The Andrews Labor Government is getting on with supporting Victoria's most vulnerable after Minister for Housing Colin Brooks today attended the Salvation Army's Red Shield Appeal launch and presented a $150,000 contribution.
Since 1965, the Red Shield Appeal has been the Salvation Army's signature fundraising drive. Money raised during the appeal will help the Salvation Army provide accommodation, legal advice, financial relief, trauma counselling and employment support to women experiencing family violence.
In 2022 alone, the Salvation Army assisted almost 10,000 women and children across Australia who were experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, family and domestic violence and provided more than 760,000 crisis beds.
The Labor Government is investing heavily in housing through the $5.3 billion Big Housing Build which will deliver more than 12,000 new social and affordable homes to Victorians most in need. Since 2020, more than 7,600 homes have been completed or are underway, and more than 1,700 households have either moved or are getting ready to move into brand new homes.
Victoria is also leading the nation with its work to end family violence, with more than $3.7 billion invested since the Royal Commission - more than every other state and territory combined.
The Government continues to support women experiencing family violence with a $241 million investment in last year's budget which included a $69 million boost for the expansion of critical refuge and crisis accommodation for victims who cannot safely remain at home.
This year's Red Shield Appeal theme is 'so nobody struggles alone' and it will run through the months of April, May and June with a national doorknock to take place on 20 and 21 May, donations can also be made online at salvationarmy.org.au/red-shield-appeal/.
As stated by Minister for Housing Colin Brooks
"The Salvation Army helps someone in need in Australia every 17 seconds - it's a wonderful organisation doing great work and we're proud to support this year's Red Shield Appeal."
"Like the Salvos, we understand how important it is for everyone to have a roof over their head, that's why we're investing more than $5 billion to build housing for some of our most vulnerable Victorians."
As stated by Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Ros Spence
"The Andrews Labor Government is leading the nation when it comes to supporting victims of family violence and organisations like the Salvation Army help us make Victoria a safer place for everyone."
As stated by Salvation Army Victorian Divisional Commander Colonel Kelvin Merrett
"We thank Minister Brooks and the Victorian Government for this generous $150,000 donation. It's great to see a government putting their money where their mouth is and supporting a worthy cause."
