Liam McNally
A Melton church has received a $20,000 grant which it hopes to put towards expanding thir community outreach services, which are experiencing increased demand in the tightening economy.
Sureway International Christian Ministries received a share of $2.4 million from the latest round of the state government’s Priority Response to Multicultural Communities program, which was announced on Thursday, October 13.
The program aimed at helping multicultural and faith organisations in Victoria respond to and recover from COVID-19 has provided $28.9 million to more than 360 community groups since it began.
Sureway International Christian Ministries senior pastor Reverend William Osagiede said their foobank service provides for up to 60 people a week, and that lockdowns severely reduced the church’s income.
“It was really a blessing to get that [grant],” he said.
“A lot of our income, a lot of our support was completely dwindled from 100 percent to two per cent so the government has come in a very good way.
“We are very committed to our community and our surroundings. We want to see people live a healthy, clean life with assurance and a positive outlook in life.”
Sureway has been a part of the Melton community for almost 12 years, but Rev Dr Osagiede said cost of living increases have caused a 50 per cent rise in demand for their services.
“It’s shocking how our country has become, I’m not blaming anybody, it’s just we see families struggling not only for food, for accommodation, petrol prices,” he said.
Dr Osagiede encouraged struggling residents to reach out.
“We just want to be friends with the people here and help as much as we can,” he said.
“Our foodbank is open to everyone, young, old, different races, no matter where you come from, no matter your situation we don’t ask questions. We just require that you come here with a concession card, but if you don’t have one we can see what we can do.”
