The petition of residents of the State of Queensland draws to the attention of the House that during the period 2000-2003 Mental Illness Fellowship North Queensland (MIFNQ) received funding from Queensland Health to fund a wide range of services, including the provision of information, support accommodation and advocacy. The Fellowship struggled to meet the increasing demands for its services without equivalent increases in funding. All staff work part time hours as a cost-saving measure and it has become necessary to cut the Help for the Rural Caregivers of the Mentally Ill Program (HRCMI) and terminate the service of a valued employee. The award winning HRCMI program provided support to individuals and families of over 30 rural and remote centres of North Queensland. The program included workshop, face-to-face counselling, education, and most importantly a vision of hope for recovery. It’s anticipated that the impact of the cut to the rural outreach program will be significant. Your petitioners therefore request the House to request the Government to take all steps possible to assist the Fellowship provide the HRCMI Program until the end of the financial year (June 2004).