Kym Tuuta, Centre Coordinator at the Leichhardt-One Mile Community Centre, showed Minister Plibersek and Mr Neumann their food pantry and street pantry, and along with Christine MacDonald from Riverview Neighbourhood House, discussed the range of services they provide for the local community.

Jason Budden, Program Manager at Ipswich Assist, was able to demonstrate the difference they make to the community at the reSTORE grocery store which offers an alternative, affordable shopping experience for those experiencing financial hardship or are on a tight budget.

Minister Plibersek said it was wonderful to see the positive impact that this new funding is having on the ground.

“Services like Leichhardt-One Mile Community Centre and Ipswich Assist are lifelines for many Australians. It’s wonderful to see first-hand the assistance they’re providing to the Ipswich community.

“Combined with Labor’s tax cuts, increased wages, cheaper medicines, cuts to student debt, increases to Commonwealth Rent Assistance and energy bill relief, we’re making a real difference to help ease the cost of living.”

Mr Neumann said the funding was a godsend and will help struggling families in Ipswich, who may be facing tough choices, like between buying new school uniforms or groceries, or keeping the lights on or paying their phone bills.

“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 tackling 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’re continuing to support some outstanding local emergency relief providers, like Leichhardt-One Mile Community Centre and Ipswich Assist, with this funding so we can give a helping hand to more people who are struggling, and I commend them for the work they do.”

Under the latest round of the Financial Wellbeing and Capability Activity, Leichhardt-One Mile Community Centre received a 20% funding boost for Emergency Relief services it provides to residents in and around the suburbs of Leichhardt, One Mile and Wulkuraka, along with programs for people of all ages and cultural backgrounds.

The centre is currently mourning the loss of much-loved former Chair and founder, local Indigenous Elder Aunty Vera Short, who passed away on 13 November and whose funeral was held on 2 December.

Ipswich Assist has received a 120% funding boost for Emergency Relief to provide assistance to people in crisis or facing financial hardship through reSTORE and other services.

More information on Australian Government emergency relief services is available on the Department of Social Services website at https://www.dss.gov.au/emergency-support/emergency-relief