Shire backs family hub

Potential funding woes have led to Newman Family and Youth Services Hub needing to secure a stronger commitment from the Shire of East Pilbara.

In the past two years, the development of family, children and youth infrastructure in the East Pilbara has been fully supported by the Shire.

However, because of State funding complications, a formal commitment has been sought.

In November last year, the Federal Government announced the release of the program guidelines for the new Building Better Regions Fund.

As Newman is classified as “Very Remote”, the fund is able to grant up to 75 per cent of the total program funding of Newman Family and Youth Services Hub.

Although the project will apply for funding through the Building Better Regions Fund, a concern has arisen where despite being announced as a four-year program, the Federal Government has not committed to more than one round of funding.

With the now-documented formal commitment by the Shire to construct the hub, along with a confirmed $1.5 million Lottery-west funding, the Shire will now be able to lodge a complying funding application to the BBRF.