Media Release with the Hon. Tanya Plibersek, Minister for Social Services

The Albanese Labor Government is investing $194,990 to enable YWCA Canberra to provide emergency relief to more vulnerable households in the Lanyon Valley community.

This funding will help individuals and families experiencing financial hardship who may be facing tough choices, like buying new school shoes or a grocery shop, or keeping the lights on or paying their phone bills.

Providers like YWCA Canberra deliver critical frontline support for those experiencing financial hardship and who would otherwise not have access to the resources they need to stay afloat. Someone experiencing homelessness in need of food, bedding or toiletries will be able to receive help from YWCA Canberra.

This funding builds on the Albanese Government’s 25 per cent boost to food relief and financial wellbeing funding to help Aussies navigate tough times.

More information on Emergency Relief, including how to find a provider, is available on the Department of Social Services website.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek

“Emergency relief has been a lifeline for many Australians, and it is now more accessible than ever before.

“If someone is having a tough time, Australians want to help.

“Emergency relief like a voucher for supermarkets, or utilities can make a world of difference when someone is really struggling to make ends meet.

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

Quotes attributable to David Smith MP, Member for Bean

“The Food Hub has been servicing the Lanyon Valley for 20 years, providing food relief and wraparound services to the local community.

“The Food hub is embedded in the community, is highly valued and is uniquely positioned to support those that need help and cannot access services elsewhere.

“I’m really pleased that this valuable service will continue till 2030.”

Quotes attributable to Frances Crimmins CEO YWCA Canberra

“This is a welcomed investment from the Australian Government towards the food hub at our Mura Lanyon Youth and Community Centre.

“Demand for our food relief service has doubled in just a few years and we are now seeing more working people and more young families asking for help.

“The Mura Lanyon Food Hub is a vital community service that is co-located with other welfare supports including financial counselling and therapeutic counselling.

“This four-year funding commitment is an immense relief for the Lanyon community, and we are grateful for David Smith’s advocacy in supporting this important service.”