General News
21 September, 2025
Calls for review on funding cuts
Calls for the federal government to rethink the recent cuts to two emergency food charities in the Wimmera appear to have fallen on deaf ears, with all decisions final.
Member for Mallee, Dr Anne Webster, has called on councils to join her in advocating to the government for a review.
The Horsham-based Christian Emergency Food Centre was denied vital funding in the recent five-year Financial Wellbeing and Capability grant round.
Despite the federal government doubling funding for Food Relief and Material Aid from 1.5 million to four million per year, it has not included the Wimmera charities.
The four national charities to receive the funding are OzHarvest, Secondbite, Foodbank, and Good360.
While Emergency Relief providers have access to these charities to purchase food at cost-effective prices, without the financial aid, they have no funds to do so.
Dr Webster visited the charity last week to meet with organisers and volunteers, assuring them she had written to the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek, and would write again, requesting that she provide the vital funding that they have depended on to the people of the Wimmera and Mallee who need it most.
"For the small amount of taxpayers' money you're asking for, it must be a mistake..." she said.
"I don't believe they understand the vital work you do in the community, and it must be reviewed."
Client Assessment Officer Bev Miatke of CEFC was still hoping for a review of the decision.
"There's nowhere else for people to go," she said.
"Other charities in the area send their clients to us for food.
"We supply the food they need to provide for themselves and their families with no judgment and with confidentiality.
"But just as importantly, we offer a kind and listening ear, and this may be the only place they feel safe to talk, and that is important to their mental health and overall wellbeing."
Spokesperson for DSS said, "The number of organisations delivering Emergency Relief service in the North West region in Victoria will remain unchanged."
"The North West region will be supported by, "Ararat Emergency Relief Committee, Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative Limited, Mallee Accommodation and Support Program, The Salvation Army and Uniting (VicTas) Limited," a spokesperson said.
None of these are food-specific charities; instead, they often refer their clients to the CEFC and the Inter-Church Council, which serve a wide area across the Wimmera Mallee.