First Nations Communities Disproportionately Represented in Requests for Support

FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES DISPROPORTIONATELY REPRESENTED IN REQUESTS FOR SUPPORT

• Since 2020, not-for-profit donation platform GIVIT has provided more than 1.6 million essential goods and services to First Nations Australians in need  
• First Nations Peoples are disproportionately represented in requests for people experiencing homelessness and domestic violence
• The rising cost of living has exacerbated challenges in these communities
• GIVIT has launched a First Nations Appeal to address needs across the state

Data from not-for-profit charity GIVIT, shows First Nations communities are disproportionately impacted by hardship based on requests for assistance through the platform. Working with more than 1,100 First Nations charities and grass roots support organisations across the country, First Nations Australians make up 25% of individuals receiving support through GIVIT.

GIVIT National Manager Christina Spehr said these figures are increasing with the rising cost of living.

“Despite making up approximately 3% of Australia’s population, First Nations Peoples represent a quarter of all donation requests through GIVIT,” said Christina. “We’re calling on everyday Australians to show up and donate to our First Nations Appeal to empower First Nations futures.”

Almost a third of requests on GIVIT for people experiencing domestic and family violence or homelessness are for First Nations recipients. These communities are also disproportionately represented in requests for disaster recovery assistance and support relating to mental ill-health and illness.

Kylie Skew, from GIVIT charity partner Killara Foundation in Victoria, said the cost of living has exacerbated challenges for First Nations Peoples.

“If we can provide a fuel or food voucher then our clients have got that little bit of money spare to put towards something else,” said Kylie. “Helping out with the small things can really take the pressure off.”

“It’s important, more than ever, that Australians stand up and show up for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples today and everyday into the future. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples don’t have the luxury of built-up generational wealth, and I think it’s the responsibility of everybody to help close that gap and help everyone come onto a level field.”

Christina Spehr said there are currently almost 600 essential items requested across Victoria for First Nations Peoples on the GIVIT website. These include grocery and fuel vouchers for single parents raising their children whilst experiencing severe financial hardship, and furniture for First Nations Peoples who have secured housing following a period of homelessness.

“First Nations support organisations are often stretched in terms of resources and can struggle to source essential items,” said Christina. “GIVIT can provide donations to help meet this demand to ensure people get exactly what they need, when they need it.”

To assist First Nations Peoples in your local community visit https://www.givit.org.au/first-nations-support and filter by location.

If you have an item to donate that is not listed, please register the item on www.givit.org.au/donate-items.

If you are a local charity or frontline service in need of donated goods and services, please register at givit.org.au/charity-registration.

For more information please contact:
E: kate.fisher@givit.org.au M: 0444 503 759

About GIVIT

GIVIT is the smart way to give. Through GIVIT.org.au, we channel generosity where it is needed to support
vulnerable people and communities in Australia.

Working with more than 4,500 support organisations, we ensure people get what they need when they need it most – whether recovering from an emergency event, or experiencing hardship due to circumstances such as drought, domestic and family violence, homelessness, disability, and mental health.

GIVIT captures all offers of goods and services online, removing the need for charities and services to sort, store and dispose of unrequested donations, saving valuable resources. 100% of donated money received by GIVIT to support people in need are used to purchase essential items and services. We buy locally, wherever possible, to support local businesses and the economic recovery of affected communities. GIVIT’s operational costs are covered by government contracts and corporate partners.