As a part of the funding package, Ipswich Assist has received $151,426, Leichhardt – One Mile Community Centre (Leichhardt Community Group) $39,849, Riverview Community Centre (Riverview Neighbourhood House Association) $35,864, Settlement Services International $175,335, Vinnies Queensland (St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland) $377,249, and the Salvation Army (Queensland) received $377,249.
The funding will help families in Ipswich, who may be facing tough choices, like between buying new school shoes or a grocery shop, or keeping the lights on or paying their phone bills.
The grants are among 188 that have been awarded to providers across the country, representing a total Government investment of nearly $275 million towards emergency relief over the next five years.
Ipswich Assist is a not-for profit organisation located at 21 South Street, Ipswich, which provides relief to those struggling within the local community and will receive $151,426 in Federal Government funding in 2025-26 for emergency relief services.
Their emergency relief program provides year-round assistance to struggling residents and families, including with basic food staples, assistance with utility bills, rent assistance, pharmacy support, and local op-shop referrals.
On average, the charity provides support to more than 60 families each month through the program.
This new grant round recognises that more people may need emergency relief when natural disasters and other shock events happen. The Government has dedicated an additional $20 million to be available each year, ensuring more people will be supported when they reach out for help.
With a more diverse range of providers being offered grants, more First Nations people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds will be able to access support that better meets their needs.
More information on emergency relief is available on the Department of Social Services website at https://www.dss.gov.au/emergency-support/emergency-relief
Anyone seeking emergency assistance and support services can contact Ipswich Assist on (07) 3413 1070 or visit www.askizzy.org.au. For information on other service providers, contact the Blair Electorate Office on (07) 3201 5300 or at [email protected]
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek:
“Emergency relief has been a lifeline for many Australians, and with this much needed funding boost, it’ll now be more accessible than ever before.
“If someone is having a tough time, Australians want to help.
“The Albanese Labor Government is increasing funding to more than 180 organisations like Ipswich Assist, who support many people who may have nowhere else to turn.
“Emergency relief like a voucher for supermarkets, utilities or petrol 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 and energy bill relief, Labor is making a real difference to help ease the cost of living.”
Quotes attributable to Ipswich Assist Program Manager, Jason Budden:
“Ipswich Assist is grateful to the Albanese Government and the Member for Blair Shayne Neumann for their commitment to helping charities in Ipswich.
“This will provide significant benefits for our local community and we look forward to seeing what a difference this will make.
“This extra funding will ensure we can provide more support to those struggling within our community.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann:
“Ipswich Assist delivers critical frontline support to those experiencing financial hardship, and I’m pleased we’re providing them with $151,426 in additional funding so they can help more people in need of food and other essentials.
“I know a lot of people in our community are doing it tough and services are seeing a big increase in requests for assistance.
“This is why addressing the cost-of-living challenge and making sure no-one is left behind is the Albanese Labor Government’s number one priority.
“I’m proud that we are continuing to support local emergency relief providers, like Ipswich Assist, with this extra funding so we can give a helping hand to more people who are struggling.”
