The NSW Government is working with Foodbank NSW and ACT to provide thousands of emergency food hampers to international students across the State including regional locations like Armidale, Lismore and Wagga Wagga.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the $100,000 program is providing a helping hand to vulnerable students and their host communities.

“Some international students stranded by the global pandemic are facing hardship through no fault of their own and we’re providing a range of assistance measures, including these hampers delivered to international students across the state," he said.

State Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin MP, is encouraging international students in Lismore to access these emergency food hampers.

“Our international students are valued members of the Lismore community. This program is one way to show them that we care,” 

“We know that our international students contribute immensely to the local economy and community. It is only appropriate that we support them in return,”

“I have advocated strongly for SCU, and I welcome the decision by the NSW Government to provide a helping hand for our International students in Lismore,” Ms Saffin said. 

International students can access the program through the Northern Rivers Community Gateway (NRCG).

NRCG Social and Financial Inclusion Manager Warren Anderson said the program is an invaluable outreach to international students that cannot get home due to the pandemic and have little or no immediate support to help them through these unprecedented times.

"We have a multicultural network integrated into NRCG. It can make things easier for international students to engage with their own culture so they can feel safe to come in and pick up their hamper," he said.

Located at 76 Carrington Street, Lismore, Northern Rivers Gateway are open 9am - 4pm Monday to Friday. 

"Students can drop in during those times, bring their student ID and pick up a box. A box will last around a week and is filled with staples like pasta, soup and toiletries," Mr Anderson said.

For further information call NRCG on (02) 6621 7397 or visit the Study NSW website and subscribe to the Study NSW mailing list for updates.