Tzu Chi Brisbane began food distribution in Inala in September 2004 and relocated to the newly setup office in Salisbury at the end of 2006. The food parcel recipients are referred from various charitable organizations, hospitals, Inclusive Health Clinic, refugee centres, government agencies, congregations and caregivers.
Each recipient is assessed for eligibility on a regular basis. Through the principles of “sincerity, uprightness, faith and steadfastness” the food is distributed on the second and fourth Saturday of each month with a direct, focused and pragmatic approach. Food items include rice, oil, flour, oatmeal, fruits, vegetables and up to 20 other fresh and nutritional items.
Other assistance projects include caring for people who have been injured whilst on working holidays, medical assistance, drought assistance and refugee support.
An example
In 2016, Jenny came from India on a student visa with her husband and two children. Her husband had a tendency towards domestic violence and she thought moving to Australia would improve her family’s relationship. However, the situation worsened as her husband was freed from restraint from his family and he even tried to assault Jenny with a knife.
After they separated, Jenny’s daughter was in an unstable mental state as she was worried her father would take the children away. Jenny was forced to quit her job and the family struggled financially. In 2018, Jenny was referred to the Inclusive Health Clinic by a charity partner and had $39.54 in her bank account when contact was made with Tzu Chi.
After home visits and assessments were made by the Outreach Team, Tzu Chi provided short-term living assistance to gradually get Jenny’s life on track. The Inclusive Health Clinic provides regular dental examinations and treatments for Jenny and volunteers brought food parcels when they visited her twice a month.
Even though she still needs ongoing emotional support and care, she has commenced employment and became self-reliant and has been working hard for herself and her children’s future.