The importance of Anti-Poverty Week: Together we can make a difference

For over 20 years, Anti-Poverty Week has been observed in Australia, centred around the annual United Nations Day for the Eradication of Poverty (October 17). This national campaign aims to deepen Australians' understanding of poverty and encourage collective action to address it. Anti-Poverty Week highlights the issues that contribute to and sustain poverty for individuals, families, and communities, with the goal of motivating everyone to take meaningful action.

Supported by a wide range of individuals, charities, and organisations – including The Salvation Army – Anti-Poverty Week works to raise awareness about the causes and effects of poverty, inspiring meaningful steps towards its eradication.

Poverty in Australia

According to research by ACOSS and UNSW in 2022: 

• One in eight people in Australia (3.3 million) live in poverty 
• One in six children live in poverty in Australia  
• The poverty line in Australia is generally defined as 50 per cent of median household income
• This was $489 a week for a single adult, $783 for a sole parent with two children and $1027 for a couple with two children in 2019-20 

Learn more about poverty in Australia

Salvation Army network of support

The Salvation Army is dedicated to reducing poverty and financial stress by promoting financial stability, capacity and wellbeing, as well as through advocating at all government levels.

A range of essential services — including Moneycare free financial counselling service and Doorways emergency support and case management service — play a vital role in this effort. These services are part of a broader network addressing issues that may be related to poverty, such as homelessness, housing, family and domestic violence, and drug and alcohol issues.

In 2022-23, The Salvation Army:

• Provided 13,000+ people with free financial counselling via Moneycare 
  Offered $16.6 million of financial assistance through Doorways and Salvation Army churches 
• Conducted over 200 meetings with government officials on issues including poverty and cost-of-living 

More ways to act to end poverty

The challenge of combating and ending poverty can seem overwhelming, but every action can create a ripple effect and lead to significant change. The more of us who become informed, get involved, speak out and take action, the more impact we have collectively. 
This Anti-Poverty Week, we all have the power to make a difference! Here are some ways:

Write letters and articles:

• Write — and encourage others to write — informed articles and/or social media posts, and letters to publications and politicians.

Create special events:

• Organise special church services or other events focused on ending poverty.
• Host talks or presentations featuring individuals with lived experience of poverty and/or those working to alleviate poverty. You could combine an event with social activities like a meal.

Volunteer and donate:

• Volunteer your time or donate to an organisation such as The Salvation Army, or others, working to alleviate poverty.
• Reach out to businesses, encouraging them to offer free or low-cost practical assistance to those experiencing poverty — this may include services ranging from dental services and car repair to accountancy and legal services.

Act creatively:

• Encourage community members to produce art, photography, or writing that reflects issues around poverty. Consider virtual workshops, exhibitions, or displays.
• Combine fundraising efforts with creative activities. For example, charge a small entry fee, or organise an auction alongside art displays.

Remember, every effort counts, and together we can make a difference!

Learn more about these ideas

Read more for tips on alleviating and ending poverty, Salvation Army services, and lives transformed.