Lifeline financial counselling services receive essential funding

Essential services delivered by Lifeline Broken Hill will continue to operate after more than $110,000 in funding under NSW Fair Trading’s community grants programs.

The Lifeline Broken Hill Region Financial Counselling Service and Lifeline Broken Hill Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Financial Counselling Service have received the funding.

Member for Barwon Roy Butler has welcomed the funding saying now more than ever people in Broken Hill and surrounds need to be able to access Financial Counselling Services.

“Financial counsellors are the gateway for referral and access to the current drought support on offer, and need to be well supported so they’re readily accessible for those that need to access them,” said Mr Butler.

“It’s fantastic to see this funding some through; I’ve been advocating for more support for financial counsellors and will continue to push for more.

“We need to make sure we support the people and organisations that help people when times are tough and their chips are down.

“The funding provides certainty for the Lifeline staff, taking away the fear of funding uncertainty.

“Scott and his team at Lifeline Broken Hill are a great group of people doing really good work for the community and I’m glad that can continue now that they’ve got this funding.”

Scott Hammond, Chief Executive, Lifeline Broken Hill Country to Coast thanked the NSW Government for providing the essential funding.

"The announcement of funding means Lifeline Broken Hill Country to Coast can continue the important financial counselling services we've been providing Far West NSW communities for the past 15+ years.

“It provides staff with stability over the next 3 years, knowing their jobs are safe and that they can continue the great work they've invested in our community over the years.

"It's great that the Government and Roy have acknowledged the importance of financial counselling services and the work that we as an organisation do in regional NSW.

Our Financial Counsellor, Sherrie Wilkins does an awesome job, is very well known and has been doing it for many years. Her extensive experience and knowledge is what sets us apart from other service providers.”