Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin this week announced the Australian Government is investing $450,000 over three years to help connect local indigenous people to a range of community services through non-profit organisation Taree Indigenous Development and Employment (TIDE).

TIDE will help connect indigenous people in Taree, Wauchope and the surrounding communities to a range of services including employment, education, training, caring for families, early childhood, financial management, housing, health and legal services.

The local organisation will also target people dealing with issues including family violence and drug and alcohol abuse.

"Often people suffer social isolation through a combination of linked problems such as unemployment, poor skills, low incomes, sub-standard housing, high levels of crime, bad health, disability and family breakdown," Ms Macklin said.

"By connecting indigenous Australians to a linked network of services, we can help them overcome disadvantage, and help close the gap between Indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.

"In Taree, Wauchope and the surrounding communities this new support will make accessing a range of support services much easier."

Over the last 10 years Taree Indigenous Development and Employment has provided Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) and other services in the local community.

The organisation has connections with indigenous and non-indigenous service organisations and support from the Taree and Wauchope communities.

These services are part of the Australian Government's $41 million Indigenous Community Support Service package.

For more information on this new service, the providers and locations visit: www.fahcsia. gov.au/sa/indigenous/ progserv/families/Pages/community _support_service.aspx