The rising cost of living is putting enormous pressure on families across Australia. For many, everyday essentials like hygiene products, kitchen items, and even clean laundry have become difficult to afford. At the same time, homelessness is on the rise, with more than 122,000 Australians experiencing homelessness on any given night.
In Forster, one local organisation is stepping up to make a difference. The Forster Neighbourhood Centre has launched its ‘Dignity Drop Offs’ project, a grassroots initiative designed to provide practical support to families doing it tough. Thanks to a $3,000 grant from the ETC Community Support Fund, this project is able to continue supporting families in need.
Since 2012, the ETC Community Support Fund has been helping local organisations deliver practical solutions to urgent community needs. By supporting initiatives like Forster Neighbourhood Centre’s ‘Dignity Drop Offs,’ we’re ensuring families have access to essential hygiene products and dignity in times of hardship.
To date, ETC has invested more than $3 million into programs that promote inclusion, wellbeing, and pathways to a better future. Learn more about ETC’s Community Support Fund >
The Forster Neighbourhood Centre (FNC) has been a cornerstone of community support in the Great Lakes region for decades. The Centre provides a safe, welcoming space where people can access practical assistance, social programs, and referrals to essential services. Their mission is to strengthen community connections and ensure that no one feels alone during difficult times. Learn more about FNC here >
Dignity Drop Offs is just one example of their commitment to helping families overcome hardship and maintain a sense of dignity and belonging.
The project focuses on restoring dignity and easing everyday burdens for vulnerable families. Through Dignity Drop Offs, families can access essential reusable items such as:
These items may seem simple, but they make a profound difference. They help families maintain independence, keep children engaged in school, and reduce the stress of living without basic necessities.
When families struggle to afford essentials, the impact goes beyond physical needs, it affects mental health, confidence, and the ability to participate in community life. By providing these resources, the Forster Neighbourhood Centre is helping families stay connected and supported during challenging times.
ETC CEO, Damon Munt, said the initiative is a powerful example of community-driven change.
“We are proud to support the Forster Neighbourhood Centre through the ETC Community Support Fund. Their Dignity Drop Offs project is a vital initiative that makes a real difference in the lives of local residents. By providing essential items to families in need, this initiative helps restore dignity, ease everyday burdens, and strengthen the fabric of our community.”
The funding reflects ETC’s commitment to breaking down barriers that prevent people from accessing essential services and opportunities. By supporting practical resources like this project, ETC helps ensure that vulnerable families have the tools they need to thrive.
To celebrate this initiative, ETC and the Forster Neighbourhood Centre came together for a morning tea. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect, discuss the impacts of this project, and explore other ways to support each other in the future.
These partnerships are essential for tackling complex social issues and building stronger, more inclusive communities.
The ETC Community Support Fund was established to provide financial assistance to organisations addressing urgent community needs. Particularly those that remove barriers to employment, social inclusion, and wellbeing. Since then, ETC has proudly donated over $3 million to not-for-profit organisations, including $2 million in the last four years alone.
By investing in programs like Dignity Drop Offs, ETC is helping create a future where every individual has access to the essentials they need to thrive.
Learn more about ETC’s community impact and recent grant recipients > https://etcltd.com.au/500k-awarded-through-the-etc-community-support-fund-in-2025/
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