Photo caption: Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud (left) and Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (right) today met with Orana Salvos Corps Officers Andrea and Daniel Wayman to discuss the cost of living crisis impacting the Dubbo region.

The cost-of-living crisis is impacting families, workers and pensioners in Dubbo, with visits to the Orana Salvos Connect program increasing by 75 per cent in just six months.

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said he was saddened but not surprised to hear more people are relying on The Salvation Army and the donations of charity in regional areas such as Dubbo to get a meal and access basic hygiene facilities.

“I am here in Dubbo with Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton to listen to locals about their cost-of-living concerns and meet with providers, including The Salvation Army,” Mr Littleproud said.

“We know families are doing it tough, with the price of everyday essentials skyrocketing.

“Electricity is up 16 per cent, gas by 26 per cent and rent by 12 per cent, which means families are hurting. It equates to more foot traffic through The Salvation Army at Orana. People in Dubbo need to eat and are reaching out to The Salvos Connect program for help.”

The Salvos Connect program operates twice a week in Orana for free lunch, hardship advice, social support and access to shower facilities.

Orana Salvos Corps Officer Captain Daniel Wayman said they expected a significant increase in those seeking services this year, but a jump of 75 per cent in such a short space of time was worrying.

“People are doing it tougher than normal due to cost-of-living, so they are seeking alternative ways to supplement and relieve the financial hardship,” Captain Wayman said.

“Our shower facilities are one of the only facilities in Dubbo open to the homeless so they can feel clean and have the dignity that every person has the right to.”

Parkes MP Mark Coulton said The Nationals would continue to fight for regional families and introduce policies to ease cost-of-living pressures.

“As I travel around my electorate, I’m hearing stories of families having to cut back and make sacrifices to put food on the table and keep the lights on,” Mr Coulton said.

“That’s why organisations like The Salvos are so important in our regional communities. Families who are doing it tough can always rely on The Salvos and I urge locals struggling to reach out for support and seek services that can help.

“It’s great to catch up with Daniel and Andrea from The Salvos and a pleasure to host my Party Leader David Littleproud here in Dubbo.”

Mr Littleproud is also meeting with Orana Support Services during his visit.

“We know families are making real decisions at the supermarkets, putting fresh produce back because they can’t afford groceries,” Mr Littleproud said.

“This is why The Nationals have been calling for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to investigate price gouging since early November last year, along with bringing forward the review into the Food and Grocery Code. Families can’t afford to wait for answers.”