Bonds between the young and old will be stronger at Kogarah Community Services after the Federal Government announced $252,000 in funding to promote a program of intergenerational activities.
Federal Minister for Families and Social Services Paul Fletcher visited KCS headquarters in English Street, Kogarah yesterday with Federal Member for Banks, David Coleman to make the funding announcement.
Mr Fletcher said the $252,000 would support a program of intergenerational services that aim to bring together interaction for old and younger Australians.
"These will aim to give older Australians purposeful activities social interaction whether cooking for people in need, creating a public artwork or repairing bikes in a workshop," Mr Fletcher said.
The activities will be designed to bring together older people, volunteers and children aged four to 16.
There will be a focus on older people developing new skills as well as engaging with the younger generation.
The funding will be used to employ a project officer, aged care staff, child care staff and a bus driver.
Mr Fisher said the $252,000 funding boost was a result of lobbying by Mr Coleman.
"David Coleman has been a very strong advocate for Kogarah Community Services," he said.
Banks MP David Coleman described KSC as a fantastic organisation that has been serving the St George area for decades, providing very important services for the community, whether it is the seniors' group, children's group, or important cultural events such as the One Billion Rising stand against domestic violence.
"This funding will seek new ways to bring isolated members of the community together and achieve a great sense of belonging," he said.
KCS general manager Shelly Ross said the funding will help to double the capacity of the service's intergenerational programs.
She said recent examples of intergenerational programs included an Anzac biscuits baking day where the older citizens told children stories about Anzac Day.
Another saw younger citizens hold IT classes teaching seniors how to use their computer and iPhones.
"This funding will at least double the amount of programs we can offer," she said. "We have already engaged the Shopfront Theatre for a project working with a local nursing home and junior groups."
The funding will be provided to Kogarah Community Services from July 1.