By Esther Lauaki
Struggling Melton residents could be forced to travel out of the municipality to seek emergency relief after the council’s welfare providers missed out on hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal funding.
Melton council was advised last week by the Social Services Department that the funding, about $235,000 a year, would be distributed in other parts of the western suburbs because the council missed the application deadline.
As a result, local financial support providers may not be able to offer the same services this year.
The current grant ran out on December 31. Council’s community services general manager Maurie Heaney said that due to an administration error the application to renew the funding was submitted past deadline.
“Through the emergency relief grants, Melton council has provided approximately $235,000 per annum in financial support to individuals and families through food vouchers, petrol vouchers, utility relief in times of crisis … for over 25 years,” Mr Heaney said.
“Council understands that a small number of community service organisations have been awarded the funding and will be responsible for the ongoing delivery of this program.
“We are currently liaising with the Department of Social Services and look forward to working with the organisations that were successfully funded to transition clients in need to continue to access this service.”
Gorton MP Brendan O’Connor wrote to Federal Families and Social Services Minister Paul Fletcher appealing for transitional funding for Melton.
“I understand this funding will now be distributed to other local service providers in Melbourne’s western suburbs, however these providers have not been informed they will now be providing emergency relief in the Melton area that Melton council previously serviced,” Mr O’Connor wrote.
“With service providers unsure which region they now cover from January 1, Melton council is in need of transitional funding to ensure the people of Melton are not left without essential needs.”
The ministry was contacted for comment.
