Cleeland meets with Jesuit Social Services to discuss regional disadvantages

By Georgia Tacey

Jun 27, 2023

Opportunity for change: Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland with Andrew Yule of Jesuit Social Services.

State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has met with Jesuit Social Services to discuss the disadvantages some people face in regional communities.

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Jesuit Social Services is a social change organisation that aims to create a more equal society through research, advocacy, reconciliation disability services, housing, community work and more.

Ms Cleeland said the organisation’s work on the Dropping off the Edge report covered location-based challenges across the state, with it finding many of the challenges located regionally.

“Through the Dropping off the Edge report, you can see that our communities are suffering when it comes to our health system, education providers, economic opportunities, housing stress, internet access, domestic violence and many more factors,” she said.

“These are areas that have been neglected by this government for too long, whether it be from a lack of investment in our infrastructure, cuts to our health system, or a lack of funding directed to our regional schools.”

Seymour, Benalla and Rushworth were all featured in the 40 most disadvantaged locations, with Shepparton and Bendigo being referenced too. Ms Cleeland said the research not only identified the challenges faced in the community, but also offered potential solutions.

“These insights serve as a valuable resource for community activists and organisations to initiate a community-led response,” she said.