Child Safety Officer

As we approach the Christmas season, we are reminded of the incredible gift of hope and love that came through Jesus Christ. This is a time of joy and celebration, but we also know that for some families in our community, the lead-up to Christmas can be challenging. Financial pressures, emotional strain, and unexpected circumstances can make this season difficult.

Support Services Available

If your family is experiencing hardship, please know that you are not alone. There are many churches and organisations in this area who have pastoral staff ready to listen, pray, and provide practical assistance where possible. If you feel comfortable, you can also reach out to us here at Leighland. We will gladly pray with you and offer what support we can. We can also connect you with local support services, including the Integrated Family Support Service.

Integrated Family Support (IFSS) is a free, voluntary, early-intervention service available to families across North West Tasmania—Burnie, Devonport, Kentish, Ulverstone, and surrounds. Delivered by community partners such as Baptcare, Mission Australia and Glenhaven under Strong Families, Safe Kids, the program aims to:

Build strength, resilience, and parenting confidence;
Provide practical strategies for challenging behaviors, home safety, teens and newborn care;
Reduce risks associated with substance issues, mental health, violence, or financial hardship.

To access IFSS, we can assist with a referral, or you can call 1800 000 123.

We are blessed to be surrounded by a number of organisations that provide welfare, food and financial support across the North West Coast. These organisations are listed below. If you are in need, you can access these using the contact details included. If you are in a situation where you can bless others, many of these organisations also gladly accept donations.

1. City Mission (Burnie & Launceston)

Phone: Burnie – 6432 2543 | Launceston – 6335 3000
Services: Food packages, electricity/bill advocacy, fuel, transport, chemist vouchers.
Christmas Assistance (2025): Apply by 28 November for food and toy support—Deliver forms to 55 Mount St, Burnie, or email: familyservices@citymission.org.au, citymission.org.au

2. Find Help Tas – North-West

Phone: 6432 2543
Hours: Mon–Fri 9.00am – 3.00pm
Services: Food, clothing, household goods, transport, chemist vouchers, budgeting, utility help. findhelptas.org.au

3. BCNA Emergency Relief NW Tasmania: bcna.org.au

Providers include:

Youth, Family & Community Connections – (03) 6423 6635
The Salvation Army TAS – (03) 6430 4100
St Vincent de Paul NW TAS – (03) 6435 2323
Wyndarra Centre – (03) 6452 2722
CatholicCare TAS – 1800 819 447 or (03) 6431 8555

4. The Salvation Army (Salvos TAS)

Statewide Phone: 03 6208 1488
Services: Financial counselling, food & voucher assistance, utility/rent aid, no-interest loans, Christmas gift support. salvationarmy.org.au

5. Loaves & Fishes Tasmania

Statewide Support — Partners with 250+ local groups, fresh meals, rescued produce
Donate or Volunteer via their website: https://loavesandfishestasmania.org.au/

6. Uniting Vic.Tas

Statewide: Call 03 9192 8100
Services: Food parcels/vouchers, personal care items, clothing, household goods, community meals, bill assistance unitingvictas.org.au

7. Anglicare Tasmania

Emergency Food & Financial Help: Community pantry access and parcels
Find Nearest Office via website anglicare.org.au

If you woul like more information about how to give or receive support, please contact the school office. Thank you for helping us make this Christmas a season of compassion and care.

Erin Beer

Co-Head of Primary & Child Safety Officer