Diabetes Australia has become the latest organization to partner with Melbourne’s Project 614, enhancing the array of support services available to those in need in the city center. This collaboration adds to a variety of government and non-government initiatives aimed at assisting vulnerable populations.
Located in the heart of Melbourne’s Central Business District, Project 614 operates as a drop-in café providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while also facilitating access to vital financial and health support. Services Australia and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) are among the key agencies on-site, offering community education and essential assistance.
Other organizations present at Project 614 include Hearing Australia, Victoria Police, Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria, as well as drug and alcohol counseling services, and HousingVic officers. These services collectively work to provide comprehensive support to community members.
At a recent event at the Bourke Street site, representatives from various organizations welcomed Diabetes Australia, reinforcing their commitment to aid those most in need.
Bill Shorten, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Government Services, expressed optimism about the collaboration, emphasizing its significance for the vulnerable members of the community. “The partnership with Diabetes Australia will enhance the already successful services offered at Project 614, which aims to provide comprehensive support to individuals facing significant challenges,” he stated.
The partnership between Services Australia and Project 614 began in August 2022 as part of a broader initiative that now spans 27 locations across the country. Since its inception, the Community Partnership Specialist Officer stationed at Project 614 has assisted community members over 5,100 times with services such as obtaining Medicare cards and filing income support claims.
Challenges such as homelessness, mental health issues, and substance abuse often hinder access to government services through traditional channels. The project aims to meet individuals in their current circumstances, offering tailored support that can transform lives.
Project 614 serves approximately 3,000 meals each week to community members facing homelessness or at risk of it, providing a vital resource for those in need. The on-site services also collaborate to help individuals obtain essential documents, such as birth certificates, which are necessary for opening bank accounts and accessing health and legal services.
Major Brendan Nottle, Commanding Officer of the Salvation Army, highlighted the importance of having streamlined government services in one location. “By reimagining how these vital support systems are accessed, we can forge direct connections to those who need help the most, leading to life-changing outcomes,” he remarked. “The inclusion of Diabetes Australia in this initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing the health of our marginalized clients.”
Justine Cain, Group CEO of Diabetes Australia, echoed this sentiment, noting that the partnership would heighten awareness and support for diabetes within the community. “Nationally, diabetes rates have surged by 32% over the past decade. Innovative partnerships are essential to effect meaningful change in the lives of those affected,” she asserted.
Cain stressed the importance of supporting individuals living with diabetes to prevent serious complications, including foot ulcers, cardiovascular diseases, and preventable blindness, which can severely impact quality of life.
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