The Rockhampton branch of LFAA came about from a call by concerned Central Queensland residents to do something about the damaging effects of divorce. Our branch is honoured, as do all other LFAA branches, to have a membership of many women as well as men. These women are the second wives, grandmothers, daughters, step-daughters; even the sisters of
divorced fathers; and are very vocal about the many issues relating to fatherlessness in our society, today. Our branch offers support to individuals from Yeppoon to Blackwater, Gladstone to St. Lawrence; an area which encompasses a large section of the Bowen basin mining region. We offer support and education on issues relating to family breakdown/divorce and
take suggestions for submission to Government for change to relevant legislation.
Particular concerns in this region relates to the high, and still rising, incident of divorce in the Bowen basin mining area and to the difficulty experienced by fathers and paternal grandparents in relation to the other party disregarding court or consent parenting orders. Child neglect and abuse is a constant concern for many members.
Meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month at Central Queensland University at 7: 30 p.m. and everybody's welcome. Guest speakers provide up-to-date information at these meetings, and this month's (8th July) speaker will be Hazel from the local branch of the Child Support Agency. Hazel, a high-raking CSA officer, will provide information on the new formula and will discuss any issue the audience may have.
Future events: During July-08, the LFAA branch executives will hold meetings at Yeppoon and Blackwater.
As an executive of the regional office of the Community Legal Centre, the branch president is involved in the implementing of a government-funded move to reduce court cases by providing free legal work on consent parenting orders as mediated through the new Family Relationship Centres. More detailed information on this free legal assistance will be provided as progress of the program provides.
Soon to be completed is a 'Divorce Repair Kit' to further aid fathers in the court system.
A formation of a local executive to support a local candidate for the Non-Custodial Parents Party in the next election is being undertaken.
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Nation-wide listing of branches of the Lone Fathers
Association of Australia.
