BUSHkids Toowong, a non-profit organisation providing free healthcare support for children and families in regional and rural areas, received a substantial funding boost for its telehealthcare programs.
As part of the $8 million Community Infrastructure Investment Partnership (CIIP) competitive grants program under Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Steven Miles, BUSHkids Toowong will receive $481,090 to establish a dedicated telehealth facility on its Brisbane office in Morley Street.
“Telehealth has proved to be a great way of complementing the work of our regional centres, particularly during COVID-19 and the telehealth centre will support our therapists based around the state going forward,” BUSHkids CEO Carlton Meyn said.
“This grant allows us to start work on the project and when finished it will enable us to provide services to more children in rural, regional and remote communities who need our help now more than ever.”
BUSHkids, also known as the Royal Queensland Bush Childrens’ Health Scheme, is one of 12 grant recipients alongside a mental health hub in Teneriffe, a community hub in Caboolture, and a youth centre in Ipswich. The boost to expand its services will also provide jobs in the construction, administrative, and social service sector.
“Infrastructure is about more than just large construction projects – it is also about small to medium projects that make a real impact at a local level and help boost the heart and soul of a community.
“They will pave the way for many new opportunities for local people who will benefit from the increased availability of services that support their health, well-being and the development of new skills,” Mr Miles said.