Funding for Port Hedland and South Hedland counselling services

10/7/96

Family and Children's Services has agreed to fund the Pilbara Community Legal Service's Financial Counselling Service to provide services at Port Hedland and South Hedland until mid-1998.

Family and Children's Services Minister Cheryl Edwardes announced today that an agreement had been signed with the service which guaranteed it $47,740 a year until June 30, 1998.

Mrs Edwardes said the service would give people on low incomes who were suffering financial hardship the means to make informed decisions about their money.

"People using the service will be able to manage their money and achieve financial stability," she said.

"It will help them understand budgeting, how to live within their means and how to identify problems.

"They will be offered skills, knowledge, education and a variety of options that will help them make the most of their money. They can then plan their income in a positive way.

"Having this sort of expertise will mean a lessening of stress in their lives which will benefit both them and the community."

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

Media contact: Diana Russell Coote 421 7777