Guest Speaker David Power from Centacare:
Centacare has been in Geraldton since 1986. They turn over between $M5-6/yr. Owned by the Catholic Church, who are very hands off. The local Bishop is their only representative on the Board. Their funds are 40% Federal, 30% State with the rest raised locally.
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Some of the services they provide include mental health, family separation, children's contact, emergency financial relief, 'Men's Hub' and 'Housing First'. They have offices in Geraldton, Carnarvon and Exmouth and operate across the MidWest and Gascoyne and associated towns and communities.
Last year it is estimated that 10% of Geraldton accessed Centacare services. This year will probably be higher. Since Covid demand for services has increased noticeably and the costs to operate Centacare have also risen substantially.
To try and overcome some of the financial challenge, Centacare has organised a Gala Dinner on 26 July. Similar to Christmas in July it is intended to bring the community together while also providing some education about the work that Centacare does. Tickets are $210ea and discounted for a table of eight.
There is the need for volunteers to help on the night.
Questions and comments from Barry Dring, Don Rolston and Hugh Lavery.
Hugh indicates that our RCGG Board will talk about how to help Centacare and their Gala dinner at the meeting tomorrow night. NB The Board has indicated that they fully support the initiative and will be proactive in encouraging assistance.
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