Funding for Belmont Community Advice Service

14/3/96

Family and Children's Services Minister Cheryl Edwardes announced funding today of almost $80,000 for the Belmont Community Advice Service.

Mrs Edwardes said that Family and Children's Services had signed an agreement with the Belmont Community Advice Service to fund financial counselling services totalling $39,941 a year, guaranteed until June 30, 1998.

The service would offer support and assistance to families and individuals with financial problems.

"Families will be able to learn skills so they can manage their income more successfully," Mrs Edwardes said.

"They will be able to make informed decisions about their money and find solutions that will improve their quality of life.

"They will be offered counselling and given advice on what other agencies in the area can help them, all of which will help them become financially independent so they can meet the challenges of daily life in a positive way."

Mrs Edwardes said she believed the agreement marked the start of a good relationship which would benefit the local community.

"This agreement for funding will enable the agency to provide programs and courses to meet the needs of local residents," she said.

Media contact: Diana Russell Coote 421 7777