The Liberal and Nationals Government is providing additional support to Emergency Relief and Food Relief providers across Victoria.
Local service providers will share in $2.6 million of funding across Victoria for Emergency Relief work in the local community.
Acting Minister for Families and Social Services Linda Reynolds said Emergency and Food Relief providers will provide additional support in Commonwealth-declared COVID-19 hotspots.
“This additional funding will help our local service providers continue to support vulnerable Australians, by helping them with food, clothing, petrol, vouchers or help with bills,” Minister Reynolds said.
Nationals Senate Leader and Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said the additional funding will provide practical immediate support to people in Victoria who are doing it tough.
“Emergency Relief providers are a real lifeline for people who are experiencing financial distress and hardship,” said Senator McKenzie.
“Australians have been extremely resilient throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and we know this extra support will help many Victorian families get through this difficult time.”
An additional $2 million will be provided to the Australian Red Cross to continue supporting temporary visa holders to access counselling and support and $2 million will also be shared between Foodbank Australia, OzHarvest and SecondBite to increase food supplies to Commonwealth-funded Emergency Relief providers.
This funding is part of the Liberal and Nationals Government’s $200 million Community Support Package, and was recommended by the National Coordination Group, which advises the Government on how to best allocate funding to Emergency Relief providers to ensure it is distributed where it is most needed.
This funding works alongside a range of other financial supports available to people who have been directed to self-isolate, quarantine or care for someone who has COVID-19.
More information about emergency relief and service providers is available on the DSS Grants Service Directory.