in Tambellup and Katanning .”
“The program enhances the work that we are already doing in the Central Great Southern Region through the Early Years Partnership, and it aligns with the Badgebup vision of creating positive social and cultural outcomes for Noongar people.”
Media Contact
Charmaine Don
M: 0407 384 642
E: charmaine.don@relationshipswa.org.au