Vital support for some of the state's most vulnerable people will remain accessible with the Palaszczuk Government extending funding for the Queensland Community Support Scheme (QCSS) .
Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch said $6.38 million was being provided to ensure the continuation of important QCSS services for the next 12 months, delivering on our plan for economic and community recovery from COVID-19.
"The QCSS provides services and support to Queenslanders who have low-level disability, chronic health or mental health conditions, and are ineligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)," Minister Enoch said.
"The ongoing funding for this vital service will provide greater certainty and stability for vulnerable Queenslanders and service providers and brings the total Palaszczuk Government funding for this program to $37.8 million for this financial year.
"Throughout the pandemic, the services provided through the scheme help those in need undertake regular day-to-day activities and participate in their community.
"Important in-home support such as personal care, cleaning, preparing meals and connection to the community through shopping assistance, participating in social activities and attending medical appointments are just a few of the essential services QCSS provides."
Mary-Anne is one of the Queenslanders benefitting from the Queensland Community Support Scheme after she suffered an injury and was having difficulty supporting herself at home.
"I fell down the stairs and broke my pelvis and I spent 6 weeks recovering in hospital," Mary-Anne said.
"When I got home, I found that vacuuming and mopping aggravated my back."
Mary-Anne reached out to the QCSS for support and receives two hours of help each fortnight from Celeste, a QCSS support worker, to assist with household tasks and community connection.
"Celeste is a great help with the computer. I always have a list of things for her to help me with when she arrives," Mary-Anne said.
"I have learnt how to shop online, redeem my reward points and download photos."
The Queensland Community Support Scheme is also delivered in isolated First Nations communities in some of the most remote areas of the state.
Minister Enoch said these services would benefit from a $420,538 funding extension to provide certainty for First Nations communities over the next 12 months.
"In total the Palaszczuk Government has provided more than $125 million funding for a wide range of community services across the state in the past financial year," Ms Enoch said.
"We are committed to funding high-quality community services for seniors, people with disability, families, young people and vulnerable Queenslanders."
