The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its election commitment to support the critical work of the Reverend Bill Crews Foundation and secure its future in supporting vulnerable Australians.
A new $10 million investment will help Reverend Crews and his team of volunteers provide more free meals, support those impacted by family and domestic violence, and deliver literacy programs for the most vulnerable Australians.
The literacy programs will be delivered through schools across New South Wales and the Northern Territory, while other services will be delivered from the Foundation’s headquarters in Ashfield and Blacktown.
The funding will also support the operation of the Foundation’s Blacktown medical clinic, which provides a range of healthcare services including medical, dental and alcohol and other drug services.
For over 30 years, Reverend Crews and a team of volunteers have provided free meals, accessible healthcare, welfare support and literacy programs for the most vulnerable Australians.
In 2023-24, the Foundation provided almost half a million meals, distributed 25,000 food hampers, and conducted almost 1,300 GP and 500 dental appointments to people in need in Sydney.
This announcement builds on the more than $460 million the Albanese Labor Government is already investing in emergency and food relief and other supports for Australians who are having a hard time.
Quotes attributable to the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese
“This investment means more free meals, support for those impacted by family and domestic violence, literacy programs for vulnerable Australians and GP and dental appointments.
“This is a cause extremely close to my heart. I am so proud to call Bill a friend and to have seen up close the impact his work has made on many thousands of people.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek
“Reverend Crews has been there time and time again for Sydneysiders in need, with hot meals, GP and dentist appointments, or just to listen to someone in pain.
“I’ve seen firsthand how Bill and his team change lives every day, including during the festive season which can be such a difficult time for many people.
“This investment will secure the Foundation’s future - to keep serving free meals, providing accessible healthcare, help with welfare support and giving people hope when they need it most.”