The Morrison Government is providing an immediate funding injection to Mornington Peninsula and Frankston charities and community organisations who support locals in the wake of the coronavirus economic downturn.
As part of the part of the Government’s new Community Support Package, the Mornington Community Information and Support Centre, Southern Peninsula Community Support, Information Centre and Western Port Community Support and Community Support Frankston will receive funding assistance.
In total, $502,526 in additional funding will be made available through to the end of the 2020/21 financial year for the Mornington Peninsula and the Frankston area.
“This is such a different time with so many moving and changing challenges for Emergency Relief charities like ours, we have lost some important income streams just when they are most needed,” Southern Peninsula Community Support and Information Centre, CEO, Jeremy Maxwell said
“In addition, most of our volunteers are unable to work, so our staff are taking on even more than usual. We are grateful for the additional Emergency Relief and JobKeeper funding as it will give us the capacity to keep our service going. We would like to acknowledge Minister Hunt for his work at making that possible.”
Stuart Davis-Meehan of the Mornington Community Information and Support Centre added, “this additional funding enable us to expand the range of support we can provide, particularly at a time when we have just started to see a new group of people who have never needed our services before.”
Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, said this investment would assist locals batting 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 Hunt 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.”
Mr Hunt said the Commonwealth funded providers would be working with other local organisations to ensure people could access services quickly.
“I encourage local organisations to work with the 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 Hunt said.
Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said 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.
“This funding injection will enable organisations in the Mornington Peninsula and the Frankston area to streamline supply chains, increase workforce capacity and help increase local support and outreach services,” Minister Ruston said.
Contact details for funded providers can be found on the Department of Social Services’ directory at https://serviceproviders.dss.gov.au/
Overall across the country the Morrison Government is providing an immediate $100 million to Australian charities and community organisations.