[18th February 2025] — Responding to the rising cost of living in Western Australia, EEO Specialists has announced that it will continue to sponsor The Essentials Collective for the third consecutive year. This partnership will help ensure that essential hygiene and personal care items reach the state's most vulnerable people.
Cost of Living Statistics
Rising Living Costs: According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, employee households in Australia have experienced a 6.2% annual increase in living expenses, driven by significant hikes in mortgage interest rates and essential goods prices.
Housing Affordability Crisis: A recent News.com.au article stated that Western Australia faces a housing shortage, with over 20,000 households on the social housing waitlist.
Homelessness Surge: On Census night in 2021, there were an estimated 9,700 people experiencing homelessness in Western Australia, up from 9,005 in 2016.
Providing Much-Needed Support
In response to these challenges, The Essentials Collective has distributed over 250,000 donated items since its inception in 2014. Last year, it provided donations valued at more than $40,000 and saw a 40% increase in the number of relief organisations seeking assistance for essential items.
Speaking about the renewed sponsorship, Franca Sala Tenna, Founder of EEO Specialists, said, "As an Operational Sponsor, we aim to support the behind-the-scenes, invisible operational costs that are often the hardest to fund but make the biggest difference to an organisation's sustainability. We are confident that many vulnerable individuals and families will benefit from their efforts.”
Sonia Nolan, Chair of The Essentials Collective, emphasized the impact of this partnership: "EEO Specialists support allows us to respond to the growing need for essential items across Western Australia. We ensure that individuals experiencing disadvantage have access to personal hygiene products that help support dignity and wellbeing."
Organisations such as Uniting WA's Tranby Engagement Hub appreciate the positive impact of The Essentials Collective's work. "We wouldn't be able to meet the needs of around 350 people every day without the in-kind support from donor partners like The Essentials Collective," said Rhys, Manager of Community Engagement at Uniting WA.
The Essentials Collective remains dedicated to expanding its reach and impact through partnerships like the one with EEO Specialists. With increasing financial stress across the state, this support is more crucial than ever in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, have access to the essentials they need.
About EEO Specialists
EEO Specialists is a Western Australian based organisation that aims to create safe and respectful workplaces. They offer a range of workplace behaviour in-person workshops, as well as online courses via its sister company Online Compliance Training. Philanthropy is an essential aspect of their business model as it seeks to support vulnerable women and children.
Pictured (left to right): Franca Sala Tenna, Director of EEO Specialists
Sonia Nolan, Chair of The Essentials Collective Inc.
Jane Chilcott, General Manager of EEO Specialists
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