May 27, 2020
Local help at hand for coronavirus fallout
A purpose-built, locally targeted campaign to help people across a number of communities in the south west of the State deal with the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic has been launched.
Alcoa is partnering with respected charities Foodbank WA and Anglicare WA to deliver the support near where the resources company operates its two bauxite mines and three alumina refineries. The support will be provided in local government areas of Kwinana, Murray and Waroona as well as parts of the shires of Harvey and Serpentine-Jarrahdale.
Through its global charity the Alcoa Foundation, Alcoa will provide more than $420,000 over the next 12 months to ensure local people have food on their table as well as access to important support services for things like mental health, accommodation, dealing with domestic violence, and financial and family counselling.
Alcoa Australia President Michael Gollschewski said while the immediate health impacts associated with the pandemic were starting to ease, the economic and social ramifications would linger.
“We’ve heard from local groups and leaders that people across our host communities are hurting and will be some for time,” Michael said.
“Many have never had to ask for help before. We want to ensure that the specific support needed in each of these communities is available locally and can be accessed easily without delays or difficulties.”
Anglicare WA and Foodbank WA will partner with local organisations across these areas to deliver services and supplies most needed in each community.
Anglicare WA CEO Mark Glasson said COVID-19 had created a new level of hardship in the community and many people in need of help were unsure where to turn.
“As well as taking a financial toll, the crisis is affecting mental health and family relationships. We will work with these communities to ensure the support services we provide are tailored to their needs and made accessible to anyone who needs them,” Mr Glasson said.
Foodbank WA CEO Greg Hebble said hunger had been on the rise for some time.
“We know that there are growing number of people doing it particularly tough at the moment. We’re really excited to be collaborating with Alcoa, Anglicare WA and other local organisations to step up our emergency food relief efforts and provide essential food and groceries to those most in need,” Mr Hebble said.
Anyone needing help should call 1800 979 777 for support from Foodbank WA and 1300 114 446 for Anglicare WA.
Murray Shire President David Bolt welcomed what he described as generous support.
"The value of this initiative is that it is designed to provide direct and practical assistance to those most in need in our local communities,” Cr David Bolt said.
Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams said she was pleased her local community would benefit from a locally targeted service to help vulnerable community members during this time.
“There is already some great work under way to support our community and it is great to see these organisations unite to ensure continued support into the medium term,” she said.
These projects have been made possible through Alcoa Foundation’s US$1 million pledge to help communities near where the company operates across the globe respond to challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is in addition to the funds the foundation already provides each year for environmental and community projects. About $1.7 million (AUD) in foundation funding has already been committed to other WA-based projects in 2020.
Overall, Alcoa provides about $4.5 million for community programs and projects in Australia each year, the vast majority being focused on the south west of Western Australia.
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Media contacts
Anglicare WA: Emma-Jane Morcombe, 0439 272 262, emmajane.morcombe@anglicarewa.org.au
Foodbank WA: Charmaine Don, 0407 384 642, Charmaine.don@foodbankwa.org.au
Alcoa: Suellen Jerrard, 0417 949 817, suellen.jerrard@alcoa.com