Dale, Allan (1995) Delivering community services in rural communities: problems and prospects. In: Proceedings from the International Conference of the Rural Education Research and Development Centre. ED390622. pp. 2-8. From: International Conference of the Rural Education Research and Development Centre: issues affecting rural communities, 10-15 July 1994, Townsville, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

This paper examines specific problems facing community service delivery in rural Australia and efforts to overcome these deficiencies. The generic term "rural" is advantageous in that it delineates particular problems facing rural communities, aids in resource allocation, raises public awareness of rural disadvantage, and provides an understanding of qualitative factors associated with rural living. Disadvantages of using such a broad categorization include the lumping together of nonrelated communities, perpetuation of rural myths, and stigmatization of all rural communities as disadvantaged. Common problems of rural community service delivery include distance, isolation, and coordination of services; lack of infrastructure and resources; recruitment of service professionals; limited skill base of service delivery agencies; increased demands upon community organizations concerning accountability and outcomes; and poorly defined roles for local government. Past models of rural service delivery have failed because they were based on urban models, used culturally inappropriate practices, or did not integrate services. The Division of Community Services Development (Queensland) has sought to overcome these deficiencies by developing programs through a participatory local planning process that emphasizes building community self-reliance. Programs provide integrated services based on local priorities, deliver emergency relief and social support services to farm families in drought areas, promote social-impact assessment of development projects, provide "limited hours" child care, and help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island women to develop local child and family services.

Item ID:	45016
Item Type:	Conference Item (Non-Refereed Research Paper)
Date Deposited:	11 Aug 2016 04:04
FoR Codes:	16 STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY > 1608 Sociology > 160804 Rural Sociology @ 60% 16 STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY > 1604 Human Geography > 160404 Urban and Regional Studies (excl Planning) @ 40%
SEO Codes:	97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970116 Expanding Knowledge through Studies of Human Society @ 20% 94 LAW, POLITICS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES > 9401 Community Service (excl. Work) > 940102 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Development and Welfare @ 40% 94 LAW, POLITICS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES > 9401 Community Service (excl. Work) > 940107 Comparative Structure and Development of Community Services @ 40%
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