Geoff Lyons (Bass, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise in the House today to commend the excellent work that Centacare is doing in George Town in my electorate. Centacare Tasmania Family Services have been active in the state since 1960. They provide a variety of counselling and support services, including on families and relationships, settlement services, sexual health, parenting and supported housing.

I recently had the pleasure of attending the launch of the Challenging Abusive Behaviour program at Centacare in George Town. This is another extremely worthwhile program that aims to educate men about respectful relationships, leading to a better way of life and a more fulfilling lifestyle. The facilitator of the CAB program is Peter Ross. He made the point that domestic violence or abuse in any form is never acceptable. He has seen firsthand the difference the program can make to individuals and the benefits it has for families and the wider community.

For the past 15 years, Centacare has provided the CAB program throughout Tasmania—always unfunded until now. I would like to sincerely thank the Tasmanian Community Fund for providing funding to Centacare to allow them to run the Challenging Abusive Behaviour program for the next three years in George Town. I congratulate Centacare for the ongoing support and services they provide to the Tasmanian community and wish them the very best with this latest program.