In an article headed “The End of an Era” (The Standard, December 28) by Matt Neal the following reference is made about Community Connections “the social welfare agency eventually pulled the plug on June 30”. The report is wrong. It is as wrong as many previous articles and online references concerning the agency in recent years. Community Connections did not “pull the plug” to quote the sophisticated analysis of the Warrnambool Standard. 

The 22-year-old community agency has throughout the entire 2012 calendar year continued to work on behalf of regional citizens, families and children. The agency is actively assisting Children Australia Inc (trading under the well-known name of OzChild) to implement and establish a range of essential and creative family and children’s services.

Community Connections is proud of its historical performance in providing high-quality support services to thousands of regional citizens and their families — a fact verified by the plethora of positive and acclaimed audits and accreditations exercised by many bureaucratic authorities over two decades.

The board of directors at Community Connections is excited to be associated with the entry and commitment to the Western District demonstrated by OzChild. 

The OzChild 160-year independent history of caring for children is building on the foundations of Community Connections (Vic) Ltd. 

The emergence of new and imaginative community service initiatives is immensely encouraging for the many people who have been supportive of Community Connections over the years. The arrival of OzChild is a significant community development achievement for the agency’s board of directors, its loyal supporters and staff.

At a time in Australia when there is an acute and critical focus on the development and protection of children, here in the Western District of Victoria the work goes on.

Bruce du Vergier, chief executive officer, Community Connections (Vic) Ltd, Kepler Street, Warrnambool