The Hobart community of Glenorchy yesterday did its bit to raise awareness about disadvantage at an Anti-Poverty Week barbecue held at the Mission Australia Centre, Chigwell House.
Mission Australia staff, volunteers and members of the local community launched the week in fine festive style.
According to Family Liaison Officer Shelley Moore approximately 100 people attended - some that we provide services to as well as those from the broader community.
“It was one of the best events we’ve ever held,” said Shelley.
“It had a really nice feel to it. We had a jumping castle, lolly-guessing competitions food activities and music.”
Parents Staying Connected participants provided face-painting for the local children and staff from another Mission Australia service, Youth Connections, conducted a drum-beat session.
The event was launched by Anti-Poverty Week patron Bernadette Black, a Tasmanian author who is an advocate for young parents.
"I was a 16-year old-mum when I had my first child and I was really quite close to that poverty line," she said.
Ms Black emphasised that poverty can strike anyone. "For most of us in Australia now - with the pressures being so hard - it can be an unplanned pregnancy, a death of a loved one, it can be something that you know can happen to any of us that can get us to this poverty line when we need all the help and support of the community.”
Tasmanian Association of Community Houses representative John Hooper said it was important to highlight the services and support networks available to struggling Tasmanians.
"We're trying to support communities to assist themselves and lift them out of the situation they're in," he told The Mercury.
Mission Australia Centre, Chigwell House functions as a neighbourhood ‘hub’ offering support to families and young people in the Glenorchy City Council area of north-east Hobart. The centre offers a unique blend of community programs designed to transform the lives of young parents and teenagers in the local area. It also comprises 14 social housing units for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
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