Additional support for Wide Bay charities and community organisations

Charities and community organisations in Wide Bay will receive immediate funding to help them continue to support local people in the wake of the coronavirus economic downturn, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.

“There are many people in Wide Bay who are doing it tough right now, and this much-needed funding boost will help local groups continue their support including emergency cash payments and food, as well as help with 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 it’s important we have this support in place to help people through this pandemic and help them recover when it’s over.”

As part of the Australian Government’s new Community Support Package, organisations in the Wide Bay region will receive an additional $775,015, and organisations in the Sunshine Coast area will receive a $496,453 boost.

The funding will be shared between organisations including Community Action Inc, Graham House Community Centre, Regional Housing Limited, St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland, The Salvation Army, IFYS Limited and United Synergies Ltd.

Mr O’Brien said the Commonwealth funded providers would be working with other local organisations to ensure people can quickly access the assistance.

“I encourage local organisations and charities in Wide Bay to work with the providers to ensure that the people who need support can receive it, when and where they need it,” he said.

Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the Morrison Government understands this is 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 Wide Bay organisations to streamline supply chains, increase workforce capacity and help increase local support and outreach services,” Minister Ruston said.

Contact details for funded providers can be found on the Department of Social Services’ directory at https://serviceproviders.dss.gov.au/

Overall across the country, the Morrison Government is providing an immediate $100 million to Australian charities and community organisations.