JANINE Vander Ven says she bases her values on a platform that stems from the love of God, mankind, life, justice and freedom.
She is the Australian Christian Party’s contender for the seat of Brand.
She said there were several key issues facing the community in Brand and if elected they would be her priority.
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READ NOW“Brand’s issues are substance abuse, breakdown of family, domestic violence, neglect of children, mental illness including depression and anxiety, financial difficulties, sexual abuse, unemployment, crime, all forms of addiction including gambling and gaming, hopelessness and even homelessness,” she said.
“I love what I know of Shalom House’s model of a holistic drug and family rehabilitation.
“The success rate speaks for itself and I know this model is being rolled out in other places and there was a public meeting in Baldivis.
“Brand needs its own Shalom House.”
She said not enough was being done for domestic violence victims.
“There needs to be more emergency accommodation in women’s refuges and men’s time-out facilities,” she said.
“The Anglicans provide the only accommodation for teens in this area and I believe more beds are needed to meet demand.
“I know the work of the Salvation Army and other groups around Brand is invaluable.
“Chaplaincy in schools is extremely beneficial and I believe it could be expanded to include Tafes and universities, sporting clubs and even the community at large.”
She said organisations such as Relationships Australia were in desperate need of ongoing funding, along with financial counselling services.
“Young people need to learn about the dangers of using illicit substances and engaging in sexual relationships before being confronted with those choices,” she said.
“I had suggested to several mental health workers that they need to design a large version of a type of Snakes and Ladders game containing consequences for decisions which could be played at school.”
She said services for young mums and their children were also needing proper funding.
“As an elected member I would be battling on behalf of all the areas of need within our region,” she said.
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