Paint and Play program for Weston Creek starts

Canberra's latest Paint and Play program for families was launched in Weston Creek today by

ACT Minister for Community Services Joy Burch.

"Painting and playing are among every child's favourite activities but we also know that they are a fantastic way to help children develop," Ms Burch said.

"They allow children to come together to socialise but also allow their parents and carers to meet up and discuss issues while also learning about the range of services on offer."

The Paint and Play program is the first one in the Weston Creek region and was established by Communites@Work with support from Noah's Ark and Woden Community Services.

It was development in response to a community forum held in Weston Creek earlier this year which looked at ways the community could work to better support the development of children.

One of the initiatives to come out of that form was the Paint and Play program.

There are now 12 Paint and Play programs across the ACT, with the first one started in Ngunnawal in 2005.

"It is really heartening to see different sections of the community, including the ACT Government, come together to develop this paint and play program.

"This collaborative approach is often the template for the most successful community programs and I hope that the families and children of Weston Creek spend many hours painting and playing together."

For more information on Paint and play Programs, visit www.dhcs.act.gov.au/ocyfs/childandfamilycentres/paint_and_play