First Nations people living in Greater Geelong are disproportionately impacted by hardship based on requests for assistance according to data from not-for-profit charity GIVIT.
Working with more than 1100 First Nations charities and grass roots support organisations across the country, First Nations Australians make up 25 percent of individuals receiving support through GIVIT, the organisation said.
Kylie Skew, from GIVIT charity partner Killara Foundation in Geelong, said the cost of living has exacerbated challenges for First Nations Peoples.
“If we can provide a fuel or food voucher then our clients have got that little bit of money spare to put towards something else,” she said.
“Helping out with the small things can really take the pressure off. It’s important, more than ever, that Australians stand up and show up for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples today and everyday into the future.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples don’t have the luxury of built-up generational wealth and I think it’s the responsibility of everybody to help close that gap and help everyone come onto a level field.”
Almost a third of requests on GIVIT for people experiencing domestic and family violence or homelessness are for First Nations recipients.
GIVIT national manager Christina Spehr said these figures are increasing with the rising cost of living.
“Despite making up approximately three percent of Australia’s population, First Nations Peoples represent a quarter of all donation requests through GIVIT,” she said.
“We’re calling on everyday Australians to show up and donate to our First Nations Appeal to empower First Nations futures.”
Ms Spehr said there are currently about 20 essential items requested for First Nations Peoples in Geelong alone on the GIVIT website. These donation requests include grocery and fuel vouchers for a young First Nations mother in Corio who has escaped domestic violence with her daughter and nappies for a First Nations woman who has also fled domestic violence and is trying to rebuild her life with her baby.
See givit.org.au for more information.
