Dear supporter,

Our First Nations Access Program helps First Nations people identify Centrelink issues through tailored online information and outreach. We work with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people access Centrelink payments and resolve unfair debts.

At recent Reconciliation Week events we reflected on what it means to stand in solidarity with First Nations peoples, especially after the defeat of the referendum on the Voice.

We recognise there is a lot more to be done to support First Nations peoples access to justice. Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face systemic barriers accessing and maintaining their Centrelink entitlements. This includes mistrust in government systems, dealing with Centreliink's strict eligibility requirements, and the ongoing burden of meeting reporting obligations. The sheer complexity of the social security system can result in rejection or cancellation of payments and unfair debts. 

We can do more!  We need your help.

With continued financial support Welfare Rights Centre can provide better outreach and engage with the communites that need us most, through our First Nations Access program.

 "This program is built on a simple truth: No one understands the needs of First Nations people better than their own communities." Allienttia Weldon (First Nations Access Officer)

With your help we can extend our workshops and partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, and equip community workers with the tools to:

• Navigate Centrelink’s complex systems

• Support clients to access income support

• Challenge unfair Centrelink decisions

We’ve already delivered this program in partnership with:

• Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation (Dharug Country; Western Sydney)

• Nyngan Local Aboriginal Land Council (Wiradjuri Country; Western NSW)

• Gudjagang Ngara li-dhi Aboriginal Corporation (Darkinjung Country; Central Coast)

• Tharawal Aboriginal Medical Service (Dharawal Country; Airds)

• Inner West Council (Gadigal and Wangal Country; Sydney)

and provided training to over 90 community workers, creating a ripple effect that will impact hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients.

We’ve seen firsthand that:

• Lack of Centrelink access can trap victim-survivors of violence in unsafe situations

• Unfair debts caused by perpetrators' actions often follow clients long after relationships end

• People are at greater risk of losing their homes due to barriers in the social security system

Social security is a justice issue - and First Nations communities deserve better.

🎯 With your support, we can:

• Maintain and expand our First Nations-led team

• Reach more communities and organisations

• Deliver more training and better support frontline workers

• Build safer, more just pathways to Centrelink access

👉 Make a tax-deductible donation today and stand with us to create meaningful change.

We are committed to doing more.
With your help, we can walk alongside First Nations communities—not just in words, but in action.

Thank you for your support,