Welfare agencies in need

BERWICK Benevolent Society (BBS) president Fay Powell said in her annual report to the society that welfare agencies, particularly the Casey North Community Information and Support Service, were spending monthly budgets well before the month was finished.
Mrs Powell said agencies were faced with more and more people asking for help.
“This problem will increase because of the high percentage of young families in the municipality and the over commitment on home purchases.
“They also have to contend with increased petrol prices.
“Population in the southeast will continue to increase because low income families seek the affordable homes.”
Mrs Powell also said that the amount allocated in food vouchers had not increased for several years.
“We need to increase the amount even to keep people going in basic food items for a couple of days,” she said.