Counsellors go for broke

By Kelly Yates
CASEY families under financial pressure now have access to a full-time financial counselling service to help them manage their debts and plan for the future.
Casey North Community Information and Support Service in Fountain Gate will receive almost $150,000 over two years to expand its financial counselling service to meet a growing demand in the community.
According to the manager of the Casey North Community Information and Support Service, Susan Magee, there has been a 40 per cent increase in the number of people in Berwick seeking financial help.
“After Christmas we see families who have used up their cash to put on a better Christmas and are faced with bills and the expense of the new school year,” she said.
Federal Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin and Holt MP Anthony Byrne dropped into the service last Tuesday to meet the financial counselling team.
The counsellors at help residents and families resolve short and long-term financial difficulties.
They provide individually tailored financial advice such as helping people to set goals, organise their debts, and participate in community education activities.
Mr Byrne said the announcement of the new position would be a great boost for the service.
“The expansion of the service at Casey North will mean access to a local financial counsellor sooner,” he said.
“Obtaining advice earlier can reduce the likelihood of problems escalating – particularly when dealing with mortgages, loans and credit cards or payment of outstanding bills.”
The funding is part of the Australian Government’s $130 million additional investment in the Financial Management Program to June 2011.