Additional case management services in Gunnedah have been boosted thanks to a $842,536 grant from The Nationals/Liberal Government, providing support to families with members who are incarcerated or who have come into contact with the criminal justice system. 
The Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton said the funding announcement was a welcome boost for an important service.
“Families of incarcerated people can be severely affected and support is vital for them at a very difficult time,” Mr Coulton said.
The Gunida Gunyah project is one of 43 recently funded under the IAS.  Services have been funded to provide intensive support to Indigenous people most affected in the following areas: alcohol and drugs, domestic violence, mental health and wellbeing, and youth offending.
Existing service providers will share $18,697,510 in Government funding through until 30 June 2019 to transition from the Indigenous Community Links programme to new place-based, intensive support services that address specific safety and wellbeing needs. 
A further $4,239,664 will be provided until 30 June 2019 for new services in areas where a safety and wellbeing service gap has been identified. 
The final year of funding is dependent on the projects providing strong outcomes for their clients. 
 Service providers will be asked to collect service data to assess the impact of the service, to better understand what works to overcome Indigenous disadvantage and contribute to the evidence base. 
Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, said that Gunida Gunyah would receive funding to provide case management services through until 30 June 2019 for vulnerable Indigenous people in North West NSW.   
“Improving the safety of Indigenous families and communities is one of the highest priorities for the Coalition Government – and this investment will enable Gunida Gunyah to provide additional support to people who need it the most,” Minister Scullion said.
Minister Scullion said that through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS), the Government was providing targeted investment to those working on the ground to make a difference in the lives of First Australians.
“This project is a great example of the Coalition working with Indigenous Australians to improve outcomes for First Australians living in North West NSW” Minister Scullion said.