FACT Inc. evolved from the Family Support and Parenting Network (FSPN), previously the largest network of Organisations working in family support in the ACT and region. The new body has been formed to represent the interests of families, and the range of services which support families and individuals in the ACT and surrounding region.
In addition to providing information, support and advocacy for members,
FACT Inc. will provide a strong proactive voice to government on local and regional issues which impact on families. This will include advocating for resources to ensure the long-term sustainability of family support services in the ACT and region, and strengthening and developing networks in the sector.
FACT Inc. will encourage and promote best practice among all family support services, and will initiate and undertake research which contributes to improved knowledge for all providers of services supporting families.
“The journey to becoming an incorporated peak body has taken place over several years, and has involved co-operation between numerous Family Support Organisations,” said Sue Sheridan from ParentLine.
“There has been an identified need for a unified voice for the family support matters in the sector for a long time, and today sees the establishment of a body that fills the void”, Sue added.
More than 55 people representing thirty Organisations came together to celebrate the launch of FACT Inc. Dawson Ruhl, Chief Executive Officer of Marymead Child and Family Centre, welcomed guests, and gave a brief outline of the history behind FACT Inc., before inviting Sandra Lambert, Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Disability Housing and Community Services, to officially launch the new body.
Following the launch, Helen Disney, partner in the well-respected consultancy firm Morgan Disney, spoke on ‘The Value of an Organised Voice’.
Inaugural FACT Inc. President, Dawson Ruhl, applauded Helen’s acknowledgement of the value of a unified voice, and added in conclusion, “It bodes very well for the new peak body with the diversity of Family Support Organisations represented on the Management Committee – sector support is crucial to the success of any new peak body.”
The newly elected Management Committee, includes representatives from several key Organisations in the Family Support Sector, including the YWCA; Marymead; Belconnen Community Service; Communities@Work; Woden Community Service; Centacare; Northside Community Service; Karralika; and Barnardos.
CIT students from Karralika, prepared and served a sumptuous afternoon tea for guests, to add to the launch celebration. The Karralika Program is an initiative to assist young people/parents undergoing a drug or alcohol program, to acquire work skills to enable them to find a pathway back into the workforce. The program is funded by ACT Government, under the Stronger Families, Local Answers initiative.
Purpose:
The purpose of the Families ACT Inc. (FACT Inc.) is to represent the interests of families and the range of services which support families and individuals in the ACT and surrounding region.
Objectives:
To provide information, support and advocacy for members;
To provide a strong proactive voice to government on local and regional issues which impact on families;
To recognise and strengthen the continuum of services that support families and promote their well-being;
To encourage and promote best practice among all family support services within the sector;
To advocate for resources to ensure long-term sustainability of family support services;
To initiate and undertake research which contributes to improved knowledge;
To strengthen, develop and facilitate networks within the family support sector;
To engage in activities designed to contribute to the elimination of poverty and the promotion of well-being of disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals and families;
To do all such other acts or things as may be conducive to the attainment of the foregoing objectives.
Contact Details
For further information about Families ACT Inc.
Write to:
Families ACT Inc.
C/- PO Box 4260
Kingston ACT 2604
Phone:
6162 5800
Fax:
6295 9944
Email:
Families ACT Incorporated (Fact Inc) was launched on 17th May 2006
by Sandra Lambert, CEO of the Department Disability, Housing and Community Services,
and in doing so,
provided a new voice for family support in the ACT.
Canberra Community Support Website