The NSW Federation of Community Language Schools in Dulwich Hill is providing young Portuguese speakers across the inner west with bags of groceries and shopping vouchers to help them through the Covid-19 pandemic.

The economic fallout of COVID 19 has seriously impacted hundreds of vulnerable young people in my electorate, particularly those on temporary work or student visas who are ineligible for Medicare or government assistance and have been stranded due to international border closures.

President of the Federation, Lucia Johns, has said: "Many of these young people are hidden victims of the pandemic. Their financial situation has becoming exceedingly difficult as a lot of casual work around the city dries up." In partnership with Woolworths, the Federation has given out bags of fresh groceries and shopping cards to over 70 young Portuguese speakers who have visited their office seeking support. The Federation hopes to be able to expand this service soon to help other language groups.

Thank you Ms Lucia Johns and all the staff at the NSW Federation of Community Language Schools for providing much needed support to Portuguese community and for always being there for young people across the inner west.