It's a harsh reality most have faced in recent years: Life in some places in Australia is incredibly tough.

With the current cost of living crisis being particularly dire, heart-breaking stories of theft and desperate measures—such as intentionally living in the dark—are coming to light from remote parts of the country.

Take, for example, the 'absolute poverty' of life in parts of Alice Springs.

According to Liza Balmer, the CEO of the NPY Women's Council—an Indigenous organisation offering financial and social support—her organisation assists around 80 people each week. Sadly, they are forced to turn away an additional 120 people in need.

'People are self-selecting power outages... There are some going without food some days,' she said.

'Our region probably sits in the lowest 10 per cent of the income scale in the country and is highly reliant on income support.'

She said the staff are also increasingly aware of people lashing out after being turned away due to the lack of funds.

These individuals are also said to be being let down by their own families. Balmer shared that stories are circulating about 'young people' turning on their own families after being denied help.

'[There are] young people stealing their grandparents' money,' she said, with some community seniors reportedly left with no choice but to 'run to the bank to get their money out before their kids do'.

Reports indicate that many of these young individuals could be eligible for Centrelink support, yet they have never been provided with the necessary resources to initiate the application process.

Locals are intentionally 'living in the dark' just to save money. Credit: Unsplash/mogilat.

The inability to meet their basic needs drives people to extraordinary measures to survive.

When asked how dire this situation is, she said: 'People are choosing: do we pay the rent this week, do we eat this week, who goes without? That's real conversations that are being had.'

With the double challenge of punitive rent levels and the increasingly unaffordable cost of necessities, Balmer pointed out that many of those living in poverty are resorting to high-interest payday loans to pay for groceries and manage their budgets.

Unfortunately, this isn't an effective solution to the problem. After using such loans to pay for one meal, they are compelled to take out another loan to repay the first, leading them into an endless cycle of debt.

'They are living in poverty, there's no doubt about that,' she said.

Alice Springs Mayor Matt Paterson has also spoken out about the dire state of things in his region, echoing Balmer's statements.

He said that the dollar doesn't go as far as it should in Central Australia and that the cost of building anything in the area, including homes and infrastructure, is much higher due to a certain 'Alice Springs tax' that is unofficially in place at all times.

The lack of available funds is leaving its mark on education systems as well. The Principal of Yipirinya School, Dr Galvin John Morris, told an inquiry about how hard it is becoming to properly educate disadvantaged children, particularly in terms of providing proper support and meeting the funding demands from the government.

The school initially anticipated an $8 million request for a boarding school project. Still, Dr Morris believes that even if the government approves it, it won't cover the costs anymore, as the project has since risen to $12.1 million.

The lack of funds is also preventing people from receiving necessary medical treatment.

In one case, as mentioned by Fred Docking, the Northern Territory coordinator for the Salvation Army, a mother with cancer refused to go for treatment in Adelaide because she couldn't afford the costs of bringing her children along.

Regarding the issue of providing people with food, Docking also mentioned that a single $50 voucher is no longer sufficient for families, given the continuously rising prices of groceries.

'We do have to mandatory report on occasion, but parents really love their children, and they're doing the best they can,' Mr Docking said.

'It's just tough.'

Alice Springs is considered 'unlivable' for many people, especially young families, partly due to increased crime rates. Credit: Facebook/Action for Alice 2020.

Paterson further noted that rates of crimes such as break-ins and theft have been increasing for the past two years.

They cannot maintain these rates as low as they would like due to the escalating insurance costs. This situation has led the council to install robust light-blocking metal barriers on the windows of some of their buildings.

Regrettably, these measures haven't alleviated the rising sense of insecurity that is spreading in the area. People are becoming increasingly hesitant to go out for dinner, let alone venture beyond Alice Springs.

'They fear for their safety,' the mayor explained.

These challenging circumstances have been exacerbated by the reduced number of flights operating in the area. This has made it difficult for residents to take trips to other parts of Australia and return home promptly.

'We have people missing loved ones' funerals because they simply cannot afford to get into or out of Alice Springs,' said Paterson.

Key Takeaways

• The cost of living crisis in Alice Springs is severe, with families having to make choices between paying rent and eating and instances of kids stealing from their grandparents.
• The NPY Women's Council, an Indigenous organisation offering financial and social support, is struggling to manage the demand, with limited funding forcing them to turn away people in need.
• The crisis also affects education, with the cost of implementing necessary programs at Yipirinya School escalating due to delays in receiving approved funding.
• Other community issues include limited flights and skyrocketing insurance rates due to rising crime cases.

Truly, the cost of living crisis has been affecting many people now, and Australians in rural parts of the country are experiencing even more significant challenges. What are your thoughts on this recent news? Feel free to leave a comment below.

Members, while we value free speech, we also understand that this is a topic that may evoke strong reactions for some. Please remain respectful towards each other and the people involved in your discussions.

 

[Phantom55]

unofficial Alice Springs Tax???what is this?

 

[Vikki.]

I’m sure if these people are indigenous they receive more than enough hand outs, particularly with all the royalties their elders receive.
what about others (non indigenous ) how are they coping..and what’s this Alice Springs Tax?
what’s this money for, and who authorised this, where does this money go.

don't get me wrong, I feel sorry for these communities, but as a Tax paying individual, I’m sick and tired of how the government has mismanaged funds..and lack of foresight,. previously the government had a 30 yr plan, but over time this has been forgotten, our resources have been sold to outsiders, utilities should never be sold, these should always be managed by the government, the basic cost of water, electricity, gas, petrol, transport, etc. Are now controlled by others..what a joke.

maybe if the nominated government personal, should grow some balls, and take back control, instead of lining their own pockets, and sending the Australian people into poverty.
instead of giving out billions in royalties, for a minority group, and billions on a referendum for a YES vote, spend the money wisely, in a way that all Australians benefit.

As for Alice Springs?


.

 

[Leenie]

Maybe ALBO should put the money he is wasting on his Voice campaign into this area where it will help these poor people get their lives on track. Better still they should also donate their pay rise they have been given . Charity Begins at home.

 

[Pink lion]

On a totally unrelated note:​

According to msn this morning Politicians receive 4 per cent pay rise after years of 'conservative' adjustments.​

ha ha ha ha... nobody could make this up.​

 

[Bill MacL]

Where does the 39 billion dollars they get from the government every year go?
Have they forgotten that their ancestors lived off the land for 65000 years?

 

[ShannyN]

I'm confused. This is all about indigenous ppl, isn't it? the same ppl that will gladly tell all and sundry how they've been around 65,000 years mostly as hunters & gatherers'

So there is still an abundance of bush tucker , goannas , snake etc around Alice Springs. Why aren't they hunting food and teaching the young xbox players traditional ways?

Seems they can't hunt anymore or don't want to. becoming dependent on welfare etc to get their grog, drugs and console games

Time all indigenous ppl were sent to the outback armed only with traditional hunting weapons, clothes and NO mobile phones or cars and let loose to live in a traditional hunting roles providing for their families and communities.


After all, they were doing that up until the so called invaders came in 1770, why change when the dole became available?

 

[Leenie]

Where does the 39 billion dollars they get from the government every year go?
Have they forgotten that their ancestors lived off the land for 65000 years?

It is not the true aborigines that got this money but the half white or mixed blood ones who have wasted the tax payers money ,and are still greedy and after more it’s time to call them out.

 

[Jennylolo]

Maybe ALBO should put the money he is wasting on his Voice campaign into this area where it will help these poor people get their lives on track. Better still they should also donate their pay rise they have been given . Charity Begins at home.

his pay rise of 22K- only 3K under full pension in SAif single and own a home.! Love to see him live on that

 

[Pink lion]

I'm confused. This is all about indigenous ppl, isn't it? the same ppl that will gladly tell all and sundry how they've been around 65,000 years mostly as hunters & gatherers'

So there is still an abundance of bush tucker , goannas , snake etc around Alice Springs. Why aren't they hunting food and teaching the young xbox players traditional ways?

Seems they can't hunt anymore or don't want to. becoming dependent on welfare etc to get their grog, drugs and console games

Time all indigenous ppl were sent to the outback armed only with traditional hunting weapons, clothes and NO mobile phones or cars and let loose to live in a traditional hunting roles providing for their families and communities.


After all, they were doing that up until the so called invaders came in 1770, why change when the dole became available?

 

[Pink lion]

I'm not an indigenous person, in fact my mother's maiden name was Cook and her line goes back to the late 1770's, but it seems from my reading of history (and hers) that all of the land burnt to grow fresh grass to attract kangaroos etc. was confiscated to farm sheep on, and hunting was only allowed in dry arid areas.

Fish farming was thousands of years old, before white settlers came here too. But that was stopped. Remember it was the same English mindset at that time that also knowingly starved millions in India to death, likewise, taking their food sources away too. (google it) history and hers, records it all.

People are people, World over, there are good and bad in every race, however the original nations people, I'm not sure what the AB stands for? Maybe all black originals? Any way, they fought and died alongside Caucasian people to defend Australia, during the second world war.

But they only received the Australian Governments acknowledgement, that they were not animals, in the fifties.

The Australian government absolutely, definitely, could traxcivate (it's a mining machine process the Saudis got from us to create water parks and vast orchards in the Sahara Desert years ago) It wouldn't take much, to scoop out huge tracts of dry land and dump orange peel from factories into these huge tracts and in doing so VASTLY change the soil nutrient quality to stimulate plant growth. And then for sure with a thriving commercial industry I believe they would be an excellent food supplier especially as they would not sell their land to China like we do.

They create rainforests on arid land in other counties this way. (google it) it is the fact. Alexander the great was the first ruler who understood that a people cannot be subjugated and controlled, unless food, water and shelter where available only to those that served.

I don't believe the AB Original nations people could ever return live in ways other than what they have been told to live like because they aren't allowed too yet. Life attitude comes from interacting with life. Hot, dry, dusty flyblown towns were created by governments for them, just like Alexander the great did to his subjects.
You may have likewise, read a story recently where an Aboriginal town had undrinkable water for TEN YEARS, until the government FINALLY after seeing the misery, it knowingly created, allowed a bore, to go down into the great artesian basin beneath them and now they can drink the water shower etc just like we can.

So, my input after many years of looking at all the evidence about why this culture lives like it does is, because it sure does seem like it is told to do so. I reckon that's why so many lost youths, behave badly in outback communities.

I think this is what the vote we are all going to do soon, is all about. I don't know which one works for them, cause I'm a white guy, but I will ask a couple of black Fellas (this is what its mostly about) for their opinion on it, and I'll decide then.

 

[Trudi]

What on earth does this mean: '...many of these young individuals could be eligible for Centrelink support, yet they have never been provided with the necessary resources to initiate the application process."??????

What are the necessary resources to apply for the dole? All they have to do is to go to the nearest Centrelink office and apply and if they are incapable of doing this, have someone accompany them.

Also, where does all the tourism money go?

 

[Pink lion]

What on earth does this mean: '...many of these young individuals could be eligible for Centrelink support, yet they have never been provided with the necessary resources to initiate the application process."??????

What are the necessary resources to apply for the dole? All they have to do is to go to the nearest Centrelink office and apply and if they are incapable of doing this, have someone accompany them.

Also, where does all the tourism money go?

 

[Pink lion]

What on earth does this mean: '...many of these young individuals could be eligible for Centrelink support, yet they have never been provided with the necessary resources to initiate the application process."?????? I don't know it doesn't seem to directly relate to what I wrote about Trudy and those words aren't in my post love, I reckon someone else must have written it.

Mine wasn't about giving handouts at all, it was about giving a dispossessed culture a hand up though land clearing and selective waste management distribution practices to bring nutrients back into the soil allow water bores to be sunk considering CSG mining does it, and remove the burden from the nation's coffers of having to support those who do not feel drawn to integrate.

I feel that as fast as a new orchard produces fruit, etc, that by allowing a first nations people to create and sustain its own ongoing economic contribution like a couple of other nations now do, things would change.

Financial costs? simply applying about a thirtieth of a year's funding, to go towards assisting first nations people in creating a self-sustaining region for first nations people by first nations people, would very quickly arise both pride and life purpose.

Everyone that loves picking fruit and vegies would have jobs. Farmers who can never seem to find pickers would get people that love to pick to help them.
The social and financial circumstances of everyone would greatly improve, food prices would come down etc Need to stop now it'll lead to long evidence supported rave. And after all I am responding to you regarding a comment quoted love, that know, I didn't make.

All I was saying when I saw a question of why don't the indigenous all still eat bush tucker instead of getting paid the dole? My shrugged at response was that I reckon based upon all the evidence, that when they are allowed to live on their land and develop it as they know how to do, then their culture will regrow and with a modern workforce those young unemployed would flock back to country .

 

[Trudi]

What on earth does this mean: '...many of these young individuals could be eligible for Centrelink support, yet they have never been provided with the necessary resources to initiate the application process."?????? I don't know it doesn't seem to directly relate to what I wrote about Trudy and those words aren't in my post love, I reckon someone else must have written it.

Mine wasn't about giving handouts at all, it was about giving a dispossessed culture a hand up though land clearing and selective waste management distribution practices to bring nutrients back into the soil allow water bores to be sunk considering CSG mining does it, and remove the burden from the nation's coffers of having to support those who do not feel drawn to integrate.

I feel that as fast as a new orchard produces fruit, etc, that by allowing a first nations people to create and sustain its own ongoing economic contribution like a couple of other nations now do, things would change.

Financial costs? simply applying about a thirtieth of a year's funding, to go towards assisting first nations people in creating a self-sustaining region for first nations people by first nations people, would very quickly arise both pride and life purpose.

Everyone that loves picking fruit and vegies would have jobs. Farmers who can never seem to find pickers would get people that love to pick to help them.
The social and financial circumstances of everyone would greatly improve, food prices would come down etc Need to stop now it'll lead to long evidence supported rave. And after all I am responding to you regarding a comment quoted love, that know, I didn't make.

All I was saying when I saw a question of why don't the indigenous all still eat bush tucker instead of getting paid the dole? My shrugged at response was that I reckon based upon all the evidence, that when they are allowed to live on their land and develop it as they know how to do, then their culture will regrow and with a modern workforce those young unemployed would flock back to country .

What I wrote had absolutely NOTHING to do with your post!!!!

If you care to actually read the article, you will see that I copied a part of a sentence by the author of the article!

 

[Pink lion]

What I wrote had absolutely NOTHING to do with your post!!!!

If you care to actually read the article, you will see that I copied a part of a sentence by the author of the article!

ooops.... sowwwy

 

[Leenie]

Where does the 39 billion dollars they get from the government every year go?
Have they forgotten that their ancestors lived off the land for 65000 years?

It goes to the half white and mixed blood who call themselves aboriginal.

 

[Rando1954]

It's a harsh reality most have faced in recent years: Life in some places in Australia is incredibly tough.

With the current cost of living crisis being particularly dire, heart-breaking stories of theft and desperate measures—such as intentionally living in the dark—are coming to light from remote parts of the country.

Take, for example, the 'absolute poverty' of life in parts of Alice Springs.

According to Liza Balmer, the CEO of the NPY Women's Council—an Indigenous organisation offering financial and social support—her organisation assists around 80 people each week. Sadly, they are forced to turn away an additional 120 people in need.

'People are self-selecting power outages... There are some going without food some days,' she said.

'Our region probably sits in the lowest 10 per cent of the income scale in the country and is highly reliant on income support.'

She said the staff are also increasingly aware of people lashing out after being turned away due to the lack of funds.

These individuals are also said to be being let down by their own families. Balmer shared that stories are circulating about 'young people' turning on their own families after being denied help.

'[There are] young people stealing their grandparents' money,' she said, with some community seniors reportedly left with no choice but to 'run to the bank to get their money out before their kids do'.

Reports indicate that many of these young individuals could be eligible for Centrelink support, yet they have never been provided with the necessary resources to initiate the application process.

View attachment 28564

Locals are intentionally 'living in the dark' just to save money. Credit: Unsplash/mogilat.

The inability to meet their basic needs drives people to extraordinary measures to survive.

When asked how dire this situation is, she said: 'People are choosing: do we pay the rent this week, do we eat this week, who goes without? That's real conversations that are being had.'

With the double challenge of punitive rent levels and the increasingly unaffordable cost of necessities, Balmer pointed out that many of those living in poverty are resorting to high-interest payday loans to pay for groceries and manage their budgets.

Unfortunately, this isn't an effective solution to the problem. After using such loans to pay for one meal, they are compelled to take out another loan to repay the first, leading them into an endless cycle of debt.

'They are living in poverty, there's no doubt about that,' she said.

Alice Springs Mayor Matt Paterson has also spoken out about the dire state of things in his region, echoing Balmer's statements.

He said that the dollar doesn't go as far as it should in Central Australia and that the cost of building anything in the area, including homes and infrastructure, is much higher due to a certain 'Alice Springs tax' that is unofficially in place at all times.

The lack of available funds is leaving its mark on education systems as well. The Principal of Yipirinya School, Dr Galvin John Morris, told an inquiry about how hard it is becoming to properly educate disadvantaged children, particularly in terms of providing proper support and meeting the funding demands from the government.

The school initially anticipated an $8 million request for a boarding school project. Still, Dr Morris believes that even if the government approves it, it won't cover the costs anymore, as the project has since risen to $12.1 million.

The lack of funds is also preventing people from receiving necessary medical treatment.

In one case, as mentioned by Fred Docking, the Northern Territory coordinator for the Salvation Army, a mother with cancer refused to go for treatment in Adelaide because she couldn't afford the costs of bringing her children along.

Regarding the issue of providing people with food, Docking also mentioned that a single $50 voucher is no longer sufficient for families, given the continuously rising prices of groceries.

'We do have to mandatory report on occasion, but parents really love their children, and they're doing the best they can,' Mr Docking said.

'It's just tough.'

View attachment 28563

Alice Springs is considered 'unlivable' for many people, especially young families, partly due to increased crime rates. Credit: Facebook/Action for Alice 2020.

Paterson further noted that rates of crimes such as break-ins and theft have been increasing for the past two years.

They cannot maintain these rates as low as they would like due to the escalating insurance costs. This situation has led the council to install robust light-blocking metal barriers on the windows of some of their buildings.

Regrettably, these measures haven't alleviated the rising sense of insecurity that is spreading in the area. People are becoming increasingly hesitant to go out for dinner, let alone venture beyond Alice Springs.

'They fear for their safety,' the mayor explained.

These challenging circumstances have been exacerbated by the reduced number of flights operating in the area. This has made it difficult for residents to take trips to other parts of Australia and return home promptly.

'We have people missing loved ones' funerals because they simply cannot afford to get into or out of Alice Springs,' said Paterson.

Key Takeaways

• The cost of living crisis in Alice Springs is severe, with families having to make choices between paying rent and eating and instances of kids stealing from their grandparents.
• The NPY Women's Council, an Indigenous organisation offering financial and social support, is struggling to manage the demand, with limited funding forcing them to turn away people in need.
• The crisis also affects education, with the cost of implementing necessary programs at Yipirinya School escalating due to delays in receiving approved funding.
• Other community issues include limited flights and skyrocketing insurance rates due to rising crime cases.

Truly, the cost of living crisis has been affecting many people now, and Australians in rural parts of the country are experiencing even more significant challenges. What are your thoughts on this recent news? Feel free to leave a comment below.

Members, while we value free speech, we also understand that this is a topic that may evoke strong reactions for some. Please remain respectful towards each other and the people involved in your discussions.

 

[donandviv77]

It's a harsh reality most have faced in recent years: Life in some places in Australia is incredibly tough.

With the current cost of living crisis being particularly dire, heart-breaking stories of theft and desperate measures—such as intentionally living in the dark—are coming to light from remote parts of the country.

Take, for example, the 'absolute poverty' of life in parts of Alice Springs.

According to Liza Balmer, the CEO of the NPY Women's Council—an Indigenous organisation offering financial and social support—her organisation assists around 80 people each week. Sadly, they are forced to turn away an additional 120 people in need.

'People are self-selecting power outages... There are some going without food some days,' she said.

'Our region probably sits in the lowest 10 per cent of the income scale in the country and is highly reliant on income support.'

She said the staff are also increasingly aware of people lashing out after being turned away due to the lack of funds.

These individuals are also said to be being let down by their own families. Balmer shared that stories are circulating about 'young people' turning on their own families after being denied help.

'[There are] young people stealing their grandparents' money,' she said, with some community seniors reportedly left with no choice but to 'run to the bank to get their money out before their kids do'.

Reports indicate that many of these young individuals could be eligible for Centrelink support, yet they have never been provided with the necessary resources to initiate the application process.

View attachment 28564

Locals are intentionally 'living in the dark' just to save money. Credit: Unsplash/mogilat.

The inability to meet their basic needs drives people to extraordinary measures to survive.

When asked how dire this situation is, she said: 'People are choosing: do we pay the rent this week, do we eat this week, who goes without? That's real conversations that are being had.'

With the double challenge of punitive rent levels and the increasingly unaffordable cost of necessities, Balmer pointed out that many of those living in poverty are resorting to high-interest payday loans to pay for groceries and manage their budgets.

Unfortunately, this isn't an effective solution to the problem. After using such loans to pay for one meal, they are compelled to take out another loan to repay the first, leading them into an endless cycle of debt.

'They are living in poverty, there's no doubt about that,' she said.

Alice Springs Mayor Matt Paterson has also spoken out about the dire state of things in his region, echoing Balmer's statements.

He said that the dollar doesn't go as far as it should in Central Australia and that the cost of building anything in the area, including homes and infrastructure, is much higher due to a certain 'Alice Springs tax' that is unofficially in place at all times.

The lack of available funds is leaving its mark on education systems as well. The Principal of Yipirinya School, Dr Galvin John Morris, told an inquiry about how hard it is becoming to properly educate disadvantaged children, particularly in terms of providing proper support and meeting the funding demands from the government.

The school initially anticipated an $8 million request for a boarding school project. Still, Dr Morris believes that even if the government approves it, it won't cover the costs anymore, as the project has since risen to $12.1 million.

The lack of funds is also preventing people from receiving necessary medical treatment.

In one case, as mentioned by Fred Docking, the Northern Territory coordinator for the Salvation Army, a mother with cancer refused to go for treatment in Adelaide because she couldn't afford the costs of bringing her children along.

Regarding the issue of providing people with food, Docking also mentioned that a single $50 voucher is no longer sufficient for families, given the continuously rising prices of groceries.

'We do have to mandatory report on occasion, but parents really love their children, and they're doing the best they can,' Mr Docking said.

'It's just tough.'

View attachment 28563

Alice Springs is considered 'unlivable' for many people, especially young families, partly due to increased crime rates. Credit: Facebook/Action for Alice 2020.

Paterson further noted that rates of crimes such as break-ins and theft have been increasing for the past two years.

They cannot maintain these rates as low as they would like due to the escalating insurance costs. This situation has led the council to install robust light-blocking metal barriers on the windows of some of their buildings.

Regrettably, these measures haven't alleviated the rising sense of insecurity that is spreading in the area. People are becoming increasingly hesitant to go out for dinner, let alone venture beyond Alice Springs.

'They fear for their safety,' the mayor explained.

These challenging circumstances have been exacerbated by the reduced number of flights operating in the area. This has made it difficult for residents to take trips to other parts of Australia and return home promptly.

'We have people missing loved ones' funerals because they simply cannot afford to get into or out of Alice Springs,' said Paterson.

Key Takeaways

• The cost of living crisis in Alice Springs is severe, with families having to make choices between paying rent and eating and instances of kids stealing from their grandparents.
• The NPY Women's Council, an Indigenous organisation offering financial and social support, is struggling to manage the demand, with limited funding forcing them to turn away people in need.
• The crisis also affects education, with the cost of implementing necessary programs at Yipirinya School escalating due to delays in receiving approved funding.
• Other community issues include limited flights and skyrocketing insurance rates due to rising crime cases.

Truly, the cost of living crisis has been affecting many people now, and Australians in rural parts of the country are experiencing even more significant challenges. What are your thoughts on this recent news? Feel free to leave a comment below.

Members, while we value free speech, we also understand that this is a topic that may evoke strong reactions for some. Please remain respectful towards each other and the people involved in your discussions.

And just what is the Albo government doing to assist these needy people?

 

[Leenie]

And just what is the Albo government doing to assist these needy people?

Nothing .