100,000 ways to help vulnerable locals

Local families grappling with the unprecedented surge in the cost of daily living have welcomed a $100,000 Lotterywest grant for emergency relief presented to Southcare by Member for South Perth Geoff Baker MLA today.

Chief Executive Officer Enda Fahy said the funds will be used to provide food vouchers, rent arrears and utility payments for those on low incomes who suffer social disadvantage and are in urgent need.

“This funding means at-risk people can breathe a little easier knowing their power and gas won’t be cut off, they have food to feed their family and access to everyday essential items which many of us take for granted,” Mr Fahy said.

“They will then be eligible for free financial counselling with Southcare’s team so that together they can address the underlying issues that have led to their crisis and navigate a pathway towards greater independence,” he said.

It is common for lines of people to wait at Southcare every week for assistance.

“From groceries and fuel to rent and bills, the cost of living has experienced a rapid and substantial increase leaving already disadvantaged families to navigate a financial landscape that is becoming increasingly challenging, and providers like Southcare are increasingly being called on for a helping hand,” Mr Fahy said.

“Everyone deserves the basic right to food, housing and support, as well as professional advice to address systemic issues that, when solved, can provide greater freedom and self-worth to live a life of purpose and independence,” he said.

“In the last 12 months the average cost of petrol has peaked at $2.02 a litre and for the same period last year was $1.64,” Mr Baker said. (1).

“Everyday staples like dairy, bread, fruit, vegetables, meat and seafood have collectively increased by almost 40% which is a huge hit to the shopping bills of the already disadvantaged trying to shop healthy,” he said (2).

“Our community is fortunate to have a provider like Southcare deliver this essential work and now with this added funding boost more families can benefit. I am delighted to present this funding grant from Lotterywest today,” Mr Baker said.

Southcare’s emergency relief is available free of charge to residents in the City of South Perth between 10am – 1pm Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday and is confidential. You should call Southcare on 9450 6233 to check eligibility before arrival.

Last year Southcare helped 1,124 people with emergency relief and financial counselling services and first started helping the community in 1982.

If you need a hand, please reach out.

Sources:
1 Monthly average fuel prices (fuelwatch.wa.gov.au) comparing September 2022 and 2023 data
2 Cost of living comparison: Australian cities 2023 | Finder, food inflation by category since January 2023