The federal government has announced a $40 million Place Partnership Model, with Logan named as one of 18 locations to benefit from the locally led initiative.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek visited Logan on Thursday to mark the announcement, meeting with staff and families at Logan Together’s facilities.
The model directs funding toward locally designed programs including school engagement initiatives, youth recreation, employment pathways, and family counselling services.
“We have the model of successful community-led early childhood initiatives right here with Logan Together,” Dr Chalmers said.
“I have championed their community-led approach, which is the basis for the Place Partnership Model program we’re announcing today.”
Logan Together is a local non-profit organisation focused on improving the wellbeing of children aged zero to eight years. It has worked with more than 2800 families over five years.
The organisation operates Maternal and Child Health Hubs across Logan. Through these hubs, the rate of stillbirths for First Nations babies now sits at 0.3 per cent, compared to between one and five per cent elsewhere in Queensland.
In Berrinba, Logan Together’s programs have supported a 23.5 per cent increase in children developmentally on track. In Eagleby, 42.9 per cent of children were developmentally on track in 2024, up significantly since 2018.
The organisation also reports that 91.5 per cent of First Nations mothers in Logan now attend five or more antenatal visits.
Minister Plibersek said a single national approach did not suit every location.
“This new Place Partnership Model puts communities in the driver’s seat — because local people know best what will make a real difference for their families,” she said.
“When communities work together, and governments listen and respond, we see better outcomes including healthier babies, more kids in school, higher graduation rates and more jobs.”
Funding through the model can support geographically specific activities tailored to local need. Local leaders and organisations guide where government investment is directed.
The Place Partnership Model builds on the federal government’s existing Stronger Places, Stronger People program, which has supported Logan Together’s work in recent years.
Further details are available through the Department of Social Services website.
