Training for Emergency Relief volunteers

The strength of the Emergency Relief program lies in its volunteers as they deliver real assistance to Australians in dire financial need.

Speaking at the launch of the training video, An Australian Story, Federal Minister for Community Services, Larry Anthony said the video focused on the paid and unpaid workers providing Emergency Relief, as well as people who had experienced financial crisis and agreed to tell their stories.

“The Federal Government’s Emergency Relief program offers a lifeline to those Australians who suddenly experience financial crisis,” Mr Anthony said.

“There are no simple ‘one size fits all’ solutions – people requiring Emergency Relief come from all walks of life and in very real need of assistance. They may need to pay an electricity bill or simply put food on the table.

“An Australian Story will be a valuable training resource, because it presents the reality of the situation. There are no fancy effects or paid actors, just real people telling their stories.

“Anyone who watches this video could not fail to notice the tremendous and vital role which volunteers play in helping others in the community to confront and handle crisis situations,” Mr Anthony said.

Mr Anthony said that over $26 million in funding would be provided to the Emergency Relief program this financial year.

“Emergency Relief is helping people in financial crisis to deal with their immediate situation, maintain their dignity and encourage self-reliance,” Mr Anthony said.