A report showing more than 730,000 children live in poverty highlights why a local event today (Friday) is so important.
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The Poverty in Australia 2016 report, prepared by the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) in collaboration with the Social Policy Research Centre at UNSW, showed 17.4 per cent of all Australians aged under 15 are living in poverty, an increase of two per cent over the decade.
The report showed just over 40 per cent of children being raised by a single parent lived below the poverty line.
The poverty rate for women is at 13.8 per cent, compared to 12.8 per cent for men.
The vast majority of people below the poverty line were in rental housing (59.7 per cent), with most living in private rental housing (44.2 per cent).
Only 15.5 per cent of people living below the poverty line were homeowners.
The Shoalhaven Anti Poverty Committee wants to help promote more discussion and action about poverty in Australia.
The committee, with strong support from local TAFE students, will be hosting the ninth Prosperity in the Park Family Fun Day at Jaycees Park, commonly called Parramatta Park, this Friday (October 21) from 2pm to 6pm.
The committee have got together a great list of local performers, stallholders and activities to bring the community together as well as raise awareness about poverty in the local area and to connect people to services in the community.
Everything on the day is free.
The Salvation Army will be there cooking up sausages, falafels and onions for everyone, Shoalhaven City Council will supply a jumping castle for the children, the PCYC is running games and activities which everyone can join in, there will be free tea and coffee available all afternoon and all the stalls be offering giveaways or activities.
Committee spokesperson Judith Reardon said the event was for all members of the community.
"Prosperity in the Park is a great afternoon of fun for residents but also for the stallholders and performers,” she said. For more information email community@sns.org.au or call Ms Reardon on 4422 1299.