Untitled - Townsville City Council

IntroductionThe Townsville City Council Family Charteracknowledges the significance of families in creatinga strong and healthy community.The concept of the Family Charter arose from a needfor broader recognition of the roles and contributionsof families in our community. The Townsville CityCouncil consulted the community in developing thisCharter, providing opportunities for input into thedrafting of the Values Statements.The Mayor and Council support the view that theCharters’ guiding principles will strengthen theCouncil’s commitment to families in the community.Trends across Australia demonstrate that familiesare increasingly diverse. They are affected bychanging social and economic factors such aseducation and employment patterns, economiccircumstances, migration and changes in genderroles. Families are in a process of continual evolution,changing to meet the needs of the individuals within,and also reflecting the society in which they live. iCharter PurposeThe Townsville City Council Family Charter providesa set of foundation statements which underpin theCouncil’s role with regard to families and family life inTownsville.VisionAs human beings we are dependent on each other.As a community, we are dependent upon the strengthof our families.diverseFamilies are a celebration of life. The Charter aims torepresent families in all their forms. Our indigenousfamilies are recognised, along with our multiculturalfamilies. The document is intentionally broad in scope,to ensure inclusion of families from a wide range ofbackgrounds. Every person has the right to definetheir family according to their own beliefs, values,lifestyle and circumstance.Our vision for Townsville is to be a strong communitybuilt by strong families.Council’s rolewith familiesCouncil endorses and adopts the following fourprinciples to guide its support for families:Principle 1Townsville City Council will act to ensure that access,equity, quality and participation underpin its effortsin relation to families.Principle 2Townsville City Council will work in partnershipwith other spheres of government, communityorganisations and the private sector at the local,regional, state and national level to meet the needsof families.Principle 3Townsville City Council is committed to working inpartnership with families in the local communityto define and respond to the needs of families anddetermine future directions.Principle 4Townsville City Council adopts a holistic view of thecommunity, linking related physical, environmental,economic, social and cultural issues. iiIn adopting the above, Townsville City Council issupporting the key principles developed by theAustralian Local Government Association whichunderlie the role of local government with respectto families and through the Integrated Local AreaPlanning strategy. This promotes the adoption of a‘whole of government, whole of Council, whole ofcommunity’ approach.The Charter reinforces Townsville City Council’sfocus on families through the public endorsement ofclear principles and values that it will strive to meet.It also reflects the ongoing commitment to existingfamily focused programs such as library services,child care and family support services, playgroundand park facilities, aged care services, and culturalprograms.Townsville City Council Family Charter2 3

Values Statements on FamiliesThe Townsville City Council adopts a holisticapproach to families, recognising that families aresubject to multiple influences and may need supportin many different ways. The values adopted byTownsville City Council revolve around:THE UNIQUENESS OF FAMILIESTHE INCLUSION OF FAMILIESIt is essential to enable families to participate inall aspects of community building. Families that areprovided with meaningful opportunities to have inputinto decision-making processes contribute to thestrength of our community.Townsville City Council is committed to:• Providing opportunities for families to participate inCouncil’s community planning activities• Consulting with the community to identify theongoing needs of families• Undertaking social and infrastructure planningactivities across Council to ensure responses tofamily needs are relevantTHE DIVERSITY OF FAMILIESDiverse families enrich our community. Affirmationof differences in structure, culture and needs providethe ongoing opportunity to learn appreciation andacceptance, and the responsibility to provideresources equitably.Townsville City Council is committed to:• Conducting and supporting community programs andactivities that are respectful of the diversity of familystructure and backgrounds• Providing opportunities for families to participate inonnectedEvery family is unique. Identification with or as partof a family is a fundamental right of every personin our community. Respect for the individualism offamilies is a key communal responsibility.Townsville City Council is committed to:• Conducting community programs and activities thatare respectful of the diversity of family structureand backgrounds• Supporting community initiatives that recognise theindividualism of families• Advocating for families and their social,environmental and economic needs at state andcommonwealth spheresTHE VALUE OF FAMILIESFamilies hold a distinctive position within society asthe fundamental building blocks of a community. Strongand supported families preserve the foundations for ourcommunity to remain resilient and healthy.Townsville City Council is committed to:• Providing community support services for residentsof all ages, focusing on sections of the communitywith identified and/or special needs• Planning for, developing and promoting a healthyand safe city• Supporting community initiatives that promote asupportive, healthy and safe cityCouncil’s community planning activities• Partnering with key individuals and organisationsto promote diversityTHE IMPORTANCE OF NURTURINGBY FAMILIESFamilies shape future generations, fostering the valuesthat are reflected in our community. Encouraging acommunity that provides an environment for growththrough information, education and role modelling willassist families to undertake this responsibility.Townsville City Council is committed to:• Planning for, developing and promoting a healthyand safe city• Undertaking educational activities to promote thevalue of community diversity• Advocating for families and their social,environmental and economic needs at state andcommonwealth spheresTHE ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF FAMILIESFamilies are fundamental contributors to our localeconomy. Supporting and providing opportunities forfamilies to strengthen their financial capacity will addto the depth of the local economy.Townsville City Council is committed to:• Undertaking social and infrastructure planningactivities across Council to ensure responses tofamily needs are relevant• Developing and maintaining respectful and ethicalfamily friendly employment practices• Advocating for families and their social,environmental and economic needs at state andcommonwealth spheresTownsville City Council Family Charter4 5

THE NEED TO SUPPORT FAMILIESAt times, families may need additional support todeal with life’s stresses and to improve connectionswith the community. A strong community willdevelop the capacity to respond to the changingneeds of families and their members and affirm theirachievements.Townsville City Council is committed to:• Providing community support services for residentsof all ages, focusing on sections of the communitywith identified and/or special needs• Playing a leadership role in the community through:1) Best practice approaches to service delivery2) Consultation and feedback processes on services3) Enabling family participation in programdevelopment• Supporting community initiatives that respond torecognised needs of families• Partnering with key individuals and organisationsto develop and implement support strategies withinthe communityTHE SHARING OF RESPONSIBILITYFamilies are our community. Families share a mutualresponsibility as citizens to partner with council andeach other to create a supportive and connectedcommunity.Townsville City Council is committed to:• Developing community initiatives at aneighbourhood level to strengthen localised bonds• Providing opportunities for families to participate inCouncil’s community planning activities• Consulting with the community to identify theongoing needs of families• Partnering with key individuals and organisationsto develop and implement citizenship strategiesTHE CELEBRATION OF FAMILIESCelebrations which acknowledge the contributions offamilies to our community provide public recognitionand confirmation of their vital role. Occasions forcelebration at a street, neighbourhood or communitylevel will enhance families’ pride in themselves andour community.Values into actionsThe value statements above should not be viewedas separate or disconnected concepts. They areinterrelated and interdependent, relying on amutual long-term commitment between Council andcommunity to ensure the intent is sustained andoutcomes achievable. Therefore the actions listedunder the statements may be found under one ormore categories.THE IMPORTANCE OF CONNECTEDFAMILIESTHE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILIES SPENDINGTIME TOGETHERThe ability to spend time together is crucial forongoing family strength and connection. Facilitatingevents and providing infrastructure that areaccessible to all community members will ensurefamilies have the chance to take advantage of thetime they have together.familyTownsville City Council is committed to:Cohesive and connected families provide a solidfoundation for a safe and supported community.Providing avenues for people to strengthen thebonds within their families will also strengthen theirconnection to the community.Townsville City Council is committed to:• Planning for, developing and promoting a healthyand safe city• Undertaking educational activities to promote thevalue of community diversity• Providing arts and cultural programs, activities andinfrastructure to encourage and maintain familyparticipation• Providing cultural and recreational programs,activities and infrastructure to encourage andmaintain family participation• Presenting inclusive and family focusedcelebratory events to maximise communityinvolvement• Developing initiatives at a neighbourhood level tostrengthen localised community bondsTownsville City Council is committed to:• Presenting inclusive and free family focusedcelebratory events to maximise communityinvolvement• Developing community initiatives at aneighbourhood level to strengthen localisedcommunity bonds• Supporting community organised events thatrecognise and promote the contribution of familiesTownsville City Council Family Charter6 7

Charter SignatoriesWe, the undersigned, support the principles and values outlined in the Townsville City Council Family Charter.We further commit to working with Council to achieve the outcomes and continue to develop a strong,connected and diverse community.Cr Les Tyrell oamMayor of the City of TownsvilleCr David CrisafulliDeputy Mayor of the City of TownsvilleCr Jenny LaneChair of the Lifestyle and Community Development CommitteeTownsville City CouncilCr Jenny HillChair of the Families Advisory CommitteeTownsville City CouncilCr Dale LastChair of the Community Safety Advisory CommitteeTownsville City CouncilCr Brian HewittChair of the Seniors Advisory CommitteeTownsville City CouncilCr Deanne BellChair of the Disability Advisory CommitteeTownsville City CouncilTanya AkeeTownsville Aboriginal and Islanders Health ServiceNeville AbbeyTownsville Regional Grandparenting Support GroupStuart SmithDefence ServicesIvan GreenCEO, Live FMBill RayBishop, Catholic ChurchEverad BlackmanReverend, Uniting ChurchAngela D’ArcyThe Umbrella NetworkAngela BeggsTownsville Intercultural CentreGinni HallQueensland Youth ServicesRenee McAllisterACT for KidsDonna PembertonCerebral Palsy LeagueEva KennedyRed CrossSheila HawthornTownsville Multicultural Support GroupPaula La RosaCentaCareSteven ForceWing Commander, RAAFACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND REFERENCESTownsville City Council would like to thank the many family members who have contributed to the developmentof this Charter, from filling out questionnaires to participating in focus groups, from Advisory Group members toCommunity Leaders.i. Weston, R. Stanton, D. Lixia, Q. and Soriano, G. (2001), “Australian Families in Transition”, Family Matters,No. 60, Spring/Summer 2001, pp 12-2, Australian Institute of Family Studiesii. Australian Local Government Association (1998), Local Government and Families in the Community - A guideand action plan for Local Governments, pp 14-15, Australian Local Government Association, ACTFOR MORE INFORMATIONCommunity ServicesCommunity and Cultural Services Department P: 4727 9714 E: enquiries@townsville.qld.gov.auwww.townsville.qld.gov.auTownsville City Council Family Charter8 9