Funding boost to help vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Hurstville

Front-line community organisations in the electorate of Banks will be able to provide ongoing support to local vulnerable and disadvantaged people with new funding in the 2011-12 Budget.

The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, today visited the Salvation Army St George Community Welfare Centre in Hurstville with the Member for Banks, Daryl Melham, to announce the good news.

“I’m pleased to announce the three local organisations that provide emergency relief in Banks will share in more than $500,000 in 2011-12 to help local people and families in times of crisis,” Ms Macklin said.

“This funding will ensure that local people will have access to emergency assistance, including food, clothing and pharmacy and transport vouchers when they need it most.”

While visiting Hurstville, Ms Macklin and Mr Melham announced the Salvation Army St George Community Welfare centre will receive more than $150,000 in 2011-12 to continue providing vital support to local families and individuals, with further funding being provided through a three year contract.

“The Salvation Army does fantastic work in Hurstville to help local people get back on their feet,” Mr Melham said.

“They are always ready to lend a hand to those in need, providing food parcels and assisting people to get into accommodation and organise their bills.

“The demand for these kinds of services remains high in our local community and it’s great to be able to help organisations like the Salvation Army to support those most in need.”

This funding is part of the Australian Government’s funding increase of $83.3 million over four years for emergency relief services announced in the 2011-12 Budget.

It represents a 60 per cent increase on base funding for emergency relief providers across Australia.

In addition, the Australian Government will continue to support the No Interest Loans scheme, which the Salvation Army St George Community Welfare centre currently provides in Hurstville.

No Interest Loans help people on low incomes make household purchases to meet unexpected costs such as buying a new washing machine. The popular program is delivered nationally by local community organisations in partnership with Good Shepherd Youth and Family Services and NAB.

The Australian Government is providing $60.6 million over the next four years to support innovative projects such as no- and low-interest loan schemes, matched savings schemes, and financial literacy projects.