Attorney-General Philip Ruddock will officially open the Mandurah Family Relationship Centre this week, one of 65 government funded centres planned around Australia.

The Centre, which will help families deal with relationship issues and act as a service hub for the Mandurah community, is opening following changes to the Family Law Act which requires families to attend alternative dispute resolutions before going to court.

Executive General Manager of Services for Anglicare WA, Ms Jennifer Hannan stated that Anglicare WA with its consortium partners were thrilled to be chosen to head this Centre, and believes this Centre will make a real difference to families within the Mandurah community.

“The aim of the Centre is to strengthen family relationships, assist families to access services and if necessary, assist families through the separation process,” said Ms Hannan. “Through the Centre we hope to provide a good referral point for local families who may not know where to go for assistance.”

Anglicare WA will work with a consortium of partnership organisations including Ngala, Southern Communities Advocacy Legal and Education Service (SCALES), Edith Cowan University and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

The new Family Relationship Centre will provide information and direct families to other community services, and will focus on family dispute resolution for families post separation. This initiative is child focused and ensures that the interests of children are a number one priority.
Anglicare WA and its consortium partners have already experienced great success with their Family Relationship Centre in Joondalup, which has been open since July 2006, and they expect the same kind of response to the Mandurah Family Relationship Centre.

Anglicare WA has been running separation counseling, associated with the Parenting Orders Program for some years, and has extensive experience in working with families at all stages of the life cycle.
Further information about the Centre can be accessed by phone on 9301 8500 or online at www.familyrelationships.gov.au

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For more information please contact Georgina Sharp on 0413 200 312 or email georgina.sharp@anglicarewa.org.au