Regional connection in action
Local
A grassroots partnership in Mount Gambier is helping families overcome barriers to community participation.
Centacare Catholic Community Services has teamed up with charity Four Reasons Why, founded by local parent and advocate Trudi Shelton, and the Mount Gambier Catholic parish to deliver a mobile resource service as part of its Family Connections Program.
The program supports families with children aged 0–12 through early intervention activities designed to enhance family wellbeing, improve developmental outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term disadvantage.
The FCP van is central to the service, bringing playgroups, toys, and family-focused supports to schools, parks and community spaces across Mount Gambier and surrounding areas.
Parish priest Fr Peter Zwaans provided land for a much-needed shed to store the program’s mobile van, as well as resources and equipment.
FCP has also built a strong connection with Trudi Shelton, once a single parent struggling to afford her children’s sporting fees, who created the Four Reasons Why charity to help other families access opportunities.
Through the relationship, FCP clients have received support to attend kindergym, new car tyres for safe transport, driving lessons to increase independence, whitegoods and help with essential medical appointments.
The van has recently been updated and with its colourful “skin” carries a wide range of play equipment and resources.
Michelle Warner, FCP senior manager said over the past 11 years the team had built a strong positive presence in the Limestone Coast community.
“Staff are a connect point for parents and caregivers, for conversation, advice and, where helpful, referral,” she said. “The playgroup itself promotes community connection.”
FCP runs a music circle out of the Mount Gambier North School, where Trudi is a pastoral care worker, on a weekly basis.
After music circle finishes, FCP uses the hub at the school so families can purchase food donated from Foodbank which is organised by Trudi. Families can also stay for a coffee and chat.
Trudi praised Centacare workers Sandra Case and Di Childs for their dedication, warmth, and hands-on support in the school’s Community Hub. She said they were “an absolute asset” to families and the school.
“Our families are really enjoying the space,” said Sandra Case, who helps run the Music Circle group.
“They’re staying for a chat afterwards and making the most of the Foodbank service too.
It’s wonderful to be part of something so positive.”
