Mayor praises community spirit as Anti-Poverty Week begins

Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller has praised the Liverpool community for pulling together to help vulnerable people most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This crisis has really demonstrated the depth of our community connection here in Liverpool,” Mayor Waller said.

“Charities and religious groups, not-for-profit organisations and government agencies have been doing an exceptional job, working very hard together to support vulnerable people with shelter, meals and financial assistance.

“And Council continues to receive enquiries from volunteers wanting to offer free food services in Liverpool.

“Thank you to all the people in Liverpool who have contributed to supporting the community during these challenging times.” Council has assisted relevant organisations with a coordinated emergency relief response to maximise distribution of available resources.

It has made Council facilities available to community groups, provided gloves, masks and hand sanitiser to volunteers and contributed food and hygiene items for hampers.

Grants were also given to local food service and welfare providers to assist their work.

“This just shows how much can be achieved when the community pulls together,” Mayor Waller said.

Mayor Waller’s comments coincide with the beginning of this year’s national Anti-Poverty Week, which runs from 11 October to 17 October and seeks to increase the understanding of poverty and prompt action to end it.

This year the campaign is supporting the Raise the Rate push in a bid to maintain the coronavirus supplement to the JobSeeker allowance, which is due to end in January 2021.

“It’s important we don’t leave people behind, especially with the ‘new’ normal hopefully returning soon.

“We must ensure those reliant on Centrelink payments are paid adequately, as they have been through the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mayor Waller said.

Anti-Poverty Week is sponsored by a range of national welfare organisations including the St Vincent de Paul Society, Anglicare, Brotherhood of St Laurence and UnitingCare.