WNC News

Financial & Gambling Counselling Service

2011-11-16T11:21:00.002+11:00

Lake Macquarie Financial & Gambling Counselling Service
is located and auspiced by Woodrising Neighbourhood Centre.

The service is funded by NSW Fair Trading and the NSW Government Responsible Gambling Fund.
Financial Counselling
All of us have to manage our money.At times this can be difficult.
We may experience a drop in income, loss of job, change in health, an unexpected bill, loss of partner, family sepration or the addition of a new family member. Each of these situations impacts us financially.
Financial counselling is a free service that assists people experiencing financial problems.
Our trained financial counsellors will work with you to:

Establish and assess your current financial situation
Provide information on your debts and debt collection
Provide ongoing support which may include negotiations with your creditors
Discuss possible debt repayment strategies
Provide referral to other services when necessary

Our aim is to provide you with asistance, support and information for your situation.
We understand the importance of privacy and confidentiality.

Financial Counselling can:

Help relieve stress and anxiety about your financial problem

Increase your ability to manage your situation

Help you plan for the future

If you are feeling anxious about your financial situation please contact this service for a free appointment -
Phone: 02 4950 5108

Gambling Counselling
Many people gamble at one time or another. For most people gambling is fun, entertaining and a chance to win a bit of money.
If gambling has stopped being fun and started to feel like a problem, this service can help. We can assist if your gambling has become harmful to you or hurting those close to you.

If you want to chack whether you have a gambling problem, ask yourself:
'Am I always in control of how much I spend on gambling?'
'Is the time & money I spend gambling hurting anyone else?'

It is important to know how severe gambling problems can become.

Losing money is not fun nor is having to lie to family and friends to cover your losses.
Money issues become a consuming thought
Increased debt delays the disaster but makes the drive to gamble stronger
Work mperformance and attendance can suffer
Family, friends and relationships are affected

Gambling Help counsellors are:
Specially trained and have a wealth of experience in helping peolpe find their way out of gambling rel;ated difficulties.
They understand the importance of privacy and confidentiality.
All Gembling Help services have a common goal:
To help people understand and oversome problem gambling, and to provide support, advice and encouragement as they do so.

Please contact us for a free apointment on
02 4950 5108

Other contacts:
Credit and Dept Hotline: 1800 808 488
Lifeline: 131 114
Gambling Help: 1800 858 858

WNC Weekly Activities

2011-11-11T13:04:00.000+11:00

Ø Mondays

Adult Education Computer Training classes

Broadband for Seniors

Jenz Dance Acadamy 3.30 - 8pm 3yrs to adult classes -0416 036 714

Ø Tuesdays

Kackleberry Kraft – Cottage craft for friendship, giggles, food to share your creativity & learn new crafts. Only $2.00 per session. 10am – 12 noon. All welcome. Ph. 4959 4624

Ø Wednesdays

Parenting Groups

Examples of courses available:

Being a Parent : Growing your kids or

Dealing With Difficult People:

Phone 4959 4624

Free Legal Advice Service by appointment 2pm – 4pm

Jenz Dance Academy

Ø Thursdays

10am - 12 am FREE Supported Playgroup - all welcome

KRMAS Karate- for all ages 4 - 8pm Ph. 0458 014 484

Ø Fridays

Emergency Relief - Wesley Mission - by appointment only Ph. 0447 796 332

Counselling Services: By Appointment

Adolescent & Family Counsellor – 4950 5018

Financial Counselling & Problem Gambling Counselling 4950 5108

Hunter Region No Interest Loans Scheme – 4050 5108

GETTING YOUR FINANCES BACK ON TRACK AFTER EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

2011-11-09T11:44:00.153+11:00

Crisis Payment

Centrelink provides a Crisis Payment to people who experience severe financial hardship due to domestic violence and who are
already receiving Centrelink income support. You can be eligible
if you are forced to leave your home or if you remain at home and
the violent partner is removed. To be eligible, you must contact
Centrelink within seven days of the crisis event and lodge an
application within fourteen days of contacting the agency. The
amount is equal to one week of your standard benefit, minus any
supplements. For more information, see:

www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/crisis.htm

Advance Payments

If you are a Centrelink client, you may request an Advance Payment of up to $500 with no interest charges. Find out more about
advance payments ask a Centrelink officer or see:

www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/advance.htm

FINANCIAL PRODUCTS

No interest and low interest loans

A number of agencies provide NO interest loans to people who cannot afford essential items and services. A typical no interest loan is around $800 - $1200 and they can be paid back over twelve to eighteen months.
No interest loans are usually available for people on Centrelink benefits who need assistance purchasing items such as whitegoods, furniture or medical equipment.

There are other options if you cannot get a no interest loan or need to borrow a larger amount of money. One option is to apply for a
low interest loan. Low interest loans are designed for people on
Centrelink benefits.

They can be used for personal, domestic or household expenses, such as buying a fridge, computer, furniture, medical expenses
or house repairs. Loans of $500 - $3000 are available on a fixed low rate to be repaid over three years, with no additional fees and charges.

To find out more about no and low interest loans and providers of these loans, see the Money Smart website at:

www.moneysmart.gov.au/borrowing-and-credit/other-types-of-credit/no-or-low-interest-loans

or call the ASIC Infoline on – 1300 300 630

Matched savings plans

A matched savings plan is a program where people on low incomes agree to save a certain amount of money, generally $300 - $500.
Once you save this much money, your savings are matched dollar for-

dollar. For every dollar you save, the bank or other contributor also pays you a dollar.

One example of a matched savings account is Saver Plus developed by the Brotherhood of St Lawrence with ANZ Bank.
This program is designed for people on Centrelink benefits with
some regular employment who are either attending or returning
to vocational education or for a parent or guardian of a child in
school. Call the Brotherhood of St Lawrence on 1300 610 355
or email saverplus@nullbsl.org.au for more information.

Another matched savings program is AddsUp, provided by Good Shepherd Youth and Family Services in partnership with the
National Australia Bank. Call Good Shepherd Youth and Family
Services on (03) 9418 3000 or visit -
www.goodshepvic.org.au/dollars_n_sense_savings
to find out more.

_____________________________________________________

CREDIT CARDS

Alternatives to payday loans or same day cash advances

Payday loans or same day cash advances (e.g. from companies like Cash Converters, Dollars Direct or Cash Today) can seem
attractive because approval is granted very quickly, sometimes
with no credit checks. The problem is that these types of loans
can end up costing you a lot of money in high fees and much
higher interest than offered by banks and credit unions, making
it difficult to pay back the loan. No interest loans and low
interest loans are excellent alternatives to payday lenders and

other short-term, high-cost lenders.

____________________________________________________________

YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Hardship policies

If you cannot pay your credit card, loans or mortgage, you can contact your credit provider and ask to negotiate a new payment
agreement that you can afford or ask for a hardship variation.

A hardship variation is a formal process where you ask your credit provider to change the terms of your loan contract by allowing
you to:

Postpone your payments (with interest added on your loan)
Make interest-only repayments for a period
Extend your loan period so you can make smaller repayments over a longer period (although you may pay more interest in the long term)

Utility providers also have hardship policies. If you cannot pay your water, phone, gas or electricity bill, contact the utility provider and
explain your situation. They may be able to arrange a plan so that
you can make several payments over time, rather than all at once.

It is best to approach your bank or credit provider as early as possible when you know you are not able to make payments.
Many people wait until the debt collector is knocking at the door
before they ask for help and it is much harder to negotiate a
payment plan at that stage.

Hardship policies can be difficult to understand. A financial counsellor may be able to assist you directly or by referring you to
a lawyer. You can find a financial counsellor in your local area by
calling the Financial Counselling Hotline on 1800 007 007
or checking the Financial Counselling Australia web site at:

www.financialcounsellingaustralia.org.au/findacounsellor.htm

Your Credit File

You can find out about your credit rating, which is especially important if you ever want to take out a loan, apply for a credit card
or mortgage or sign up for a utility account (such as for phone, gas
or water). A poor credit rating can result from missed or delayed

payments on bills or debts.

Credit reports are usually provided for free and you can get yours by contacting a credit reporting agency. You will be asked for
information that properly identifies you, which may include:

* your full name
* your address
* your date of birth
* your previous address

* your driver’s licence number.

There are two main credit reporting agencies. Their contact details are:

VEDA Advantage

Email: assist.au@vedaadvantage.com

www.mycreditfile.com.au/home/free-credit-file.dot

Public Access Centre Dun & Bradstreet (Australia)

PO Box 7405 St Kilda Road VIC 3004

Email: customerservice@dnb.com.au

Phone: 132 333 Fax: 03 9828 3185

http://www.dnbcreditreport.com.au/

NEED SOME ADVICE?

Financial counselling

Financial counselling is a free community service to help people who have financial problems. A financial counsellor can negotiate
and advocate for people who are trying to manage their bills and
debts. They can also teach financial skills and educate people
about their rights and responsibilities when accessing financial
services such as credit cards, loans and mortgages.

Each state and territory has a range of community organisations that are funded by the government and other sources to provide
free financial counselling.

Woodrising Neighbourhood Centre has a financial & gambling counsellor:

Lake Macquarie Financail Gambling Counsellor

Phone 4950 5108 (outreaching to East & South Lake Macquarie)

Email: lmfgc@wnc.ngo.org.au

You can also find a financial counsellor in your local area by calling the on 1800 007 007 or checking the Financial Counselling Australia website

www.financialcounsellingaustralia.org.au/findacounsellor.htm

Legal Centers
Consumer Action Law Centre in Victoria 1300 881 020

or www.consumeraction.org.au
and Consumer Credit Legal Centre NSW Phone 1800 808 488
or www.cclcnsw.org.au

Each state also has Community Legal Centres that specialise in consumer law.
See the National Association of Community Legal Centres web site for ocmmunity legal centers and specialist services dealing in financial matters:

www.nacic.org.au/dirrectory/

___________________________________________________________

Online financial resources

Money Smart people on low-incomes.provides information on money, finances and services for www.moneysmart.gov.au

Good Shepherd Youth and Family Services provides programs to help women experiencing financial and other difficulties. Their web site lists helpful services nationwide and is a women-focused service www.goodshepvic.org.au

The Davidson Institute offers free and low-cost budgeting and finance courses at local Westpac branches. It provides online resources about financial issues and arrangements www.davidsoninstitute.edu.au

Legal centres can also be helpful with financial difficulties. Many legal centres do legal work that relates to financial matters for eople facing hardship and a number of legal centres have financial counsellors based in their service.

There are a number of specialist services around the country that provide financial counselling, advice and referral. Two examples are the

1300 762 207 Fax: (02) 9278 7333

PO Box 964 North Sydney NSW 2059.

Credit cards can be great in terms of allowing flexibility in purchasing and paying for goods and services but they typically have much higher interest rate charges and fees than other types of credit. You can end up paying a lot of money and increasing your debt if you don’t pay off your credit card when the interest free period is up each month. No interest, low interest loans and personal loans (even unsecured personal loans) are a cheaper alternative to credit cards, and can offer longer periods in which to pay back the loan.

_______________________________________________________

Australian Domestic and Family

Violence Clearinghouse

The Centre for Gender-Related
Violence Studies

The University of New South Wales,

Sydney NSW 2052

http://www.adfvc.unsw.edu.au/

CENTRELINK SERVICES

Tuesday Craft Group

2011-11-04T15:36:00.000+11:00

Kackleberry Kraft Group

10am – 12 noon Tuesdays

During school term

Cottage craft

for friendship, giggles & food.

Share your creativity

& learn new crafts.

Only $2.00 per session.

All welcome.

Ph. 4959 4624

Parenting Support Services

2011-11-04T15:29:00.001+11:00

Parenting Support Services

Newcastle Family Support regularly offers workshops for parents & carers

of children under 12.

These workshops usually run for 3 hours, with childcare provided.

Positive Parenting Programs

are also popular .

Enquiries phone 4959 4624

Looking for a JP?

2011-11-04T15:25:00.000+11:00

Do you need a Justice of the Peace?

At Woodrising Neighbourhood Centre we have a JP available most week days from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm

Phone 02 4959 4624 or call in

Information on Aged Care

2011-11-04T15:00:00.000+11:00

From 1st July 2011, a new national phone number will help Australians find information about aged care.

Whether you care for someone and need support,

or you are just not sure where to start looking, call:

1800 200 422

or visit www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au

(Department of Health and Ageing, Australian Government)

The Perks of Getting Older

2011-07-02T10:02:00.005+10:00

Perks of reaching 50 or being over 60 and heading towards 70!

01. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.

02. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.

03. No one expects you to run--anywhere..

04. People call at 9 pm and ask, did I wake you?

05. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.

06. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.

07. Things you buy now won't wear out.

08. You can eat supper at 4 pm.

09. You can live without sex but not your glasses.

10. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.

11. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.

12. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room.

13. You sing along with elevator music.

14. Your eyes won't get much worse.

15. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.

16. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service.

17. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.

18. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size.

19. You can't remember who sent you this list.

And you notice these are all in Big Print for your convenience.

AND TRY TO ALWAYS REMEMBER ...

Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

Broadband Internet Training For Seniors

2011-05-27T20:42:00.016+10:00

Do you know a Senior Citizen struggling with a computer? Or are you one yourself? Then training is available on the basics of using the computer, Internet, Emails and Word Processing. This is open to any person 50 years or older.

What does it cost? A gold coin donation each session is the only cost. The government is funding the computers and internet access to encourage seniors in using computers and the internet.

How long will the training last for? Each session lasts one and a half hours each week and there are eight sessions. If you're still struggling at the end of the eight weeks then you can book in again however if there are others still waiting for the basics then they get first preference.

What do you mean by 'basic'? Being able to use the mouse and keyboard; find information on the internet; have your own email address and be able to send and open emails; simple word processing.

I already know 'the basics'. I want to learn more - is that possible? We would love to, however at the moment we are not able to go past this basic training simply due to availability of suitable tutors. Some options are:

If you already know the basics then we would love to have you take on some of this basic tutoring. That way our more knowledgeable tutors could be spared to provide this more advanced training. We get help, we can help you.
Hunter Community College are running courses at Woodrising that give formal qualifications (Certificate 1 in IT) however these are more designed for people wanting better employment.
There are also three very active seniors computer clubs at Islington, Charlestown and Cooranbong plus some U3A organisations as well that provide training.

Where is the training held? At a dedicated room at Woodrising Neighbourhood Centre.

Who is giving the training? Volunteer tutors who are conversant with using the computer and training. Most of them are seniors themselves so they understand seniors problems.

How many are trained at once? There are only two seniors with the one tutor so its very personal attention. Training proceeds at the seniors pace of learning.

When is the training held? This depends on volunteer availability but they are fairly flexible. At the moment it is on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

I don't have a computer and/or internet access. This doesn't prevent you receiving the training, however it does make it difficult for you to practice, and practice is essential. You are welcome to use the computers and internet access at Woodrising anytime they are not being used for training.

Can I receive the training on my own computer? If its a laptop then you're most welcome to bring it in and train on that. That also lets us help with any problems you might be having with it.

How can I get some of this training? Bookings are essential. Ring the Woodrising Neighbourhood Centre on 4959 4624 and put your name down. Or apply using our online form. You will then be contacted to arrange suitable times and answer any questions you might have.

Why should I do this training? Make new friends; find out what is going on; communicate with old friends and relatives; Look up bus and train timetables; get street directions; research items like family history; show the younger generation that you've still got it and most importantly, so you stop swearing at the computer!

Where can I get more information? This the main website for the Broadband For Seniors (BFS) system and this is the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Please mention this to any senior in the community.

If they need training then its only a phone call away.
If they are conversant with a computer then they are most welcome as a volunteer tutor.

The Blokes Booklet - Information For Men

2011-05-27T12:53:00.008+10:00

The Blokes Booklet is a directory of services, contacts, support groups, information and commentary designed to help men in the Central Coast area get better access to resources and assistance. Click here to download it.

Its put out by the Benevolent Society which is Australia's first charity. They are an independent, non-religious, non-profit organisation with nearly 200 years experience of driving positive social change.

FREE! Growing Kids Program

2011-05-26T16:40:00.004+10:00

Newcastle Family Support Services’ Family Relationship Skills Project and Woodrising Neighbourhood Centre would like to invite parents or carers of dependant children to a free 6 week group program:

Growing Kids

Conversations may include:

Getting them off to a good start – what do kids need?

Understanding how kids think and feel

Trying not to ‘ lose the plot’ – suggestions for parents and kids

Ideas to help you and your kids manage strong emotions

What do you need as parent or carer to help you care for kids?

When: Wednesdays (6 weeks)

18^th May – 21^st June 2011

Time: 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m.

Where: Woodrising Neighbourhood Centre

2 Haydenbrook Road

Woodrising

Free children’s group and morning tea available on the premises

To make a booking or further inquiries

please call Lorraine on 4959 4624

Boat launch video

2011-05-26T12:40:00.002+10:00

This email has an attached wmv (windows media video) file attached. Interesting to see what happens. It looks like it has transfered fine.

Some Clinical advice - Pregnant at 71

2011-05-26T12:35:00.004+10:00

This post was from an email that had an animated gif cartoon embedded in the email contents. The gif file did not transfer but I think that was a problem with gmail rather than with blogger.

A woman went to the doctor's office where she was seen by one of the younger doctors. After about four minutes in the examination room, she burst out screaming and ran down the hall.
An older doctor stopped her and asked what the problem was, she told him.

After listening, he had her sit down and relax in another room. The older doctor marched down the hallway back to where the young doctor was writing on his clipboard.

"What's the matter with you?" the older doctor demanded. "Mrs. Terry is 71 years old, has four grown children and seven grandchildren, and you told her she was pregnant?"

The younger doctor continued writing and without looking up said, "Does she still have the hiccups?"

Johns Chevelle

2011-05-26T12:23:00.005+10:00

This was from an email I posted that had four attached photos of a relatives Chevelle car. As you can see the photos automatically opened in the blog, but ahead of the text of the email. I managed to edit the placement of the photos so they are in pairs rather than in one long list but this only worked after I increased the width of the blog

This is a link all about the Chevelle http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Chevelle

"Footloose" ! An Editing Masterpiece

2011-05-26T12:21:00.002+10:00

If you happen to like dancing, or watching clever choreography of dancers, then check this Youtube video. Whoever took the time to put this video together is very clever at editing!

Click your mouse here: "Footloose"

This was an emailed post with a link to a web page. It has transferred perfectly.

Welcome to our new Blog!!

2011-05-24T20:26:00.004+10:00

Woodrising Neighbourhood Centre has started a blog!!

Why? This blog is so we can keep our community informed of whats going on at the WNC, whats coming up, courses you can enroll for, services we are offering etc. In fact any news at all that relates to our district.

Can I comment about any of the entries? You sure can. And we want you to. At the bottom of each post is a 'comments' link. Click it and then type your comments, select an identity and then push the 'Post Comments' button. We will attempt to address any questions or comments that you leave.

Can I get an email anytime there's a new entry? You sure can. Just click 'comments' link and then the 'Subscribe by Email' link below and the blogger system will automatically send you an email anytime there's a new entry.

How can I tell others about the blog? We'd love you to spread the word. Just click the small buttons below to email them and/or to post to Facebook or Twitter etc. The more people that know then the better informed will be the community.

Can I post something on the blog about upcoming events? We are working on that.

** WNC News **

Financial & Gambling Counselling Service

WNC Weekly Activities

GETTING YOUR FINANCES BACK ON TRACK AFTER EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Tuesday Craft Group

Parenting Support Services

Looking for a JP?

Information on Aged Care

The Perks of Getting Older

Broadband Internet Training For Seniors

The Blokes Booklet - Information For Men

FREE! Growing Kids Program

Boat launch video

Some Clinical advice - Pregnant at 71

Johns Chevelle

"Footloose" ! An Editing Masterpiece

Welcome to our new Blog!!

WNC News