New financial counselling service for Rockingham area

4/6/96

People who are suffering financial hardship will have access to a new financial counselling service in Singleton, Golden Bay, Port Kennedy, Waikiki and Settlers Hill, Family and Children's Services Minister Cheryl Edwardes said today.

Anglican Health and Welfare Services was the successful applicant in the expression of interest process to run this service.

Mrs Edwardes said when the agreement was signed the service would be guaranteed $39,941 a year until June 30, 1998.

The Minister said the service gave 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," Mrs Edwardes said.

"They are given support and skills and the ability to identify problems which help them become financially stable and independent.

"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