Media Statement - 6th September 2007
A Rudd Labor Government will provide $2.8 million over five years to roll out RecLink programs across Australia.
RecLink is the highly successful organiser behind the Choir of Hard Knocks, a choir of 50 homeless people based in Melbourne which captured the hearts and minds of millions of Australians in an ABC documentary earlier this year.
The choir is one of 30 sport and cultural programs RecLink provides in Melbourne to improve the lives and opportunities of Australians suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, social disconnect and homelessness.
Today, Labor's Shadow Minister for Housing, Tanya Plibersek MP, Senator Kate Lundy, Shadow Minister for Sport, Recreation and Health Promotion, and Bill Shorten, Federal Labor Candidate for Maribyrnong attended the RecLink AFL Grand Final at Windy Hill, Essendon to see first hand the result of the RecLink AFL program.
Labor believes that the power and benefits of sport and culture should not be limited to Victorians burdened by mental illness, addictions and other problems.
As the RecLink President, Adrian Panozzo, puts it:
Melbourne – often referred to as the Sporting Capital of the World – is an examplar of the power and benefit of sport and recreation. Connection, community, identity, purpose, challenge, achievement, friendship and support are just a few of the cast offs of involvement in a sporting or recreational activity or event.
Labor wants to see RecLink work its magic in all other states and territories too.
This is why a Rudd Labor Government will give RecLink $2.8 million, to build on existing programs and nationalise the RecLink model.
The funding will mean that RecLink programs can be set up in every state and territory for the first time, and link up more than 200 community agencies.
This announcement follows on from Labor’s other commitments to enhance social inclusion.
Labor is funding RecLink programs as part of its commitment to help disadvantaged Australians re-engage with life and their community.
It has the support and assistance of many prominent Victorians, including Kevin Sheedy (just retired Essendon coach), Will Minson (Western Bulldogs player) and Andrew Gaze (national basketball hero).
RecLink is a tremendously successful model of how self-esteem and purpose can be found by linking disconnected people through enjoyable and meaningful activities - it deserves federal government support so all Australians who need a hand up have the chance to be involved.