The VOW statement was developed from the questionnaires and has become a ‘petition’ that has received over 200 signatures.
Warrawong is one of the most disadvantaged areas in the NSW. With the rise of cost of living, the prevalence of food insecurity has increasingly become a pressing issue within the community.
More than 66% of respondents for The Voice of Warrawong (VOW) indicted that they had experienced food insecurity in the past 12 months. It was reported that individuals felt like they had to eat less, and less variety due to lack of money or other resources. Some community members stated that at times, they had to live off two-minute noodles or pasta due to the high cost of fresh food.
The purpose of the VOW is to give the community a voice to influence change. The Warrawong Residences Forum (WRF) can then implement recommendations based off these responses.
Here’s what else the VOW reported:
- 73% of respondents shared that they had run out of food in the past 12-months and were unable to purchase more.
- 47% of participants described Warrawong as a great place to live, quiet, with good people who are friendly.
- 72% of respondents expressed safety as a concern in the Warrawong community.
- 75% of participants agreed to the benefits of having increased, consistent and long-term service access.
- 63% of respondents agreed that social activities are an important inclusion in the Warrawong community and at WRF.
- 51% of participants commented on the importance of WRF’s FoodHub and community lunch program.
“I see the amount of work that the volunteers and staff here do day-to-day and can see that they need help. I am worried that without the right amount of resources that there could be a risk to this support not being available or burning out.”
“I support WRF’s request for additional funding to employ skilled staff
and maintain essential services.”
Based off this feedback, the WRF aims to:
- Meet the needs in the community with additional resources and services
- Host a specialist services hub that meets the needs of the community
- Develop supports for our community’s young people
- Increase access to mental health resources and support
There are multiple ways you can get involved in the WRF. Both funding and lack of staff are a major component of maintaining and increasing the services the WRF provides. By either donating or volunteering, you can help support these services which have been paramount to the livelihoods of the Warrawong Community.
To keep up the increasing needs of the Warrawong people, maintaining a strong, long-term support system is essential. In doing so, we help lessen health inequalities that could potentially exacerbate disadvantage amongst an already vulnerable population group.
Here’s how you can contribute:
For more information:
