Opened the debate
Webster argued that the Horsham Christian Emergency Food Centre, which received $82,011 in the 2024-25 financial year, would cease receiving funding in September. Webster noted that this organisation, staffed by volunteers, had provided 3,078 client contacts and $527,912 in support during the previous year. Webster stated that the Stawell Interchurch Council, which had served the community since 1970, was also being defunded due to an 80 per cent reduction in grants to its partner, Uniting Vic.Tas. Webster highlighted that the Stawell organisation had assisted 292 households and 661 individuals, including many with disabilities and young people, in the 2024-25 financial year. Webster contended that the government failed to prioritise local organisations with established community relationships and historical capacity. Webster asserted that this decision reflected a broader disregard for regional needs and a tendency to centralise funding in larger urban-based entities.