After Sydney's Exodus Foundation and the Salvation Army both reported increased demand for help in the lead-up to Christmas, the long-running national charity, The Smith Family, delivered around 1,500 packages throughout South Australia on Sunday. With the inclusion of children's toys in their contents, the bundles will support families that are less fortunate than the many Australians who will be celebrating the holiday without the burden of poverty to worry about.
Also on Sunday, Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced, as part of a Cabinet reshuffle, that the Social Services portfolio is all about participation. Mr Abbott then spoke the phrase that he believes is at the heart of the Coalition's agenda: "Getting a fair go, and trying to get people to give a fair go." The Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS), which represents social welfare groups and individuals, urged the government to use the change as an opportunity to "not leave anyone behind".
However, many were left bewildered on Monday, after housing advocacy groups and other community services were contacted by the new Social Services Minister's department to tell them that their funding will end. The shutting down of Financial Counselling Australia, Highlands Community Centres in the New South Wales (NSW) southern highlands, National Shelter and Homelessness Australia form part of a A$240 million withdrawal from the government over four years, and was described as a "cruel blow" in the NSW media.
The increasing numbers of "working poor", people with mental health issues and desperate families being seen by charitable organisations like the Smith Family are consistent with the loss of non-profit agencies that have previously been pillars for vulnerable Australians. The Smith Family's South Australian manager confirmed to ABC News on Sunday:
"There's no doubt the cost of living pressures is really affecting families, and one of the things it really affects is Christmas time, and also for their education expenses".
Graham Jaeschke's comment echoes those made by the Salvation Army and the Exodus Foundation, and he explained that Sunday's statewide delivery was about "giving something back".
The charity used the donations it collected throughout the year to assist over 700 families, and was assisted by approximately 200 volunteers. But the Smith Family is not content with leaving it there. Jaeschke said that they "know that there is a greater need out there", so they are going to use initiatives like their Christmas Appeal to raise funds for further charity work. For volunteer James Frearson-Lea, Sunday's effort was "fantastic".