On 2 July 2018 our company was alerted to two published articles in the Milton-Ulladulla Times, ‘Families left in limbo as future of supported playgroup is decided’ and ‘Our Values Didn’t Align’. Upon review we can say that the perception created from these articles is not correct and no local services provided by Family Services are being closed.

We note the articles stated programs were being axed, that Positive Parenting Programs and Seasons of Growth were going to cease, and that all programs would continue as usual but would be subject to review. Family Services has never authorised any staff member to make these claims and there was no consideration of a decision to close community services, or any review consideration to close services.

The perception that the community was facing a reduction in services from Family Services Australia is also not correct. At no time was any NFSS or Family Services staff member authorised to make such a comment to members of the community as no services were being considered for closure.

The merger was effected by a unanimous and voluntary member vote by NFSS that included community members and there was no legal entity named Milton-Ulladulla Family Support Service, either legally registered or involved in the merger with Family Services. All former staff at Milton-Ulladulla were employees of NFSS up until 30 June 2016.  

Family Services is a registered not for profit charity operating in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Northern NSW, Gold Coast and Ipswich QLD regions. We are a Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) holding Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status with a vision that all children and young people can live with their family. Locally for more than 30 years Family Services has ensured children, young people and families remain Safe, Well, Strong and Connected. Through our qualified and caring staff, we sincerely look forward to ensuring the sustainability of community programs in our local Illawarra-Shoalhaven region where we were founded. 

Inquiries can be made via email stacy.hudson@familyservices.org.au or on +61 2 4256 7333.

Gary Jackson, CEO 

I waited eagerly last Tuesday to witness our elected representatives support the meaningful, historic motion Uluru Statement from the Heart. I was bitterly disappointed. I was saddened and ashamed that my council was not able to come to consensus when 250 people from disparate communities across the country were able to consult, develop and unanimously support such a powerful document.

All of you who spoke against the motion were anxious to establish their credentials as allies of our local indigenous population yet were unable to accept this historic, gracious, healing invitation from our First Australians “to walk with us for a better future”.

Thank you to Nina Cheyne and her fellow Green councillors for bringing the discussion into the public arena and a special mention to Mayor Amanda Findley who once again demonstrated unwavering dignity, grace, wisdom and professionalism in chairing the meeting. 

I am shocked and ashamed by the obstructive tactics of some of our elected representatives. We all need to bare witness to these divisive, obstructive tactics, call our councillors to account and ask “Where is your heart?".

J. Hamilton, Mollymook Beach