URGENT SUPPORT FOR BARKER CHARITIES AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS

The Morrison Government is providing an immediate funding injection to charities and community organisations operating across Barker to support local residents in the wake of the coronavirus economic downturn.

As part of the part of the Government’s new Community Support Package, local service organisations operating in Barker will share in an additional $73 million in funding assistance to help those in need.

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

Member for Barker, Tony Pasin said the investment would assist locals battling the devastating impacts of the coronavirus.

“There are many people in our community doing it tough right now, which is why I am pleased the Morrison Government could deliver this much-needed funding to support emergency cash payments, food, everyday bills, transport and school supplies,” Mr Pasin 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 its over.”

Mr Pasin said the Commonwealth funding would assist local organisations to ensure services can be accessed when they are needed.

Commonwealth funded providers operating in Barker include:

·         St Vincent de Paul

·         Salvation Army

·         Migrant Resource Centre of SA

·         Anglican Community Care

·         Junction Australia

·         Anglicare

·         Uniting Country SA

·         Centacare Catholic Country SA

·         Aboriginal Family Support Service

“I encourage local organisations to work with these Commonwealth funded providers in their area to ensure that those who need support are able to get it, when and where they need it,” Mr Pasin said.

Additional funding of $35 million will also be provided for Food Relief organisations such as Foodbank, OzHarvest and Second Bite to rebuild workforce capacity and source and transport additional food for emergency relief providers.

Mr Pasin urged people who are facing financial crisis due to Coronavirus to reach out to a local provider for emergency relief.