The cost of living was the most common cause, with respondents pointing to increased living expenses (79 per cent), reduced or low income or government benefits (42 per cent), and limited access or ability to travel to get food (16 per cent), among other factors.
Cumberland Multicultural Community Centre’s Welfare and Facilities Co ordinator Emily Bassal says the struggle is real and everyone needs help.
She said there has been a steep rise in families not on Centrelink benefits, needing assistance with food, power, gas and water bills as well as material assistance such as children’s clothing, shoes or items for school available via a Big W essentials card.
“We hear from so many people experiencing difficulties and hardship,” she said.
“There’s also a growing band of people employed full-time or casually where their hours have been chopped back because the business or work just isn’t there anymore.”
If you need help, contact the service on 9637 7600.
Other support services include: Anglicare (Merrylands and Auburn churches, 1300 111 278); Turbans 4 Australia (turbans4australia@gmail.com); Meals on Wheels for seniors and those with disability (cumberland.nsw.gov.au); House of Welcome (for asylum seekers, refugees and temporary visa holders, 9727 9290); Jesuit Refugee Service (9098 9336); Salvation Army (13 72 58); St Vincent de Paul (13 18 12); Wesley Mission (9263 5555); Auburn Youth Centre (9646 2122); Merrylands Youth Service (9637 1535); C3 Cares Silverwater (9972 8688); Mission Australia (1800 384 331); and Barnardos Auburn (8752 0300).
