Champion Centre funding reinstated to December

The City of Armadale welcomed news last week that funding from the Federal Government’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS) for the Champion Centre has been reinstated until December.

The Federal Government have committed to reinvest $160,000 into the Centre which is used to provide for two contract staff and for program funds for the Children and Schooling stream of the Indigenous Advancement Strategy.

City of Armadale Mayor Henry Zelones OAM, JP said the Federal funding is critical to the continuation of program delivery at the centre.

“The City really appreciates the Federal Government’s decision to reinstate the funding after we were advised in December last year that it would not continue.

“The Commonwealth’s support has always been a critical part of the collective approach between the City and the many state government and non-government agencies that operate from the Champion Centre.”

Sixty eight programs are facilitated at the Centre and the funding is used to deliver nine programs which in 2017/18 engaged with over 500 children and young people.

“The Champion Centre is a highly respected community hub for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. It is run by local Noongar staff who have built strong relationships with the community, state government agencies, not-for-profit organisations and community groups.

“The Centre offers an inclusive, safe, neutral environment for all families to access and delivers a range of needed activities and programs in the community. The IAS component of the initiatives provided by the Champion Centre is vital to the local Aboriginal community. Approximately 3500 people visit the Centre each year.

“The City will continue to work with the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to ensure continuity of funding beyond the current funding period,” added Mayor Zelones.