News and announcements
Keystart funding boosts support services in Bunbury
Community members in Bunbury will have greater access to face-to-face financial support services thanks to a new investment from Keystart.
Under a new funding partnership between Keystart, and Anglicare WA on behalf of the Financial Wellbeing Collective (FWC), Keystart will invest almost $60,000 to enable FWC to boost its presence in the South West to support people in need.
The funding will enable an Emergency Relief and Food Access (ERFAS) Financial Support Worker to be based onsite at the Foodbank WA Bunbury site three days a week over the next 12 months, providing holistic support to community members across the region.
The Financial Support Worker will deliver face-to-face support services for clients who present at Foodbank Bunbury without a referral, linking clients with free services like financial counselling.
It follows a successful collaboration between Foodbank WA and FWC, which saw an ERFAS Financial Support Worker based at Foodbank WA’s Perth Airport site three days a week from July 2024.
Keystart chief executive officer Mark Tomasz said supporting regional Western Australians in need was a priority for Keystart.
“Keystart is committed to making the dream of an affordable home a reality for more Western Australians, particularly across the regional WA.
“This initiative will ensure community members in the South West have better access to financial counselling and other support services, which can be a vital first step towards home ownership.”
Anglicare WA Director of Service Philippa Boldy said: “Anglicare WA is pleased to be providing additional support to people in financial hardship in the South West Region as The Financial Wellbeing Collective’s service delivery partner in this new initiative.
“We are grateful for the support provided by Keystart and are confident that together we will support many people to overcome their financial challenges.”
Foodbank WA chief executive officer Kate O’Hara said: “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those grappling with the harsh realities of the cost of living crisis.
“At Foodbank we hope to empower individuals who are struggling to make ends meet, as they spend less on food without sacrificing quality and nutrition; teaching people new skills on how to eat well to be well and supporting people to take steps with our partners to become self-reliant for the long term.”
Financial Wellbeing Collective general manager Helena Jakupovic said: "This funding means we can meet people right where they are – at the point of need.
“Many community members come to Foodbank because they’re struggling to put food on the table, but often there are deeper financial challenges at play.
“By being onsite, we can connect them immediately with the right support, giving them practical tools to ease the pressure and build a more secure future.
“We are pleased to expand our current collaboration with Foodbank WA and are grateful for Keystart’s support of the South West community and of this service."
The Bunbury - based ERFAS Financial Support Worker will be available from 6 October 2025.
