Regional areas, in particular the Eurobodalla, are screaming out for federal funding at a time when the Treasurer’s purse strings are tight.

We need more facilities for the homeless, more government investment to encourage jobs, dedicated specialist health services, more affordable housing and improved infrastructure, to name a few.

But when it comes to disability services in this region, no family should have to leave their hometown due to inequitable access to quality care and therapy.

The Eurobodalla Education and Therapy Services committee is not the first to float the idea of a disability services centre for children, from birth to 18.

A simliar concept has run in Queanbeyan for decades, known as the Queanbeyan Children’s Special Needs Group.

What started as a support network for one mother of a child with Down syndrome expanded over the years to meet the changing needs of children.

It provides early learning groups, transition to school, an information service and advice, and therapy through a consortium of professionals – all from a centrally located, council provided, hub.

It would be a concept well suited to this area, given the hundreds of families facing challenges similar to those of Sally, Nick and Frankie every day.

A promise of “research” from Eden-Monaro MP Peter Hendy is adequate only if it is followed by real action which results in better outcomes for our local families. 

Because if there is one thing more worthy of investment than anything else, it is our children.