Ex-senator to speak at Margaret River meeting

Rachel Siewert, Deputy CEO of the Western Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS) will discuss community needs for welfare supports and services, on Wednesday 18 September as part of the Margaret River Community Centre’s annual general meeting and public talk event.

“We have invited Rachel Siewert to help us explore the current state of our community’s wellbeing and the adequacy of our existing welfare services and supports, both informal and formal, to meet identified needs,” Jessica Worrall, Chair of Margaret River Community Centre said.

“The current cost of living crisis is being experienced by many people in our community and as a regional town we do not have ready access to much needed supports.”

A WA Senator for 16 years, Ms Siewert held portfolios including social justice, First Nations and aged care. Before entering the Senate, she was coordinator of the Conservation Council of WA.

The Cost of Living Survey Report, commissioned by the Financial Counsellors’ Association of WA in July, exposed the harsh impact of persistently high living costs.

When asked about the most pressing issues facing WA, 73 per cent of respondents identified ‘cost of living’, followed by ‘housing’ and ‘health’.

The report revealed nearly four out of ten Western Australians would need to seek financial assistance if faced with an unexpected $500 bill.

“We know that Western Australians on low incomes have been left without financial reserves and are missing out on nutritious and regular meals, on safe and affordable housing, and on the opportunity to plan for the future. Following Rachel’s presentation, we will host a short discussion with a panel including representatives from some of these organisations and take questions from the floor,” Worrall said.

“The WACOSS vision is for an inclusive, just and equitable society, and this is what the Community Centre strives for as well.”

All are welcome to attend the AGM at 6pm, followed by Ms Siewert’s presentation at 6:30pm. This is a free event and people may wish to come at 5pm to buy a meal at the Soup Kitchen ($7).

Please RSVP via email bookings@mrcc.com.au or 9757 3200, between 9am and 1pm Monday – Friday.