Senator Jana Stewart
Labor Senator for Victoria

The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP
Minister for Social Services

The Albanese Labor Government has announced that Emergency Relief and Food Relief providers in the Melbourne’s east will share in more than $14.4 million in 2023-24 in funding to help meet increased demand for services. 

Local providers Anglicare Victoria, Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service, and Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency Co-operative are included among 192 Emergency Relief providers nationally, to ensure there are sufficient resources and support services to combat the rising demand from Australian households.  

The funding boost will allow local Emergency Relief and Food Relief providers to provide an increase in access to essential items, such as vouchers, food, and clothing.  

It will help respond to Australians in need, particularly after natural disasters and recent severe weather events. 

The investment builds upon a $114.8 million Government measure under the Financial Wellbeing and Capability grant program announced earlier this year. 

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

Quotes Attributable to Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth: 

“The Government recognises that many Australians are doing it tough and we are taking action to support people across every corner of the country, including in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.” 

“Emergency Relief and Food Relief providers can be a lifeline to those in need and there must be an adequate supply of frontline support services during these challenging times. 

“We remain dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of every Australian, and this funding will make a meaningful difference to the lives of those seeking support through Emergency and Food Relief services.” 

Quotes attributable to Senator for Victoria, Jana Stewart: 

“Across Victoria, providers are seeing an increased demand for Emergency and Food Relief. 

“As the cost of living rises, we do not want to see any members of our community left behind and denied the support they deserve. 

“We are proud to continue to support our Emergency and Food Relief providers to ensure communities in Box Hill, Bulleen, Warrandyte are strong and thriving.” 

ATTACHMENT: Commonwealth Funding Allocations for Emergency Relief providers in Melbourne - Inner East, North East, and Outer East: 

1 As Emergency Relief providers funded across multiple SA4s have discretion to allocate funding across regions based on assessments of need and demand, the funding allocated to each SA4 is notional. 

2 Where an Emergency Relief provider is funded across multiple SA4s, the provider has discretion to allocate their one-off total additional funding amount across regions. This means, within the funding table, there will be duplications of the total additional funding figure for Emergency Relief providers funded across multiple SA4s. 

Contact details for the providers in your area are available via the Department of Social Services’ Grants Service Directory at serviceproviders.dss.gov.au.