Half a million dollars in additional Emergency Relief funding is being allocated to the Sunshine Coast to support families suffering economic hardship as the Coronavirus crisis continues to bite.
Local MPs Ted O’Brien and Andrew Wallace welcomed the immediate funding injection saying it was both critical and timely in its support of the charities and community organisation helping local families in crisis.
Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien said the first wave of additional funding – $228,100 – would be delivered this financial year.
“There are many people in our community doing it tough right now, which is why I am pleased the Morrison Government is delivering this much-needed funding to support emergency cash payments, food, everyday bills, transport and school supplies,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Many people reaching out to these services may have never needed this type of assistance before, so we need to make sure we have the right supports in place to help people through this period and bounce back stronger when it’s over.”
Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said a further $268,353 had been allocated for the 2020-21 financial year.
“That’s on top of the $609,000 allocated annually,” Mr Wallace said.
“I encourage local organisations to work with the Commonwealth funded providers in their area to ensure that those who need support are able to get it, when and where they need it.
“Food relief providers including Foodbank, OzHarvest and SecondBite will all benefit from this additional funding,” he said.
Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the Government understood that this was a trying time for relief providers facing rapidly increasing demand while dealing with challenges in maintaining the workforce and distribution lines needed to operate.
“This funding injection will enable Sunshine Coast organisations to streamline supply chains, increase workforce capacity and help increase local support and outreach services,” Minister Ruston said.
The additional funding is part of the new $200 million Community Support Package to help vulnerable Australians impacted by Coronavirus.
Contact details for funded providers can be found on the Department of Social Services’ directory at https://serviceproviders.dss.gov.au/
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