Report 11: 2020-21

COVID-19 Relief Fund

Response from entities

Response from Lotterywest

The Lotterywest COVID-19 Relief Fund was designed to respond to the significant impact that the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated social distancing restrictions had on the operations of sports, arts and community organisations. These organisations are a vital part of the social fabric of the Western Australian community. The grant support provided recognises the importance of ensuring that these organisations can continue to serve the interests of Western Australians.

The first phase of the Fund also sought to respond to the sudden and significant increase in need for Crisis and Emergency Relief services such as food, accommodation, clothing and other basic goods. People in Western Australia experiencing unemployment could not return to their usual places of residence due to travel restrictions and/or were returning to regional communities that were not equipped to support them.

The feedback and engagement that Lotterywest has had to date demonstrates that this response was welcomed by the Western Australian community. Lotterywest is proud of how quickly the organisation was able to change operations, stand-up the Fund, assess applications and to put grant support out to the community. This performance audit report demonstrates that the first phase of the Fund has been administered with a high level of governance, risk management and independent assessment.

As the needs of the community in Western Australia change, the Lotterywest COVID-19 Relief Fund evolves too. Lotterywest has adapted the Fund for Phase Two and welcomes the process improvements that are recommended in this report.

Work has already been completed that strengthens internal record keeping and the consistency of how conflicts of interests are managed. Lotterywest is committed to high standards in these areas.

Measuring outcomes and the impact of Lotterywest grants remains an organisational focus. Lotterywest is mindful that it is not the only funding contributor for many projects and does not always directly influence all outcomes. Proportionate reporting is therefore needed.

Response from DLGSC

The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries notes that there are no specific recommendations relating to the department and that the final findings and conclusions of the report are noted for action should a similar undertaking occur in the future.

Page last updated: December 21, 2020

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