Vital support service avoids extinction

UNITING Kangaroo Flat’s essential emergency relief program has been saved from closure after being thrown a lifeline by the Federal Government.

The service lost its funding last October after the latest five-year round of the Financial Wellbeing and Capability Activity grant program did not include Uniting Vic.Tas, despite over 300 grants being awarded and the total funding commitment increasing from $120 million per year to $150 million per year.

Nevertheless, Uniting Kangaroo Flat chose to continue its operations.

Now it will be able to keep on keeping on, safe in the knowledge that from 1 October this year it will receive $71,887 per annum from the government for five years to support its relief program, which provides pantry staples, fruit and vegetables and fuel vouchers to around 700 local families.

Federal Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters said when she heard that the service was in danger of closure she met with the social services minister who was able to help rectify the issue and secure this vital service.

“Max and his dedicated team of volunteers provide support to Kangaroo Flat and the surrounding community – they do amazing work and I’m proud to support them,” Chesters said.

“With so many people in our community relying on services like these, we need to see them continue.”

The Kangaroo Flat Uniting Emergency Relief centre in Camp Street is open on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 9.30am to 1pm.

More information regarding emergency relief can be found on the Department of Social Services website.