The Albanese Labor Government is bolstering its support for Australians doing it tough with more than $10.3 million in funding to help build strong and resilient communities across the country.
A total of 34 organisations will receive up to $360,000 each to support vulnerable and disadvantaged Australians through local community-driven solutions that help progress self-reliance and empowerment.
The funding will go to organisations across Australia under the Strong and Resilient Communities Activity (SARC) – Inclusive Communities grants.
The successful recipients include community organisations that work to improve the social and economic participation of disadvantaged people in the community, with a focus on:
- young people aged 12 to 18 years who are, or are at risk of:
- being disengaged, marginalised;
- having limited engagement with education/training;
- people with disabilities and/or mental health issues;
- vulnerable women who experience, or are at risk of experiencing:
- social isolation; and
- discrimination
- unemployed people who face individual barriers to employment to engage with existing employment/training services.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth, who will today visit a successful recipient in Hobart that is teaching disadvantaged youth how to cook meals and learn about food, said the funding would help provide crucial support to some of the most vulnerable Australians.
“Strong communities are those who look after people doing it tough, helping them to create a better future,” Minister Rishworth said.
“This funding will provide services to specific groups we know can benefit from extra assistance – including disengaged young people and First Nations Australians.
“By lifting up those who need help, we step towards creating stronger and more resilient communities where everyone has the chance to thrive.”
Since 2022 the Albanese Labor Government has invested close to $45 million into SARC grants.
The funding builds on the Government’s record to help Australians doing it tough when they need it most, including:
- Providing every Australian taxpayer a tax cut;
- Increasing Commonwealth Rent Assistance for nearly one million households;
- Boosting funding for emergency and food relief services, along with financial counselling; and
- Extending the freeze on deeming rates for 876,000 income support recipients.
Miniter Rishworth said the latest grant funding included support for small, community-based organisations delivering firsthand support on the ground to vulnerable members of their community.
“This support ranges from skill empowerment workshops including educational development and networking opportunities to cultural workshops and community empowerment-based events and programs,” Minister Rishworth said.
“Cost of living help and responsible economic management are the Government's priorities now and they'll remain the focus in the future.”
More information about the SARC Activity is available on the Department of Social Services website.