New financial counselling service to be set up in Maddington

16/7/96

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

The Gosnells District Information Centre was the successful applicant in the expression of interest process to run this service. The centre would also provide outpost services within Thornlie and Kenwick.

Mrs Edwardes said an agreement had been signed with the service which guaranteed it $39,941 a year until June 30, 1998.

She said the service gave financial counselling to families and individuals on low incomes who were having problems with their money.

"They will be able to make informed decisions and become financially stable with help on household management, budgeting and information on other supports in the area," she said.

"People will be helped to deal with or prevent crises and will be given skills that will help them prevent further major problems in their lives.

"This service will ease the challenging stresses of daily living, which will in turn benefit individuals, families 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