UnitingCare Australia advocacy makes an impact
April 1, 2026
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.
UnitingCare Australia, a key agency of the Uniting Church in Australia, has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement today of an additional $11.7 million investment in emergency relief and financial counselling services for Australians in need due to rising cost-of-living pressures.
Tamara Thomas, the National Director of UnitingCare Australia, today expressed gratitude for the great effort from member organisations in assembling and providing the most up to date and relevant data to facilitate a very persuasive case being put to government. Across the country, frontline services are seeing demand rise sharply. Every emergency relief service is experiencing increased demand, with many reporting significant growth and changes in who needs help, including more people in paid work and families with children.
Ms Thomas stated: “We commend the Government for listening and responding to our call to support people doing it toughest and the frontline services holding communities together during a deeply challenging time.”
The additional funding includes:
- $8.5 million for Commonwealth-funded Emergency Relief providers.
- $1 million in targeted additional support related to Cyclone Narelle.
- $2.24 million for Financial Wellbeing Hubs and financial counselling in high-needs and disaster-prone areas.
This timely support will make a significant difference to thousands of families and individuals most in need. The Government announcement reflects a dynamic and fast-moving advocacy effort by UnitingCare Australia, working in conjunction with the other major church social services providers.
As fuel supply volatility and scarcity continues to unfold, UnitingCare Australia sees this funding as a vital step in the Government’s broader response as it works through its plan to keep Australia moving.
“Emergency relief and financial counselling are a critical safety net,” Ms Thomas said. As cost-of-living pressures continue, our government must keep acting – not only to stabilise services now, but to support people earlier and prevent hardship from escalating.”
Emergency relief plays a critical role in helping people through immediate crises, but Ms Thomas warned that demand will remain high without broader action on the cost of living, housing, and income support.
UnitingCare Australia is one of the largest networks of social services providers in Australia, delivering 5.8 million interactions each year across urban, rural and remote communities.
The UnitingCare network is powered by over 55,000 staff and 17,000 volunteers and have proudly been there for all Australians for more than 100 years.
UnitingCare Australia is a national advocate for social justice, working across party lines to give a voice to the most vulnerable in our community.
More news from the Assembly
President's Conference 2027 - HELD
President’s Conference 2027 HELD TOGETHER A GATHERING FOR YOUNG ADULTS AGED 18-35 Co-led with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian CongressHeld Together, a four-day gathering of young adults from across Australia and the world, will take place from 21–24 January 2027 at Merroo Christian Centre in Kurrajong, NSW.Bringing together diverse cultures, communities and stories…
UCA delegation active at WMC meeting
UCA delegation active at global Methodist gathering in El SalvadorA Uniting Church in Australia delegation has joined Methodists and Wesleyans from around the world in El Salvador, for the World Methodist Council gathering, held from 13–17 August. Gathering under the theme “The Kingdom of God is Justice, Peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans…
Associate General Secretaries gather
UCA Associate General Secretaries gather Associate General Secretaries from across the Uniting Church gathered last week at Campfire in the Heart, Alice Springs, on the traditional lands of the Arrernte people, the Traditional Custodians of Mparntwe. The gathering brought together Linda Hanson (Synod of Queensland), Sue Page and Andrew Robertson (South Australia), Sharon Hollis…
Eastwood UC: Weaving Belonging in a Divided World
Eastwood UC: Weaving Belonging in a Divided WorldThe Uniting Church President, Rev Charissa Suli, recently visited Eastwood Uniting Church in Sydney’s north west, where she preached and shared Holy Communion as the congregation celebrated its 2026 theme, TOGETHER. The theme reflects the congregation’s rich intercultural life, bringing together English, Korean and Chinese-speaking worshippers, alongside people…
When fuel prices rise, who picks up the pieces?
When fuel prices rise, who picks up the pieces? As fuel prices rise again, financial pressure is reaching more Australian households. Tamara Thomas explores the growing demand for support and why stronger safety nets are urgently neededThis article was first published by The Point. It is republished with permission. By Tamara Thomas, National Director of…
Celebrating INS 2026
Many cultures, one body: celebrating Intercultural Neighbouring SundayLast month, congregations and communities across the Uniting Church gathered to celebrate Intercultural Neighbouring Sunday (INS) – a day to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures and languages that make up the body of Christ and explore what it means to live our faith interculturally. Emerging from a…
Change to Code of Ethics for Uniting Church Ministers
Change to Code of Ethics for Uniting Church Ministers The Assembly Standing Committee for the UCA has approved a change in the CoE, effective 1 January 2027 Subscribe to our newsletter If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your…
President's reflection: How can we love our neighbours well?
President’s Reflection: Threads of Love in Hobart and beyond God’s mission has always been shared. At Hobart North Uniting, President Rev Charissa Suli witnessed how different gifts and callings can weave together to love our neighbours well. During a recent visit to Hobart North Uniting Church, President Rev Charissa Suli was encouraged by a congregation asking…