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Projects and activities

Following extensive community consultation the following services were identified as priorities for Raymond Terrace and Karuah:

Community Ante and Postnatal Care and Pharmacy Projects

This project will provide community based ante and postnatal group support with an emphasis of bringing the services to the community and tailoring them to meet the needs of families who may not access mainstream services. Local pharmacists who provide baby health clinics for families will be engaged in the projects to help develop appropriate resources and to strengthen referral pathways for families in this important transition period.

Community Partner: Family Action Centre at the University of Newcastle in partnership with Thou Walla Family Centre and Hunter New England Health.

Family Bus: Mobile Parent and Carer Education Project

This outreach project has been developed in response to the geographical and social isolation experienced by families. It aims to engage families as early as possible by providing useful support and information to enhance parenting skills though a mobile parent education program. Staff include a family support worker and early childhood worker and activities are offered at the Aboriginal Mission in Karuah, public housing areas and natural community gathering places in Karuah and Raymond Terrace.

Community Partner: Port Stephens Family Support Service Inc in partnership with the Caravan Project (Family Action Centre, the University of Newcastle).

Words on the Street: Early Literacy Project

This project aims to expose children in their early years to literacy learning opportunities and to educate parents on how they can support their children's learning. Using trained volunteers and paid staff, community based fun-filled activities are offered in informal environments, such as the street where families live, local parks and services they access such as playgroups, schools and early learning centres.

Community Partner: Port Stephens Council (Community and Library Services).

Kindy Matters: Strengthening Transition to School Network

Increased school readiness is the aim of this project. It has been identified that a significant number of local children have not had preparation for school through exposure to early learning opportunities. Building on an established network of early learning professionals working in early learning centres and primary schools, the project looks at ways to increase access to transition to school programs for families who could benefit from improved links with schools.

Community Partner: Port Stephens Council (Community and Library Services).

Reclaim the Common Ground: Child Friendly Community Spaces

A crucial step towards and requirement for a child-friendly community is to include the voice of children and their families in urban planning. This project aims to actively engage the community, families and children, council and various community groups to transform existing public spaces and parks into family-friendly gathering areas for recreation, education and physical health.

Community Partner: Port Stephens Council (Community Planning Unit).

Takes a Community to Raise a Child: Meeting Your New Neighbour Program

An important part of developing a child friendly community is strengthening social connections. This project will train local residents as volunteers to connect neighbours with each other and new residents and to organize social gatherings such as “Community Cuppas” or “Street Parties”.

Community Partner: Port Stephens Council (Community Planning Unit).

Child Friendly Communities Campaign

This project will provide education and promotion of child-friendly policies and practices across all sectors including community services and groups, businesses and local government. This will be evidenced by increased communication, shared and improved systems and joint activities and celebrations.

Community Partner: Port Stephens Council (Community Planning Unit).

Celebrating Diversity in Karuah

This project will identify and support community activities to give local children a sense of identity, unity and belonging within the Karuah community.

Community Partner: Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Council.

Father-Inclusive Practice

Across all projects particular attention is given to the importance of fathers with additional funding allocated to enhance activities that promote father-inclusive practice.

Community Activities Fund

C4C Raymond Terrace and Karuah also offers small grants of up to $1,000 for community groups and residents to undertake activities that promote the importance of early childhood. These grants encourage innovative ideas that are community driven.