The Canberra Southern Cross Club has launched a ‘Job Saver’ program to support its staff on international visas and thus ineligible for Job Keeper assistance.

By doing so, the Club has been able to increase its support of the Vinnies Night Patrol, now providing over 500 meals per week to the service, assisting those most in need in our Canberra community.

With its kitchens mostly idle, the Club hatched a plan. By providing work and an income stream for staff that would otherwise have no source of income, it would also enable the Club to provide greater assistance to the Vinnies Night Patrol service in this time of crisis.

“We have named our Club program ‘Job Saver’ and we’re delighted we’ve been able to help our own staff with meaningful work and a salary whilst providing the Vinnies Night Patrol service with these meals” commented Ian Mackay, CEO of the Canberra Southern Cross Club.

The program has been boosted by the support of the ACT Government’s Sustainability and Diversification Fund for Clubs in the ACT.

One of the recipients of the Southern Cross Club’s Job Saver program is Janak Poudel. Originally from Nepal, Janak lives in Canberra and works for the Club as a Chef. Janak said, “I was so thankful for the wonderful news. I feel so proud of our Club and this Job Saver program opportunity has made me feel so much better. I am grateful the Club is so understanding of our situation as I know the whole world is going through a tough time.”

Erin MacArthur, Director of Special Works at St. Vincent de Paul Society added, “We’ve been fortunate to have the support of Canberra Southern Cross Club for many years, and grateful for this additional assistance through the provision of food for people accessing our Night Patrol vans. During this difficult period, it’s great to see an outcome that supports both those people employed at the Club as well as the people who turn to Vinnies for help every day.”

The Club has supported the Night Patrol for over 20 years. The provision of additional meals from the Club’s Woden kitchen commenced from Monday April 20 and will continue until further notice.

The Club is also offering a takeaway and home delivery service at Woden, Tuggeranong, Jamison and Yacht Club.