- Cook Labor Government is supporting the WA Council of Social Service (WACOSS) to provide community relief through a $304,893 Lotterywest grant
- Grant will support a Community Relief and Resilience Program to address food and financial insecurity and strengthen sector capacity to provide quality community relief support
- Delivers on the Cook Labor Government’s priority to build safer and more inclusive communities
The Cook Labor Government is helping ensure Western Australians experiencing financial hardship can continue to access essential food relief and emergency support through a $304,893 Lotterywest grant to WA Council of Social Service (WACOSS).
The funding will strengthen community organisations that thousands of Western Australians rely on for food, financial assistance, and emergency relief, helping build safer and more inclusive communities.
Through the grant, WACOSS will provide free training, resources, and sector support to around 300 community organisations delivering food relief, emergency assistance, financial counselling, and referral services across Western Australia.
People seeking food or emergency relief can find their nearest provider and opening hours through WA Connect at www.waconnect.org.au or by calling 1800 979 777.
WACOSS is also administering the Cook Labor Government’s Food Relief Grants Program, which opened in May 2026. To date, 108 grants worth almost $1 million have been approved, including $488,000 across 52 grants supporting regional and remote communities.
The Food Relief Grants Program remains open until April 2027, or until the $2 million funding pool is fully allocated.
Organisations interested in applying for these grants can find more information here: wacoss.org.au/projects/food-relief-grants-program/
As stated by Community Services Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
“Community relief services play a vital role in supporting Western Australians experiencing financial hardship and helping people get back on their feet.
“More than 300 community organisations across Western Australia provide food relief, emergency assistance, and other essential support to people when they need it most.
“I thank Lotterywest and WACOSS for the important work they do to strengthen our communities and support Western Australians through difficult times.”
