Cash for CISS

By Bridget Brady
FROM bracing to start turning people away when crisis funding runs out this month, a Cranbourne support service has received a welcome boost.
As the busy Cranbourne Information and Support Service (CISS) runs out of food vouchers as early as 10am some mornings, Holt MP Anthony Byrne has announced an $11,000 contribution for 12 months that will allow social worker Doug Thompson to work three days instead of two.
Despite the good news, CISS manager Leanne Petrides said staff would need to turn people away in a few weeks when funding from the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and Victorian bushfire relief efforts finishes on 30 June.
While the GFC might be drawing to a close, Ms Petrides said people’s financial woes were not, and there continued to be an increased demand for CISS services.
“Unfortunately during that time the population has rapidly increased and so has the level for need,” Ms Petrides said.
Ms Petrides said some who did not lose their jobs at the height of the GFC were battling the financial implications of fewer work hours.
“It takes longer for an area like this to recover. It’s going to be a tough 12 months. It will be hard, but we’ll do it. The team of people who work here are incredibly dedicated and incredibly committed and they will make it work.”
The rental pinch in Casey was still a debacle, Ms Petrides said, as people continued to sleep in their cars and more and more people became bankrupt.
Mr Thompson works in depth with people who are in crisis, and the Federal Government funding will allow him to work with the vulnerable group of low-income families with children.
“We are grateful to the Federal Government for the vulnerable groups funding because it means we’re able to deliver a targeted service to some of the most vulnerable in the south-east region,” Ms Petrides said.
Mr Byrne also announced $56,000 for emergency relief for the Casey North Information and Support Service.
“I am delighted to announce the funding boost to assist these organisations continue their outstanding work in the area of much-needed emergency relief in the local community,” Mr Byrne said.