CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes (CCWF) delivered more hours of support and assisted more clients in 2022-23 as natural disasters and rising financial stress caused strong demand for social services.
Some 4590 people across western NSW received support from CCWF in the 12 months to June 30, a 7.5 per cent increase over the previous year. The hours of support delivered by the organisation jumped 14 per cent to 15,159 hours in the same period.
“With the unprecedented flood disaster, our financial counsellors met a new community need as events unfolded,” CCWF CEO Anne-Marie Mioche said.
“During November and December 2022, we assisted 199 people affected by flood, and in many cases, resulting trauma,” said Ms Mioche.
The organisation has also launched new services to meet community needs.
“We established Broken Hill Children’s Contact Service last February after securing funding from the Australian government,” Ms Mioche said.
“And by April, our Men’s Behaviour Change Program groups were meeting at Forbes, Parkes, Condobolin, Narromine, and Bourke. This program works with men to develop strategies to help them be accountable for their actions, and work towards non-abusive relationships.”
CCWF serves the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes, which spans the western 52 per cent of NSW and 414,398 square kilometres. Statistics demonstrating the organisation’s impact have been published in its latest annual report.
“The cost-of-living swelled and the Reserve Bank of Australia lifted interest rates 10 times in the 12 months to June 30 meaning CCWF saw increased financial stress across all demographics,” said Ms Mioche.
“Our financial counsellors negotiate and advocate on behalf of people who are experiencing financial hardship or are at financial risk,” she said. “People who have never accessed our services before are reaching out for support.”
Ms Mioche paid tribute to CCWF team members.
“Our team is our strength,” she said. “Our team members are the reason we are able to make such a positive difference for our clients.”
To learn learn about Broken Hill Children’s Contact Service, watch the clip at: youtube.com/watch?v=JnBjLL8NVGQ
