Prominent community groups aiding struggling families in west and southwestern Sydney during COVID-19 lockdown are dependent on volunteers and donations in the absence of government support.
Speaking at an inquiry into the NSW government's handling of the pandemic, community leaders said they were yet to receive government funds to assist their activities after almost 12 weeks of lockdown.
The majority of the 12 local government areas under the harshest lockdown restrictions - which have at times included a curfew and limits to the movement of workers - are in the city's west and southwest.
Residents - many of whom are from non-English speaking backgrounds - have been confused by the restrictions, how to get help if they're sick and where to seek financial assistance, community groups say.
As such, they have been turning to their local leaders in droves.
Amar Singh, President of Turbans 4 Australia, told the parliamentary inquiry the group was delivering up to 1400 food hampers a week, a feat only made possible by the goodwill of the community.
"We have zero paid staff ... everything that we're doing is (thanks to) community donations that are coming in," Mr Singh said.
"The people that are volunteering, they are donating as well to us."
The organisation has applied for grants, Mr Singh said, but have received no indication when the money may be available.
The Arab Council of Australia and Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) told the inquiry they were in a similar predicament.
"We've applied for the grants available ... (but) the reality is that when we need the funding and the support and the resources, it is not really available," LMA director Rabih Elkassir said.
Migrants who are not yet Australian citizens or permanent residents are falling through the cracks, Mr Singh said.
He told the inquiry the organisation had been forced to fundraise to offer some community members a proper funeral amid lockdown.
"We should be acknowledging everyone that is in Australia right now as Australians ... because the tragedy is not going to ask them if they have a certain stamp on the passport before it affects them," he said.
