Data shows Queenslanders looking for emergency relief, food and housing.

The Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC) has released the latest data from its online community services directory – oneplace, in a bid to highlight some of the common problems being experienced by Queenslanders.

Between October and December, 33,000 searches were made by people looking for support with emergency relief, food and housing – up 14 per cent from the previous quarter.

QFCC Principal Commissioner Cheryl Vardon said oneplace lists over 57,000 services throughout Queensland and families should reach out for support when they need help. 

“oneplace is a wonderful resource connecting thousands of Queenslanders to local support since its launch in 2015. Since its launch, more than 9,600 additional services have been added to the database giving people a broader range of options to search for support in times of needs,” Ms Vardon said.

“We have been seeing trends in the type of information people in Queensland are searching for when they visit oneplace.  Residents of Gaythorne, Strathpine and Waterford were the top three communities looking for emergency relief.  Families in Beenleigh were looking for information about food relief and people living on the Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast frequently looked for support with housing.”

Ms Vardon said of the people using oneplace, 60 per cent were female and 40 per cent were male and on average were aged between 25 and 44 years of age. She also noted that there has been a 14 per cent increase from July to September 2020 in searches of the site.

“Many people are still trying to get their lives back on track post-COVID and I think this is showing in the data, we are continuing to see more and more people turning to oneplace to find support services and I commend Queenslanders for seeking assistance when they need it,” Ms Vardon said.

“Asking for support can be daunting, especially if you’re not sure if you’re contacting the right service for your needs or questioning whether you need help at all. If you are uncertain, then it’s best to reach out anyway.”

Ms Vardon said It is also important to check-in with family and friends and to encourage them to reach out if they appear to be struggling.

For more information or to find support in your local area visit www.oneplace.org.au

ENDS

For media information contact:

Kirby Orr | Queensland Family and Child Commission
Phone: 0434 683 265
Email: kirby.orr@qfcc.qld.gov.au