Relationships Australia Celebrates 60 Years Supporting Tasmanian Relationships

Relationships Australia Tasmania (RA Tas) this week celebrates its 60th Anniversary of providing relationship and family support services to Tasmanians.
RA Tas, formerly known as the Tasmanian Marriage Guidance Council, began in late 1949 following the establishment of Marriage Guidance Councils in other Australian states.
‘When the Tasmanian Council began it was staffed by volunteers with a strong focus on assisting married couples following the social changes and upheavals associated with Wold War II and its aftermath. It received a small government grant of 25 pounds.’ Mat Rowell CEO of Relationships Australia Tas explained.
‘Today Relationships Australia Tas is a fully professional organization, employing over 150 trained and experienced staff and a budget of over $7 million. We provide support to over 6,000 Tasmanians every year through a number of offices in city and regional areas.
From the initial focus on working with married couples who wished to improve their relationship through counselling, Relationships Australia Tas now offers a wide range of family and personal support services in response to the changing needs of society.
‘Over the last ten years in particular, the organization has increasingly focused on the importance of children in its work with families,’ Mr Rowell said.
‘Children’s Contact Services, Parenting Orders Programs, Family Relationship Centres, Relationship Counselling Services, Reconnect and Mediation Services all make use of specialist children’s consultants to ensure that children’s views and developmental needs are taken into account in supporting families,’
‘Frequently these services are being offered to families who are also involved in legal processes – including Family Law, Child Protection and Family Violence matters.’
‘60 years of providing support and services is a major achievement for any community sector organisation, Mat Rowell CEO of Relationships Australia Tas said, ‘and it is a significant milestone that all staff and volunteers, past and present should be particularly proud of.’
As part of the celebration, functions to mark the milestone will be held in Launceston, Devonport and Hobart.
Brief History for 60th-1.doc

Relationships Australia