GAPA (Grandparents as Parents Again) members share the pain of the parents and grandparents of missing little William Tyrrell.
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We send them our sincere sympathy and hope he is with them soon.
Most people may be aware GAPA has been under extreme pressure by an overzealous journalist from the Daily Telegraph, Taylor Auerbach.
He has caused us grandparents, and our children, a lot of anxiety and stress and a great disservice to our grandparent group.
His disgusting behaviour leaves us wondering what was his motive?
The person of interest was not in our group.
GAPA was formed in 2005 by Port Macquarie Evening Branch of the Country Women's Association and Uniting Care Burnside Hastings Family Support Centre.
We are dedicated to helping grandparents and families who provide a safe and loving environment in which children can grow.
GAPA meets once a month. Meetings are informal and grandparents discuss many topics of interest.
Guest speakers are invited to come along to GAPA to give information on various issues that may affect grandparents.
Social outings are planned at least once a month where families can get together to chat and play.
All our members are required to have a working with children check and we supply those numbers to Family and Community Services.
We are incorporated with Fair Trading and comply with their rules.
We also have the support from various local community organisations.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics survey in 2006-2007 there were:
- 14,000 grandparent families in which the grandparents were guardians or main carers of co-resident children aged 0-17
- The number of grandparents has decreased since 2003 when there were 23,000 grandparent families with children aged 0-17 years
- There are 7000 foster families in which there was one or more co-resident foster child.
So if you are a grandparent providing some type of care for your grandchildren and would like to meet other grandparents then contact us by email on gapa4orgau@hotmail.com.
Beverley Sharpe, GAPA secretary.