Struggling northern Illawarra families, the socially isolated and vulnerable youths will bear the brunt of federal government funding cuts unless the community is able to fill the gap, volunteers have said.
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Thirroul Neighbourhood Centre volunteers are urging the northern Illawarra community to get behind the organisation, after community sector funding cuts stripped it of about $28,000 annually. Much of that money went to provide struggling northern Illawarra families with emergency relief, including food vouchers and money towards utility and medical bills.
An average 130 families approach the centre for assistance each month.
Many others receive food and hygiene packages, or participate in social groups and youth programs.
Thirroul Neighbourhood Centre food drive organiser and volunteer Michael Lavilles said the cuts had "shaken" the 51-year-old organisation.
"It has had to cut down on staffing, so those people are now working less hours, and we're now relying on a lot of people like us to donate and volunteer," Mr Lavilles said.
"We're hoping the community will rally to support [those workers] because we don't want the services that they provide to finish. Otherwise, there is a real risk of them closing down."
More than 60 northern Illawarra business owners, professionals and community leaders attended a cocktail event at Thirroul restaurant The Postman's Quarter on Sunday afternoon to pledge their support to the Thirroul Neighbourhood Centre and its co-ordinator, Emily Messieh.
Mr Lavilles, who organised the event, said it was an opportunity for the community to come together and plan for the organisation's future.
"We really need to band together and look at longer-term sustainability of the neighbourhood centre," he said. "The need for these services is only going to be greater ... there are many people who live alone here and also, the [climate of widespread job cuts] will greatly affect the demand for the emergency relief.
"The funding cuts are out of our control but people in the community can help. I'd like to see the 2515 community to rise up and fill that gap.
"The more people chip in, the more we can do."
Throughout June, the centre will be collecting tins of food and hygiene items for its emergency relief program. Drop off points include the centre, IGA Thirroul, Horizon Thirroul, Austinmer Anglican Church and C3 Church, Thirroul.
