Bunbury’s In Town Centre cherishes $20,000 Lotterywest funding as Christmas brings increased demand

Bunbury’s In Town Centre has received an early Christmas present with $20,000 in funding from Lotterywest coming its way.

The money will help the centre offer cheap meals to people who are struggling with homelessness and provide a safe space for those who need it to eat, socialise, and find support networks.

The centre, in Bunbury’s CBD, is close to where many people in need are situated, and as cost-of-living and housing pressures continue to bite, demand is surging.

The funding boost had come at the right time, In Town Centre chairperson David Bailey said.

“We’re very grateful it’s come at the right time of year and it’s a time when the need from those on the margins of society are greater than we’ve seen before,” he said.

“Right now is the hardest time for families, the hardest time for individuals, and they need our support.”

Mr Bailey said he hoped the money would make a real difference to those in need.

“I’m just glad that what this money does, it puts us in a better position to be able to help those who need the help that we can offer,” he said.

“We’re grateful to (Member for Bunbury) Don Punch and the state Government, and I know that going forward our partnership will probably become even stronger as we, both government and us, have to dig deeper to help those in need.

“Sadly, those figures are only rising, but with this support we’re glad to say we can help more people.”

Mr Don Punch was there to hand over the funding to Mr Bailey and In Town Centre secretary Steph Jackson.

Mr Punch said he was happy to see the funding going to an important organisation, and thanked volunteers for helping the community.

“At this time of year, social isolation can be a terrible thing to endure, so I thank Lotterywest for recognising this and providing the In Town Centre with additional funds for what they do best, supporting people in need,” he said.

“The In Town Centre could not do what it does without the support of its many volunteers, and I would like to thank them and congratulate them for the job they do.

“At a time of year when most of us just want to spend time with our families, these volunteers work tirelessly and selflessly to bring cheer and friendship into the lives of others.”