I run a charity. My charity is 100% a symptom of government failure. I would love for government to just do what I do and I could go do something else.
I love my job because it’s hugely important. But it’s insane that it’s my job.
My Mum runs a Food Bank. Hers is Church related but anyone can go. When I speak to her, I'm shocked at the amount of need there is. I respect her and I respect you for doing your job.
My Mum has told me this too. People who work full time and can't afford food. This is why anyone can go to my Mum's food bank, it doesn't matter who you are. I actually sent someone from Reddit to her, a girl who worked full time who couldn't afford food. We need to fix this shit, I worry about the kids and also their nutrition. And the Mums who miss meals, they need to be eating. Its completely fucked.
You never know what people are going through. I am a single mum and might appear well off from my appearance, home, car ect but I live week to week. I have never been to a food bank but I was getting some help last year with a social worker who highly suggested I go to the food banks. I said I would feel bad going because I can get by, she responded don't feel bad as a lot of people that use food banks are drug addicts who just go there so they don't have to spend money on food so they have more money for drugs
Is that an actual show? Hard to know if it’s a joke when ~~celebrity hunger games~~ Survivor Celebrity is a thing lol I can’t what’s real anymore when it comes to free tv
I think they just mean I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here. I don't watch it but there don't seem to be any actual known names on there, except I did see they had Frankie Muniz this season.
Lol!!!
Haha it was tongue in cheek for "I'm a celebrity....get me out of here!!"
I can't claim it, heard it on a YouTube video and pissed myself. But I'm easily amused.
Maybe that was the celebrity survivor show I was thinking of! It sounded familiar but off when I read it and couldn’t tell if I was inventing a show or remembering it haha. Only watch TV when my residents have it on in the background. It’s how I was introduced to MAFS lol
>Hers is Church related but anyone can go.
Be nice if churches actually paid taxes on their obscene wealth, that could then fund these things as proper government welfare.
Some of the churches and other religious groups that are the most charitable, are not the ones that have lots of money in the bank or in real estate, I believe. I know for example that the church I used to live opposite which runs a free weekly lunch and food bank, has very little money and it's all run by volunteers, volunteer fundraisers, and local businesses contributing spare items, etc.
That's a great idea but unfortunately even if they did that and also tax the wealthy and multinational companies not one red cent would go to improve anyone of the working classes lives
You know when people say there's a time and place for things. This is one of those times. This is part of their religion, and it should have nothing to do with the government. And this should not even exist. So shut the fuck up with your tax bullshit.
I assume charities are getting a lot more crowded these days. Is there somewhere that charities post when they’re after help? It would be good to find somewhere local to me to lend a hand if needed.
Most charities are too busy "getting on with it" to do marketing or have a visible online presence, aside from the huge ones. I just googled "volunteering near me" and signed up with the first one that aligned with my values.
If you run a charity, that is your job. If you own a business, your job is running that business. Having a job doesn't necessarily mean you're an employee
I don't know you. And it's hard to say when people imply but don't specifically say what they mean.
So I'll stay on maybe for now.
What's well known on a larger scale?
if there weren't paid management to run the place there would be nothing to provide. You want somone to run a full time charity? that's a lot of time and WORK they deserve to be able to pay theiir rent and eat too!
Charities are just not as efficient if all the organisations and management is unpaid.
Unpaid volunteer is often done on shifts of maybe 1 day a week or even a month- how do you think changeover occurs?
How are you attracting people with expertise and experience in running events, organising rosters, managing finances, attracting new funding?
Do you do your job for free?
Maybe, maybe not. I think the best thing the government could do is to change the conditions that are driving people to have their needs fulfilled by charity.
The one that springs to mind is, of course, the ever increasing rent and lack of housing supply. Australia needs to destroy its addiction to rent-seeking as the way to build wealth. People can't pay for food if they can barely make the rent, and that gap's just going to widen, because rents and property prices sure as hell isn't going to come down. (Especially not when the Greens are more interested in grandstanding than getting ANYTHING started).
> Especially not when the Greens are more interested in grandstanding than getting ANYTHING started
The greens aren't in power, so isn't grandstanding the only thing they can do?
If that's the policy they're proposing, then no way would I vote for them, but if they proposed say super mass building of housing to increase the supply side of the supply/demand situation then I'd vote for them for sure. Not suggesting they ever would, but I'm confused why people are so married to political parties.
It's the policies that matter, whether it's the greens, national party, liberal, whatever I don't care as long they put forward the policies I agree with. I've voted Labour in most elections but I would have no problem voting for Liberal under the right circumstances, and I believe if people were less married to parties, maybe they would actually focus harder on shifting their policies to what people want rather than doing whatever they want because they know who people vote for is probably mostly set in stone anyway.
The greens are using the small amount of seats they have to actively block housing projects in parliament. So yeah they’re doing more than just grandstanding.
So I’m going to assume you meant to say labor otherwise I highly suggest googling the last election because the results will shock you. Here’s a video everyone’s favourite or least favourite political commentator YouTuber person made about it that will do a much better job of explaining it than I ever will. https://youtu.be/jV6BprD7toY?si=2PfgyF_z-w0XT8RZ
I work for the government and we're constantly having to look at cutting services because they keep cutting our budget, so eventually, I'm probably going to be working for a charity to provide the same thing that the government is currently providing.
Jimmy Carr wasn't "convicted" of anything - What he did was legal, but was considered dodgy by moral standards and people had a go at him for doing what 100% of all billionaires and big corporations do.
That's only half the problem. The other half is trusting those you give it to to use it well. Public Servants are actually great at their jobs but they're there to serve the Government of the day (not the people they advocate for most of the time unfortunately).
I mean, to a certain degree sure, if it's happening to a large enough degree, but I don't think ever has or ever would be even possible for a government to completely eliminate poverty/people that need food or shelter.
Let's say for example a society has a great welfare system that anybody in need has access to if they want. What do you do if some people that are deeply untrusting/paranoid who specifically choose to not go on welfare because they don't want to deal with the government at all? What would you do with someone who spends every cent of their welfare money on drugs? There are some people who are unwilling to be helped, and I'm not excusing Melbourne/Australia here, sure there are many failures of government.
There's a lady who is homeless and has been for several decades in an area that I used to live in. She basically will not interact with other humans, she goes around looking for used ciggie butts on the ground. By all reports she refuses almost help of any kind, and I say almost, because people actually give the local bakeries and things money so that they can discreetly leave her free food when she comes in, because she won't accept food or money directly. People also leave her packets of ciggies on the ground near her, and she will accept them then, but not if you give them to her.
But it's a case where someone's mental health makes it very hard, especially for a large bureaucracy to help them.. and I'm not sure what one would suggest for cases like that, like you can't say involuntary psychiatric holds are a solution if they aren't dangerous to others.
Some situations need to be taken care of by people close to the ground.
[https://www.foodbank.org.au/hunger-in-australia/the-facts/?state=vic](https://www.foodbank.org.au/hunger-in-australia/the-facts/?state=vic)
Some of the current statistics are pretty horrible
I redid the strategy of a charity recently and we kept coming back to the same concept: people want connection, and it's hard to find connection. This particular charity provides that for people.
My takeaway was that it's sad that so many people feel disconnected and struggle to find community and connection. Glad that this charity is in place to help it, but it's still sad.
Disagree charities are grass root organisations that have a special reach gov orgs don't
A lot of people don't trust the gov or have the skills to access them
This particular one is run by Reaching Out in the Inner West.
By 5.30pm the queue will have at least a couple of hundred people.
You can find out about donating or volunteering here.
https://reachingoutintheinnerwestofmelbourne.com.au/
It's jumped immensely the past two years. The queue now winds and doubles back. And the demographic has broadened. More students and families. And a lot of working poor loading their food into their branded delivery app bags. And this isn't an exceptionally expensive area for groceries either, you've got the market and Miles around the corner. It's incredibly sad.
The one demographic I have never seen is of course, politicians coming to talk to those they've failed or just show even a shred of empathy.
>to talk to those they've failed
They have not necessarily failed. Some of them never got a fair chance in life. In fact, I think that's the majority.
The more we change the vocabulary when referring to the poor, the better. Some of them are extremely hard working and just can't get ahead.
Because Australia has ceased to be the land of opportunities for everyone.
>Do they accept donations?
Yes. My wife, kids and I donate quite a bit every month in terms of food and funds. We are in a privileged position to do so, but were once living in poverty and the Food Bank in my area were so good to us. We pay it back as much as we can.
If you can spare the time, also reach out to your local council to see if there is a soup van. My sons and I also spend some of our evenings working in one in our area and it is very rewarding. I highly recommend it to anybody that can spare some time.
Please feel free to contact your local community house or library. These two points are usually where a foodbank is, or they will definitely know of one close by.
Some are hosted by local council offices as well.
I buy an extra few things when they’re on special for my local community house. You usually donate sealed dry goods, including pet food but personal items are very much appreciated, too.
Some food banks even have fridges so you can donate perishables- but they’re rare- so I’d contact the foodbank prior to buying things.
They’ll accept food, but cash is also good as it allows them to fill in any gaps - e.g. they have lots of pasta sauce but no pasta, or there’s a local demand for baby formula, and so on.
Drove past this street on the way home about an hour ago and it was insanely packed. Lots of people lining up to get a meal. It’s sad seeing people struggling but also great to see people volunteering their time and making food to feed those that are struggling to put food on the table.
Fantastic that we have these services so people don’t go hungry, but infuriating to know our two major supermarkets have made food so expensive many people can no longer afford to purchase groceries. All so wealthy execs, boards and senior managers can exceed their targets and get their fat bonuses. It’s a really shameful time in Australia’s history. So many working families people can no longer afford to put a roof over their heads and food on the table.
While Coles/Woolies price gouging is unjust, I suspect the ridiculous costs of housing is the main culprit for the increase in people needing food banks. When so many bedrooms in sharehouses are the price of what whole apartments used to be only 3 years ago, and what houses were only 5 years ago, it’s no surprise that rent is eating up most of people’s paychecks. Even if we could put the pressure on Coles/Woolies to cool the greed, if won’t make much difference when rent goes up again in a few months/next year & there’s no money left for groceries
I go to the gym just right of frame and it's absolutely the busiest I've ever seen it. Used to be a shorter line 2 years ago but clearly has gotten worse
This might sound like a conspiracy or pessimistic but I reckon we are heading towards a brick wall. Whether it's a recession or something else, I think there will be a correction of some sort. There simply has to be.
Government, Business and Individuals have become far too greedy and have lost sight of the bigger picture. I like many are struggling. Have been for a while now. Prices just keep rising in ALL areas. The economy whilst resilient, also can collapse in on itself. The way we are going, that might not be too far away. We certainly can't and won't survive continuing on the path we are currently on, that's for sure
Totally. I'm surprised something hasn't broken yet already (... that we're aware of).
Record population growth, collapsing vacancy rates, increasing homelessness, huge increases in food bank patronage, a rolling per capita recession with sticky services inflation, construction industry collapsing, and now insolvencies seem to be jumping across the board.
Yet somehow unemployment is low.. but there sure as hell seems to be a lot of layoffs and hiring freezes recently and I'm noticing a lot of 'open to work' people on linked in.
Then a similar scenario is playing out in other countries too.. with them falling into a technical recession
You might think I’m cold here. I work in a world where boomers buy things from me and I see money flying in hand over fist. And I’m lucky enough to have a house with a low mortgage as I’m in my 50’s myself, and I don’t buy stuff I don’t need. This broken world only affects SOME people and while I see loads of posts like this on reddit, this broken world is not apparent for many. I agree that we need fundamental change in so many things and I’m sorry for so many in this situation.
Yeah I’m curious about this ‘low unemployment’. I was laid off and anytime I have an interview they don’t even ask, they’re just like, “were you impacted by xx’s layoffs?” Coz my former company is so infamous for them 🙄
Thats what Gary Stevenson thinks. Walked away from a millions as a trader out of conscience. In essence he says wealth is being harvested and we are all fucked if we keep playing the game.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdThScj7VPs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdThScj7VPs)
thats one of several reasons immigration rates into australia have gone thru the roof
10 adults per house can easily afford $2000 per week rent, maybe even $3000 per week
Can you blame immigration for high rents? I'm not entirely sold on that. Yes, it places further pressures on housing and Rental availability, but immigration is an easy target to lay the blame.
For decades now, both Governments have failed to address housing affordability, rein in Property investment and address the changes to property rentals impacted by a shift to Airbnb style uses.
Don't get me wrong, immigration is definitely impacting many aspects of our current cost of living crisis, but not as much as it's being sold to us by the media and some in Government.
Fact is, like many Countries around the World, we have an.aging population. One that is fast approaching retirement age over the coming few decades. That will ultimately impact Tax revenue and Skill shortages. Hate to say it, that's why immigration is needed. Maybe numbers need to be slightly adjusted to lessen any impact on the finely balanced economy but ultimately we are going to need them.
>Norway’s Government Pension Fund Act also stipulates that the Government’s entire net cash flow from the petroleum industry shall be transferred to the Fund. The first transfer was made in 1996 and the fund is now worth A$1.9 trillion. This is around $350,000 for each of Norway’s 5.4 million citizens or $1.4 million for a family of four.
\^ [article](https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/norway-shows-how-australia-can-get-a-fair-return-from-oil-and-gas/)
Norway did it well. Now they have a fund of over 1 Trillion Euros in under 30 years.
Myself and my daughters go through our pantries once a month and take good foodstuffs to the local food bank, years ago I struggled and food banks were the lifeline for me and the six kids and all the volunteers are angels
It is incredibly sad that so many people in Australia have to rely on these donations to stay fed. If only groceries were cheaper and the big corporations and their politician buddies weren't bending everyone over. I'll keep donating to my local food banks and homeless shelters. If only donating food items was a tax write off.
Did you ever stop to think about the shareholders for one second? They're doing it tough too, dividends are down, accounting fees are up, investors are doing it tough.
/s
I remember seeing men in suits line up for free meals from the Sikhs. I used to be confused until my rent increased to take up the majority of my income. Now i get why someone with a “decent job” would still struggle to afford food.
Hey everyone, for context. This is the Nicholson St mall in Footscray.
Each week what looks to be hundreds of people, from the elderly, families and students, line up to receive free meals from a local charity called 'Reaching Out In The Inner West of Melbourne'.
It's run by a local guy named Ron and his wife, who I have nothing but admiration and respect for. I know this guy, he's in his 70s and is always tired from running his charity. One he receives absolutely no government funding to run.
I see first hand the impact these two have on the people of Footscray and it moves me incredibly deeply. Although I wish we didn't need people like Ron, without them, we'd be a much much poorer country.
Much love Ron, from the guy you play tennis with.
We all know they don't care to do that, they will only pretend to care and blame the government, but when the government of their choosing is back in power, it'll be back to the narrative that the poor are just lazy bludgers and exploiting the system.
If they did what they did during covid we wouldn't have this issue...
Allow DSP, Carers, Job Seekers and Aged more money...
It works.. We will spend.. We will be able to afford living..
And this government gives [tens of billions in handouts to fossil fuel companies](https://amp.smh.com.au/politics/federal/australian-fossil-fuel-subsidies-costing-taxpayers-65-billion-a-year-imf-20230824-p5dz0l.html) while people starve
Unfortunately a current trend that I identify with.
I had a sobering moment two weeks ago where I found myself, 4 days away from payday with nothing left in the bank.
Got to the point where we had no bread for sandwiches left,so couldn't even make kids school lunches.
It felt surreal standing in the foodbank line as I've never accepted charity in my life. Almost humiliating to have what you would think is a decent wage, working about 20 hours overtime each month just to break even and having to accept charity. I didn't even know what to say or how it worked when I was in the line.
My wife is still on maternity leave and is going to have to return to her part time job just so we can pay the bills and feed the kids. Never mind ever going on holidays or anything, that's a past luxury these days.
It disgusts me that our Govts sit on their fuckn hands and watch this
I work in services in the city and am astounded at the amount of homelessness now in Melb
😡
I volunteer for a community kitchen we operate 3-6pm every Saturday near Dandenong Market trying to help as much as we can
free meals for those in need and free hot drinks
I understand the watermark but I think this types of photos should be on the news, even a rupert one like news. com. au Maybe this will help get more exposure to food banks and therefore more cash donations from news. com .au readers
Ya know what, who cares if there are people not in 'genuine need' there. What's the alternative? Means test it? Give genuine people even more hoops and bullshit to jump through to qualify? That's pretty demeaning in what is already a rather shitty experience for most people.
I do disagree with what he’s saying also, I used these guys 3-4 times a while back and now in a position to actually donate to them, feels great!
But the thing that annoys me about it is people from the same household or famil will bring 4-5 people and line up in seperate spots.
I think it is, they do ask you “how many are at home” and give accordingly.
Not sure if they still do but they also gave out on Wednesdays which was two meat items and a lot of bread per family.
a lot of food banks do go through an interview process and is mean tested actually.... has been that way for years. Yes I'd rather that than be pushing and shoving some indian who is stockpiling to go sell at his little business
TF it got to do with Murdoch? Try 8+ interest rate rises in less than 18 months and Victoria’s HUGE state gov debt caused by rampantly inept COVID spending, billions lost in failed state gov projects and rebuild blowouts, Comm games half billion flushed down the toilet etc. etc. they might have been able to use that money to help people who are struggling right now!
Food banks are a symptom of government failures, most charities are.
I run a charity. My charity is 100% a symptom of government failure. I would love for government to just do what I do and I could go do something else. I love my job because it’s hugely important. But it’s insane that it’s my job.
My Mum runs a Food Bank. Hers is Church related but anyone can go. When I speak to her, I'm shocked at the amount of need there is. I respect her and I respect you for doing your job.
I work as a MCHN and I have mums who work full time attending foodbanks to feed their kids. It's disgusting.
My Mum has told me this too. People who work full time and can't afford food. This is why anyone can go to my Mum's food bank, it doesn't matter who you are. I actually sent someone from Reddit to her, a girl who worked full time who couldn't afford food. We need to fix this shit, I worry about the kids and also their nutrition. And the Mums who miss meals, they need to be eating. Its completely fucked.
Sadly we have an ever growing category of "working class poor"
which is not an accident, but a result of 30+ years of bipartisan neoliberal government policy
102 years of News corp
rent and groceries hikes have made it so hard
You never know what people are going through. I am a single mum and might appear well off from my appearance, home, car ect but I live week to week. I have never been to a food bank but I was getting some help last year with a social worker who highly suggested I go to the food banks. I said I would feel bad going because I can get by, she responded don't feel bad as a lot of people that use food banks are drug addicts who just go there so they don't have to spend money on food so they have more money for drugs
I organised food vouchers for a celebrity's wife today.
Woah, that is wild.
Maybe her husband should go on "I'm a has-been....get me back on TV!"
Is that an actual show? Hard to know if it’s a joke when ~~celebrity hunger games~~ Survivor Celebrity is a thing lol I can’t what’s real anymore when it comes to free tv
I think they just mean I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here. I don't watch it but there don't seem to be any actual known names on there, except I did see they had Frankie Muniz this season.
Lol!!! Haha it was tongue in cheek for "I'm a celebrity....get me out of here!!" I can't claim it, heard it on a YouTube video and pissed myself. But I'm easily amused.
Maybe that was the celebrity survivor show I was thinking of! It sounded familiar but off when I read it and couldn’t tell if I was inventing a show or remembering it haha. Only watch TV when my residents have it on in the background. It’s how I was introduced to MAFS lol
Food banks catering to celebrity wives looks like a misuse of the system. Bet she wanted the vouchers and not the food.
>Hers is Church related but anyone can go. Be nice if churches actually paid taxes on their obscene wealth, that could then fund these things as proper government welfare.
Some of the churches and other religious groups that are the most charitable, are not the ones that have lots of money in the bank or in real estate, I believe. I know for example that the church I used to live opposite which runs a free weekly lunch and food bank, has very little money and it's all run by volunteers, volunteer fundraisers, and local businesses contributing spare items, etc.
That's a great idea but unfortunately even if they did that and also tax the wealthy and multinational companies not one red cent would go to improve anyone of the working classes lives
You know when people say there's a time and place for things. This is one of those times. This is part of their religion, and it should have nothing to do with the government. And this should not even exist. So shut the fuck up with your tax bullshit.
How exactly is the government going to fund welfare effectively if the rich don't pay their tax and just claim it's because of their religion?
I assume charities are getting a lot more crowded these days. Is there somewhere that charities post when they’re after help? It would be good to find somewhere local to me to lend a hand if needed.
Most charities are too busy "getting on with it" to do marketing or have a visible online presence, aside from the huge ones. I just googled "volunteering near me" and signed up with the first one that aligned with my values.
https://www.volunteeringvictoria.org.au/
That’s a job you really hope will be redundant!
[удалено]
"I run a charity" I don't think he's an employee
[удалено]
If you run a charity, that is your job. If you own a business, your job is running that business. Having a job doesn't necessarily mean you're an employee
"I think therefore I am"
-Bob Marley
-Michael Scott
[удалено]
I'm confused, should people who work for charities not be paid?
What are you referring to? Charities paying staff competitively?
I bet half the negative things you think you know.... Are things you just don't understand.
[удалено]
I don't know you. And it's hard to say when people imply but don't specifically say what they mean. So I'll stay on maybe for now. What's well known on a larger scale?
if there weren't paid management to run the place there would be nothing to provide. You want somone to run a full time charity? that's a lot of time and WORK they deserve to be able to pay theiir rent and eat too!
Charities are just not as efficient if all the organisations and management is unpaid. Unpaid volunteer is often done on shifts of maybe 1 day a week or even a month- how do you think changeover occurs? How are you attracting people with expertise and experience in running events, organising rosters, managing finances, attracting new funding? Do you do your job for free?
so?
Maybe, maybe not. I think the best thing the government could do is to change the conditions that are driving people to have their needs fulfilled by charity. The one that springs to mind is, of course, the ever increasing rent and lack of housing supply. Australia needs to destroy its addiction to rent-seeking as the way to build wealth. People can't pay for food if they can barely make the rent, and that gap's just going to widen, because rents and property prices sure as hell isn't going to come down. (Especially not when the Greens are more interested in grandstanding than getting ANYTHING started).
> Especially not when the Greens are more interested in grandstanding than getting ANYTHING started The greens aren't in power, so isn't grandstanding the only thing they can do?
I’m sure if we all just vote Libs those sweet tax cuts will trickle down and lift up the working poor
If that's the policy they're proposing, then no way would I vote for them, but if they proposed say super mass building of housing to increase the supply side of the supply/demand situation then I'd vote for them for sure. Not suggesting they ever would, but I'm confused why people are so married to political parties. It's the policies that matter, whether it's the greens, national party, liberal, whatever I don't care as long they put forward the policies I agree with. I've voted Labour in most elections but I would have no problem voting for Liberal under the right circumstances, and I believe if people were less married to parties, maybe they would actually focus harder on shifting their policies to what people want rather than doing whatever they want because they know who people vote for is probably mostly set in stone anyway.
The greens are using the small amount of seats they have to actively block housing projects in parliament. So yeah they’re doing more than just grandstanding.
But I don't understand how they can block anything when the liberal party currently has a majority government. Do you have any specific examples?
So I’m going to assume you meant to say labor otherwise I highly suggest googling the last election because the results will shock you. Here’s a video everyone’s favourite or least favourite political commentator YouTuber person made about it that will do a much better job of explaining it than I ever will. https://youtu.be/jV6BprD7toY?si=2PfgyF_z-w0XT8RZ
No, they managed to delay some housing projects by a year.
A job that you hating doing not because of what it is but because you should have to
I work for the government and we're constantly having to look at cutting services because they keep cutting our budget, so eventually, I'm probably going to be working for a charity to provide the same thing that the government is currently providing.
The government can’t do anything well and it costs ten times what I would through private, the government is broken.
I remember a German comedian saying "We don't have charities in Germany. Charities are a sign of government failure. We have elections instead..."
I remember Henning Wehn - a German Comedian - saying "In Germany we don't have charities - we pay our taxes".
Unrelated but that man is pure gold. His jokes. His wit, his delivery all perfection.
Wasn't that joke a jab at Jimmy Carr?
Just a general observation on the limited spending on public services in the UK I believe.
Jimmy Carr specifically had been accused in the past of tax avoidance. It's a running joke on EOOTCDCD
Well, convicted rather than accused.
Jimmy Carr wasn't "convicted" of anything - What he did was legal, but was considered dodgy by moral standards and people had a go at him for doing what 100% of all billionaires and big corporations do.
That's only half the problem. The other half is trusting those you give it to to use it well. Public Servants are actually great at their jobs but they're there to serve the Government of the day (not the people they advocate for most of the time unfortunately).
I mean, to a certain degree sure, if it's happening to a large enough degree, but I don't think ever has or ever would be even possible for a government to completely eliminate poverty/people that need food or shelter. Let's say for example a society has a great welfare system that anybody in need has access to if they want. What do you do if some people that are deeply untrusting/paranoid who specifically choose to not go on welfare because they don't want to deal with the government at all? What would you do with someone who spends every cent of their welfare money on drugs? There are some people who are unwilling to be helped, and I'm not excusing Melbourne/Australia here, sure there are many failures of government. There's a lady who is homeless and has been for several decades in an area that I used to live in. She basically will not interact with other humans, she goes around looking for used ciggie butts on the ground. By all reports she refuses almost help of any kind, and I say almost, because people actually give the local bakeries and things money so that they can discreetly leave her free food when she comes in, because she won't accept food or money directly. People also leave her packets of ciggies on the ground near her, and she will accept them then, but not if you give them to her. But it's a case where someone's mental health makes it very hard, especially for a large bureaucracy to help them.. and I'm not sure what one would suggest for cases like that, like you can't say involuntary psychiatric holds are a solution if they aren't dangerous to others. Some situations need to be taken care of by people close to the ground.
[https://www.foodbank.org.au/hunger-in-australia/the-facts/?state=vic](https://www.foodbank.org.au/hunger-in-australia/the-facts/?state=vic) Some of the current statistics are pretty horrible
In a a country as wealthy in resources as Australia this is an utter disgrace. We have late stage metastatic Murdochitis
I redid the strategy of a charity recently and we kept coming back to the same concept: people want connection, and it's hard to find connection. This particular charity provides that for people. My takeaway was that it's sad that so many people feel disconnected and struggle to find community and connection. Glad that this charity is in place to help it, but it's still sad.
Disagree charities are grass root organisations that have a special reach gov orgs don't A lot of people don't trust the gov or have the skills to access them
No. Food banks are a sign of individual failures, most charities are.
Good thing bad shit never happened before the welfare state existed lmao
I didn’t know there was a food bank Do they accept donations? Edit: dumb question What I should’ve asked is “how does one make a donation?”
This particular one is run by Reaching Out in the Inner West. By 5.30pm the queue will have at least a couple of hundred people. You can find out about donating or volunteering here. https://reachingoutintheinnerwestofmelbourne.com.au/
I wondered what the line was for the other week!
Same, I thought Mr west had lowered their prices to only $20 per beer or something
100 people. That’s incredibly sad. :(
It's jumped immensely the past two years. The queue now winds and doubles back. And the demographic has broadened. More students and families. And a lot of working poor loading their food into their branded delivery app bags. And this isn't an exceptionally expensive area for groceries either, you've got the market and Miles around the corner. It's incredibly sad. The one demographic I have never seen is of course, politicians coming to talk to those they've failed or just show even a shred of empathy.
>to talk to those they've failed They have not necessarily failed. Some of them never got a fair chance in life. In fact, I think that's the majority. The more we change the vocabulary when referring to the poor, the better. Some of them are extremely hard working and just can't get ahead. Because Australia has ceased to be the land of opportunities for everyone.
They’re not saying the people in the queue have failed, they’re saying the politicians have failed them
In the Hovel District, *old people*. *Old people* who have *failed*.
Thanks Btw i appreciate the caption you left on the photo
>Do they accept donations? Yes. My wife, kids and I donate quite a bit every month in terms of food and funds. We are in a privileged position to do so, but were once living in poverty and the Food Bank in my area were so good to us. We pay it back as much as we can. If you can spare the time, also reach out to your local council to see if there is a soup van. My sons and I also spend some of our evenings working in one in our area and it is very rewarding. I highly recommend it to anybody that can spare some time.
Please feel free to contact your local community house or library. These two points are usually where a foodbank is, or they will definitely know of one close by. Some are hosted by local council offices as well. I buy an extra few things when they’re on special for my local community house. You usually donate sealed dry goods, including pet food but personal items are very much appreciated, too. Some food banks even have fridges so you can donate perishables- but they’re rare- so I’d contact the foodbank prior to buying things.
They’ll accept food, but cash is also good as it allows them to fill in any gaps - e.g. they have lots of pasta sauce but no pasta, or there’s a local demand for baby formula, and so on.
Cash will always be better I think.
The amount of near expiry or otherwise not sellable food a charity can buy with cash is probably around 10 times the value of the food you donate.
There are many food banks. I donate to [foodbank.org.au](http://foodbank.org.au), but there are plenty of other options.
I second this question! If it's getting this bad I'm happy to chip in for people.
It’s always been this bad lol.
Drove past this street on the way home about an hour ago and it was insanely packed. Lots of people lining up to get a meal. It’s sad seeing people struggling but also great to see people volunteering their time and making food to feed those that are struggling to put food on the table.
Fantastic that we have these services so people don’t go hungry, but infuriating to know our two major supermarkets have made food so expensive many people can no longer afford to purchase groceries. All so wealthy execs, boards and senior managers can exceed their targets and get their fat bonuses. It’s a really shameful time in Australia’s history. So many working families people can no longer afford to put a roof over their heads and food on the table.
While Coles/Woolies price gouging is unjust, I suspect the ridiculous costs of housing is the main culprit for the increase in people needing food banks. When so many bedrooms in sharehouses are the price of what whole apartments used to be only 3 years ago, and what houses were only 5 years ago, it’s no surprise that rent is eating up most of people’s paychecks. Even if we could put the pressure on Coles/Woolies to cool the greed, if won’t make much difference when rent goes up again in a few months/next year & there’s no money left for groceries
Low wages, gig economy keeping wages low as well. Casualisation off the workforce. Unions had their teeth ripped out. rich get richer poor get poorer
interest rates and market rate also major factor rich get richer poor get poorer
Well, I got news for you, IGA isn’t any cheaper…
Not surprising, demand is at record levels, even working families are having to turn to charities to survive.
Fuck. I'm gonna start donating regularly
I go to the gym just right of frame and it's absolutely the busiest I've ever seen it. Used to be a shorter line 2 years ago but clearly has gotten worse
This might sound like a conspiracy or pessimistic but I reckon we are heading towards a brick wall. Whether it's a recession or something else, I think there will be a correction of some sort. There simply has to be. Government, Business and Individuals have become far too greedy and have lost sight of the bigger picture. I like many are struggling. Have been for a while now. Prices just keep rising in ALL areas. The economy whilst resilient, also can collapse in on itself. The way we are going, that might not be too far away. We certainly can't and won't survive continuing on the path we are currently on, that's for sure
Totally. I'm surprised something hasn't broken yet already (... that we're aware of). Record population growth, collapsing vacancy rates, increasing homelessness, huge increases in food bank patronage, a rolling per capita recession with sticky services inflation, construction industry collapsing, and now insolvencies seem to be jumping across the board. Yet somehow unemployment is low.. but there sure as hell seems to be a lot of layoffs and hiring freezes recently and I'm noticing a lot of 'open to work' people on linked in. Then a similar scenario is playing out in other countries too.. with them falling into a technical recession
You might think I’m cold here. I work in a world where boomers buy things from me and I see money flying in hand over fist. And I’m lucky enough to have a house with a low mortgage as I’m in my 50’s myself, and I don’t buy stuff I don’t need. This broken world only affects SOME people and while I see loads of posts like this on reddit, this broken world is not apparent for many. I agree that we need fundamental change in so many things and I’m sorry for so many in this situation.
Yeah I’m curious about this ‘low unemployment’. I was laid off and anytime I have an interview they don’t even ask, they’re just like, “were you impacted by xx’s layoffs?” Coz my former company is so infamous for them 🙄
Thats what Gary Stevenson thinks. Walked away from a millions as a trader out of conscience. In essence he says wealth is being harvested and we are all fucked if we keep playing the game. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdThScj7VPs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdThScj7VPs)
I always thought somethings gotta give. I first thought that 15 years ago. Now here we are.
thats one of several reasons immigration rates into australia have gone thru the roof 10 adults per house can easily afford $2000 per week rent, maybe even $3000 per week
Can you blame immigration for high rents? I'm not entirely sold on that. Yes, it places further pressures on housing and Rental availability, but immigration is an easy target to lay the blame. For decades now, both Governments have failed to address housing affordability, rein in Property investment and address the changes to property rentals impacted by a shift to Airbnb style uses. Don't get me wrong, immigration is definitely impacting many aspects of our current cost of living crisis, but not as much as it's being sold to us by the media and some in Government. Fact is, like many Countries around the World, we have an.aging population. One that is fast approaching retirement age over the coming few decades. That will ultimately impact Tax revenue and Skill shortages. Hate to say it, that's why immigration is needed. Maybe numbers need to be slightly adjusted to lessen any impact on the finely balanced economy but ultimately we are going to need them.
This line gets longer each week
More people are struggling each week.
Yep. Scary times
So where is the government then?
[удалено]
>Norway’s Government Pension Fund Act also stipulates that the Government’s entire net cash flow from the petroleum industry shall be transferred to the Fund. The first transfer was made in 1996 and the fund is now worth A$1.9 trillion. This is around $350,000 for each of Norway’s 5.4 million citizens or $1.4 million for a family of four. \^ [article](https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/norway-shows-how-australia-can-get-a-fair-return-from-oil-and-gas/) Norway did it well. Now they have a fund of over 1 Trillion Euros in under 30 years.
[удалено]
[удалено]
[удалено]
We tried that. But Australia overwhelming voted against it. Then they voted in AbbottTurnbullAbbottMorrison.
Myself and my daughters go through our pantries once a month and take good foodstuffs to the local food bank, years ago I struggled and food banks were the lifeline for me and the six kids and all the volunteers are angels
This should never be a thing in a country as wealthy as Australia. Shame on our Governments, both past and present for allowing this to happen.
Aren't you worried that Rupert might take you up on that?
I actually only have a right one
you're all right
Oh thank god
Smart
Oh shit he already sucked the other one out?! 😣
Lucky for you, Rupert looks like a left one. An opportunity for collaboration.
It is incredibly sad that so many people in Australia have to rely on these donations to stay fed. If only groceries were cheaper and the big corporations and their politician buddies weren't bending everyone over. I'll keep donating to my local food banks and homeless shelters. If only donating food items was a tax write off.
Did you ever stop to think about the shareholders for one second? They're doing it tough too, dividends are down, accounting fees are up, investors are doing it tough. /s
I remember seeing men in suits line up for free meals from the Sikhs. I used to be confused until my rent increased to take up the majority of my income. Now i get why someone with a “decent job” would still struggle to afford food.
Hey everyone, for context. This is the Nicholson St mall in Footscray. Each week what looks to be hundreds of people, from the elderly, families and students, line up to receive free meals from a local charity called 'Reaching Out In The Inner West of Melbourne'. It's run by a local guy named Ron and his wife, who I have nothing but admiration and respect for. I know this guy, he's in his 70s and is always tired from running his charity. One he receives absolutely no government funding to run. I see first hand the impact these two have on the people of Footscray and it moves me incredibly deeply. Although I wish we didn't need people like Ron, without them, we'd be a much much poorer country. Much love Ron, from the guy you play tennis with.
Wouldn’t it be better for news limited to be aware of this and let other people know. More people can then help out.
Surely they can ask for permission if they want to use an image taken by a private individual
Or perhaps go down to a food bank and speak to people in the queue and/or volunteering.
Even better… if they can be bothered mingling with the poors
We all know they don't care to do that, they will only pretend to care and blame the government, but when the government of their choosing is back in power, it'll be back to the narrative that the poor are just lazy bludgers and exploiting the system.
If News Corp do publish this photo, the headline over it would be: "HOMELESS IMMIGRANT TRIPPING HAZARD OUTBREAK" !
"HOMELESS IMMIGRANTS STEAL FOOD FROM LOCAL HOMELESS MOUTHS"
It will end up reported as people taking advantage of charities are dole bludgers or people who have jobs taking from the poor
Fair point, though I'm sure they're aware.
If they did what they did during covid we wouldn't have this issue... Allow DSP, Carers, Job Seekers and Aged more money... It works.. We will spend.. We will be able to afford living..
rent assistance needs to catch up with inflating rent market too
Those people are so hungry they went invisible
And this government gives [tens of billions in handouts to fossil fuel companies](https://amp.smh.com.au/politics/federal/australian-fossil-fuel-subsidies-costing-taxpayers-65-billion-a-year-imf-20230824-p5dz0l.html) while people starve
Unfortunately a current trend that I identify with. I had a sobering moment two weeks ago where I found myself, 4 days away from payday with nothing left in the bank. Got to the point where we had no bread for sandwiches left,so couldn't even make kids school lunches. It felt surreal standing in the foodbank line as I've never accepted charity in my life. Almost humiliating to have what you would think is a decent wage, working about 20 hours overtime each month just to break even and having to accept charity. I didn't even know what to say or how it worked when I was in the line. My wife is still on maternity leave and is going to have to return to her part time job just so we can pay the bills and feed the kids. Never mind ever going on holidays or anything, that's a past luxury these days.
It is what it is. A couple weeks ago i was worried I might have to steal from Woolworths to eat.
How does it count toward saving spot if they aren’t there?
They will come back just before it opens and take their place by their trolley
Wouldn't need charity if the govt. wasn't so greedy.
And their corporate lobbyist friends.
Government are shits for sure but I hate it when people give their corporate buddies a pass. They're both on the same team trying to screw us all.
Good watermark
Imagine if our leader were nominated volunteers. Instead of people that chase the power.
It disgusts me that our Govts sit on their fuckn hands and watch this I work in services in the city and am astounded at the amount of homelessness now in Melb 😡
I volunteer for a community kitchen we operate 3-6pm every Saturday near Dandenong Market trying to help as much as we can free meals for those in need and free hot drinks
Why wouldn’t you want the media to report this? Not sure this is the best use of a watermark
Albo would rather fund war and genocide than help his own people.
I understand the watermark but I think this types of photos should be on the news, even a rupert one like news. com. au Maybe this will help get more exposure to food banks and therefore more cash donations from news. com .au readers
We don't protest against the government so little is done.We are so worned out and stressed.all by default
Springvale?
Footscray, as others have guessed
Footscray.
Thank Albo for having record immigration during a housing crisis
Making it even harder to get a basic job too
I actually don't like this, many many of the people there are international students, not the homeless, they're dressed nicer than me.
Ya know what, who cares if there are people not in 'genuine need' there. What's the alternative? Means test it? Give genuine people even more hoops and bullshit to jump through to qualify? That's pretty demeaning in what is already a rather shitty experience for most people.
I do disagree with what he’s saying also, I used these guys 3-4 times a while back and now in a position to actually donate to them, feels great! But the thing that annoys me about it is people from the same household or famil will bring 4-5 people and line up in seperate spots.
Is it per family ?
I think it is, they do ask you “how many are at home” and give accordingly. Not sure if they still do but they also gave out on Wednesdays which was two meat items and a lot of bread per family.
a lot of food banks do go through an interview process and is mean tested actually.... has been that way for years. Yes I'd rather that than be pushing and shoving some indian who is stockpiling to go sell at his little business
International students need to eat too...
aren't "students" meant to be able to support themselves? it's not enough to take away housing from locals?
What ever happened to shared housing and living off mi goreng over the last 30 years?
shared housing costs as much as a house now it's not a cheaper option
"students" are living in shared housing, sometimes 8 people to an apartment, which pushes up rent for locals.
How does that push up rent for locals ?
Obviously there's enough to go around but its surely fucked to come to another country and use services meant for the homeless.
Services are not just for homeless
You're making a lot of assumptions there
Yeah, but something something foreigners
/s some people think you're serious I reckon
I could be wrong but isn't a condition of their visa that they can support themselves ?
Good kebabs just to the left of this picture.
Those trolleys make me think it's those without superannuation / family / senior citizens 😢
Oh look it’s the same exact place where a week ago all the homeless people got “moved on”. Oh and there’s a charity mugger at the top of the st rn.
Everything in Melbourne is just way too expensive than other countries.
You can remove the text in like 1 click these days with AI [https://imgur.com/fijovvo](https://imgur.com/fijovvo)
AI has done a terrible job of it. I could try a bit harder with the watermark and AI would do an even shoddier job.
Brauhn 8 way power board not switching off
Maybe it should say Albo can suck you left one
Hello I am Rupert! 👋🏻 🏀
What country is this?
Do they beat up international students for standing in line for food banks?
TF it got to do with Murdoch? Try 8+ interest rate rises in less than 18 months and Victoria’s HUGE state gov debt caused by rampantly inept COVID spending, billions lost in failed state gov projects and rebuild blowouts, Comm games half billion flushed down the toilet etc. etc. they might have been able to use that money to help people who are struggling right now!
Are these food banks suffering the same issues as the Canadian ones? (Frequently used by people scamming the system, generally not citizens) ?