Voucher program expands

THE Community Choice voucher program has been expanded into Rokewood.

The initiative provides assistance to people facing financial hardship, allowing them to access food and medication locally.

Hesse Rural Health is the primary agency that is allocating vouchers.

“The Give Where You Live Foundation’s Community Choice initiative is an emergency relief voucher program providing support for people experiencing financial crisis in our region,” a Golden Plains Shire spokesperson said.

“Golden Plains Shire is proud to be part of this initiative, as it’s designed to provide emergency relief in the form of basic food and medication vouchers.

“The initiative provides choice and dignity for people seeking emergency relief and an opportunity for businesses in our region to be part of the solution, actively creating a fairer community and a supportive network that benefits everyone involved.”

It was piloted in Bannockburn where residents could redeem vouchers at Shazza’s Fruit and Veggies and Terry White Chemist.

Residents can now also redeem vouchers at Rokewood Takeaway and HealthEZ Pharmacy.

The aim of the expansion is to allow residents to access support closer to home and it is hoped the program will be available across the Shire in the future.

“Being able to access support locally is a great way to decrease barriers to residents in accessing assistance support close to home, while strengthening our sense of community with the active participation of local businesses,” the spokesperson said.

“This expansion aims to alleviate the burden of residents having to travel outside of the township for necessities, like food and medication, and the goal is to extend the program to all areas within the Shire over the coming months.”

To find out more about the program, visit bit.ly/3ZIhl5s .