St Lukes Swan Hill Services


Support for families and individuals in the Swan Hill and surrounding districts
 
Children Youth and Family Services 

These services, run by Southern Mallee Family Services, provide additional support to families with children aged between 0 and 18 with challenges. Southern Mallee Family Services is a partnership between St Luke’s, Mallee Family Care, DHS, Sea Lake District Health and Murray Valley Aboriginal Co-operative. It covers the Gannawarra Shire, Swan Hill Rural City Council Shire and the Buloke Shire. 

Drought Support program 

The Drought Support Program currently covers the Gannawarra Shire, including Kerang, Quambatook, Cohuna and Leitchville. The key aims of this program include: 

  • engaging farming communities and families
  • developing and implementing sustainable community projects
  • supporting communities and families through subsidised events and Farm Gate
  • providing information training and education relevant to the needs of drought affected communities, and supporting existing community initiatives. 

The drought support worker liaises closely with drought, welfare and emergency relief workers to maintain an inclusive, supportive and caring community environment. 

Youth Services 

The adolescent community placement (ACP) program provides home based care for young people who are aged between 13 and 17 and are unable to live with their families. The focus of the program is young people who are on statutory orders with referrals mainly from the DHS Adolescent Protective Team and Juvenile Justice. The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service also can refer young people. 

No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) 

The NILS Regional Community Development Worker liaises with local communities to assist community organisations to start up their own NILS programs. The Swan Hill office covers Mildura Rural City, Swan Hill Rural City, Gannawarra Shire and part of the Buloke Shire. 

Communities for Children 

The aim of the Communities for Children strategy is to improve the health and well being of children aged 0 to 5 across the broad domains of health, early learning and development and support for families and parents. 

The Swan Hill and Robinvale initiatives are known locally as Joining Together for our Children. St Luke’s Anglicare, Mallee Family Care, Swan Hill Rural City Council, Swan Hill District Hospital and Robinvale District Health Service work together in partnership with children and their families to implement the Communities for Children program and activities over the four year period 2005 to 2009. 

See the Contacts page for contact details.