Funding boost for emergency relief, food delivery, and financial stress support

More than 300 charities and community groups will benefit from a $100 million funding boost aimed at helping vulnerable people get through the coronavirus pandemic.  

Social Services Minister Anne Ruston on Saturday announced the funding injection, alongside a new National Coordination Group to help lead the Morrison government’s response to emergency relief across Australia. 

This sector-led group will identify issues at a local, state and national level and offer advice directly to the minister.

Ruston said she has been in constant communication with the sector to ensure the government was responding to its needs.

“The 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,” Ruston 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.”

Of the $100 million funding injection, $37 million will be shared between almost 200 Commonwealth-funded emergency relief organisations to increase support and change service delivery methods to comply with social distancing measures.

Red Cross will receive $7 million over the next six months to deliver emergency relief and casework support to vulnerable people on temporary visas.

And food relief providers Foodbank Australia, SecondBite and OzHarvest will share $16 million in funding to help with food supplies, transport options and staffing needs.

From Pro Bono News, Morrison government offers $100M boost to community sector