A recent report by the University of Melbourne has shown that the economic inequality in Australia has reached a 20-year high; the rising cost of living continues to place enormous pressure on individuals and families, particularly those on low or fixed incomes. At Multicultural Futures, we see firsthand how financial hardship affects our clients—many of whom struggle to afford basic necessities such as food, clothing, medication, and housing.

We are pleased to announce that Multicultural Futures has received a $38,000 Emergency Relief Grant from Lotterywest to assist those facing immediate financial difficulties. This funding will help us support clients with essential purchases, including rent and accommodation costs, utility payments, and urgent living expenses.

We know that financial hardship is often just one piece of a much larger puzzle. That’s why this grant is part of a holistic, wraparound approach designed to address the many interrelated challenges our clients face, including homelessness, mental health concerns, health issues, and family and domestic violence. By integrating financial relief with a range of other essential services, we can provide more sustainable support, helping individuals and families not just to survive, but to move forward in their lives.

We are deeply grateful to Lotterywest for their commitment to supporting communities in need. Their investment in emergency relief is an important component of a broader strategy to ensure that no one is left behind. We remain dedicated to advocating for and assisting those most impacted by economic inequality. This grant strengthens our ability to provide meaningful, practical support where it is needed most.