The Albanese Labor Government has announced an additional $11.7 million in funding to bolster Emergency Relief and Financial Counselling across Australia, including for five providers in Gilmore.

Extra funding will help Bay and Basin Community Resources, Mission Australia, Southern Youth and Family Services, St Vincent de Paul and The Salvos meet the increased demand for their services as more families are feeling the weight of cost-of-living pressures.    

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said the funding represented a 15 per cent boost in yearly base funding for each Commonwealth-funded Emergency Relief provider.

“This will help the providers help local families facing financial stress to access real, practical support, including things like food parcels, clothing and other essential items,” she said.

“Our emergency relief and financial counselling organisations provide vital support across Gilmore, and this funding boost will help them meet the increased demand during this difficult time.

“Combined with Labor’s tax cuts, increased wages, increases to social security payments, cheaper medicines, big increases to Commonwealth Rent Assistance and cuts to student debt, Labor is making a real difference to help ease the cost of living.

“I know times are tight and no local family should be faced with the choice of putting food on the table or paying their bills.”