The Australian Government is supporting the Department for Community Development and Religion (DfCDR), to review its Integrated Community Development Policy (ICDP).). The policy aims to protect families and empower communities as the building blocks of the nation.
The revised policy will promote community driven development by ensuring, welfare services are available to all including women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities. It will enhance community resilience through opportunities for community learning and informal economic empowerment.
Consultations on the revised draft policy began in July and will end in September 2018. The first consultation was held in West New Britain Province from 29 July to 1 August with participation from the Provincial Administration, Correctional Services Institute, Talasea District Development Authority, private sector and local community based organisations. The process provides an important opportunity for participants to engage with the DfCDR and discuss how the policy will demonstrate tangible results at the ward and community levels.
While in West New Britain, DfCDR staff visited the Gumo Women Fellowship Resource Centre in Bialla to learn how local women raised K7,000 to build the centre and to explore opportunities to collaborate and implement the PICD.
“Community centres which deliver services and strengthen learning are a key part of the policy’s implementation,” Deputy Secretary for DfCDR, Jeane Sliviak said when commending the Women’s Group on building their resource centre through their own fundraising efforts.
Consultations will continue in Western Highlands, Central and Gulf provinces in the coming months. These consultations will provide opportunities for sub-national governments, their development partners, community groups and citizens to discuss the policy with the Department in detail.
This initiative is supported by the Australian Government in collaboration with the Government of Papua New Guinea through the Decentralisation and Citizen Participation Partnership
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100
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The consultation team with West New Britain Provincial Administrator Williamson Hosea (centre) and DFCDR Deputy Secretary Jeane Sliviak (third from right).
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Members of the Gomu Women Fellowship during the DfCDR team visit to Bialla, West New Britain Province.