New financial counselling service for Narrogin

4/6/96

People who are suffering financial hardship will have access to a new financial counselling service in Narrogin, Family and Children's Services Minister Cheryl Edwardes said today.

The Narrogin Youth Support Committee was the successful applicant in the expression of interest process to run this service.

Mrs Edwardes said that when an agreement had been signed, Family and Children's Services would guarantee the service $20,396 a year until June 30, 1998.

The service would give financial counselling to families and individuals on low incomes who were having problems with their money.

"People are helped to budget and make informed decisions about their finances," the Minister said.

"They are given support and skills and the ability to identify problems.

"A great deal of stress is taken out of people's lives when they can manage their finances well which is a benefit to them and the community."

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

This agreement for funding of services would enable the agency to provide programs and courses to meet the needs of local residents.

Media contact: Diana Russell Coote 421 7777