The McGowan Government will increase its emergency and crisis relief support bolstering the community grants program to $30 million, with Lotterywest providing an additional $10 million per year for the next two years.
Aimed to assist with the temporary cost-of-living pressures experienced across the country, the increased funding will see the Lotterywest's normal allocation for Emergency Relief close to triple with a total of $30 million over the next two years to support those organisations who are helping Western Australia's most vulnerable.
This initiative was developed in consultation with peak community services sector representatives to ensure the approach would help address the current increased demand for emergency and crisis relief funding.
Eligible not-for-profit organisations and community groups can apply immediately for grant support by visiting https://www.lotterywest.wa.gov.au/ or by calling 133 777.
The increased support complements existing initiatives to keep cost-of-living pressures down including the capping of WA's public transport fares to two zones, WA's Free RAT Program, the $400 WA Household Electricity Credit, Hardship Utility Grants, as well as Federal Government programs such as the Department of Social Service's Emergency Relief scheme, Cost of Living Payment.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"These additional funds will add to the support the State Government already delivers through a number of other programs to help provide genuine relief to our state's most vulnerable people.
"This is about ensuring this money goes directly to the people who need it most, which is why this grant funding will go to supporting not-for-profit organisations' crisis and emergency relief, to assist with the increased demand related to rising cost-of-living pressures.
"Western Australia is fortunate to have the only state-owned lottery in Australia where the profits are returned back to our community."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
