Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand in Abbotsford, Victoria, Australia | Charitable organisation

Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand

Locality: Abbotsford, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 3 9270 9700

Address: PO Box 182 3067 Abbotsford, VIC, Australia

Website: https://goodshep.org.au

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• Community organisation

25.01.2022 We'll be tuning in to ABC Melbourne's and Victorian Council of Social Service's first episode of 'Victorian Voices' tonight, a series of online events communicating critical COVID-related public health and legal information into communities across Melbourne. Exploring a range of themes from workplace issues, to housing and wellbeing and mental health, these sessions will provide a platform for communities to hear from experts, ask questions and air their concerns.

25.01.2022 Did you know that in partnership with NILS and StepUP Providers and Suncorp, we co-designed an affordable insurance product for people on low incomes? Essentials by AAI is a Car and Home Contents insurance product that has won six industry awards. Features include: ... fortnightly payments at no extra cost Centrepay payments if needed no standard excess for first two claims limited cover to help keep premiums low pre-existing vehicle damage acknowledged There’s also the option to combine Car and Home Contents within a single policy and payment. To find out more head to our website: https://goodshep.org.au/services/insurance/

25.01.2022 This week we held our first panel discussion to reflect on and celebrate UNICEF's #InternationalDayoftheGirlChild 2020. Taking place every year on October 11, the theme for this year’s campaign is #MyVoiceOurEqualFuture. Using our own message ‘We see you, we hear you’ we spoke about how we strive to elevate the voice of girls here in Australia, and help provide the resources and build the roadmaps that are needed to encourage this. We invite you to listen to this inspirati...onal conversation featuring our CEO Stella Avramopoulos, Counsellor Sally Halligan from our Family Violence Program, Principal of our Specialist School in Waranara Rachael Peet, and our Mission Director and facilitator, Gendrie Klein-Breteler AM. As Gendrie says during the discussion I invite you as parents, educators, support workers and friends to join with her and all girls’ voices in advocating for: A world where girls, in all their diversity, are seen, heard and valued."

24.01.2022 New report by Delioitte Access Economics for Australian Council of Social Service finds cuts to #JobSeeker would reduce the size of the economy by $31.3bn, with the shock to consumption costing 145,000 jobs over two years. There are a lot of things that are not in our control in this pandemic but one thing that the Government does have control over is ensuring that everyone has enough to cover the basics of life, including a safe place to live. Not only is this the right thing to do, its one of the best things we can do to support jobs now and on the long, hard road to full recovery" - Dr Cassandra Goldie, CEO of Australian Council of Social Service. #RaisetheRateforGood

24.01.2022 As lockdown restrictions lift and economic stress takes its toll on families, Good Shepherd are preparing for a spike in demand for our family violence services and we need your help to keep at-risk women and children safe. Find out how: https://bit.ly/35Y1BxS

24.01.2022 Without the opportunity to relax and connect socially in safe places, many of our clients nervous systems are activated far more frequently and trauma symptoms have exacerbated resulting in disrupted sleep, low mood, depression, nightmares and more, - Good Shepherd practitioner. You can help support Good Shepherd workers develop strategies for safety and wellbeing of women and girls experiencing family violence: https://bit.ly/35Y1BxS

24.01.2022 With millions out of work, its important to revisit the relief available to households doing it tough. Apart from government support, there is still relief available for those suffering the economic impacts of the pandemic. Details on a range of current financial relief options available: https://bit.ly/2FlBWpN

23.01.2022 Did you know this year marks 40 years of NILs in Australia?! That’s 300,000+ loans issued by hundreds of community providers in 600+ locations nationally which has enabled $250million in safe credit for Australians on low incomes. Our No Interest Loans are available for essential goods and services such as fridges, washing machines, car repairs and medical procedures for up to $1,500. Repayments are set at an affordable amount over 12 to 18 months. To find out more information call 13 64 57 or find your nearest provider on our website!

23.01.2022 Inclusivity and recognising the value of each person is integral to Good Shepherd. This week, well come together (virtually) to acknowledge and celebrate International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia & Transphobia. We all have a role to play to ensure diversity and equality in our community and our workplaces. #IDAHOBIT

21.01.2022 We offer No Interest Loans (NILS) to provide individuals and families on low incomes access to safe, fair and affordable credit. Loans are available for essential goods and services such as fridges, washing machines, car repairs and medical procedures for up to $1,500. NILS is offered by 170 local community organisations in over 600 locations across Australia. Chances are therell be a local NILS provider near you or one who can help over the phone. Click the link below to find out more or tag someone who you think could benefit from this service https://nils.com.au/

20.01.2022 "How do you know if you or someone close to you is suffering financial abuse? It can be hard to spot the danger patterns if youre not aware of the different forms that financial abuse can take." Take this enlightening quiz from Guardian Australia to learn more.

20.01.2022 #WEAREHIRING The Financial Coaching Facilitator will coordinate and deliver Financial Coaching training of both community sector workers and clients across three separate portfolios including the 2019/2020 Bushfire areas of East Gippsland and Towong, the NILs network and Neighbourhood Houses Victoria. Find out more today!... https://goodshep.org.au/jobs/financial-coaching-facilitator/

19.01.2022 #lightacandle2021

19.01.2022 Are you eligible for one of our Household Relief loans? You may be if you Have lost your job, had income reduced, moved onto Centrelink payments after February 2020 or been otherwise financially impacted by Covid-19 (including reduced income if you’re self-employed) Are 16 years or over Are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid visa that expires after the loan term... Have a before tax annual income of less than $60,000 if you are single, or less than $100,000 for couples or if you have dependent Call our hotline to find out today! Our friendly team will help you navigate the government supports and other hardship services available to you, discuss the suitability of a Household Relief Loan Without Interest and support you with your application if needed. We can also refer you to our free in-house Financial Counsellors to negotiate with creditors, access hardship arrangements and more.

18.01.2022 SURVEY OF 955 PEOPLE ON JOBSEEKER We surveyed 955 people on JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and other income support payments receiving the $550 a fortnight Coronavi...rus Supplement, and they told us that for the first time in a very long time, they were able to cover the basics. This must continue. The increased rates are having a transformative impact on peoples finances and health. This is what people told us about how their lives have changed, since the start of the increased payments on April 27: *92.8% said they were able to afford more fresh fruit and vegetables. *82.8% reported eating healthier and more regularly. Prior to the supplement, 74% of respondents skipped meals. Of those who skipped meals, 28% skipped 7 or more meals a week. *69.2% said they were now able to pay for essential medical and health treatments. *75.1% said they were able to pay their bills. *64.7% said it was easier to pay rent or move to safer accommodation. *93.5% said the removal of the supplement would have a significant or extreme impact on their ability to cover the cost of essentials. READ THE FULL REPORT HERE: https://www.acoss.org.au//200624-I-Can-Finally-Eat-Fresh-F TAKE ACTION The Raise The Rate for Good campaign needs your help to make sure there is a permanent increase JobSeeker and Youth Allowance. We must push, harder than ever, to ensure that JobSeeker is permanently raised on July 23, so that people can keep a roof over head and food on the table. Tell the Government that we must not turn our back on people doing it tough. We must Raise the Rate for Good. Everyone needs to be able to cover the basics. Share this post with family and friends, and if you can: *Contact Treasurer Josh Frydenberg: E-mail him here: https://treasury.gov.au/the-department/contact-us. Or call on 026277 7560. *Contact Social Services Minister Senator Anne Ruston. E-mail her here: https://ministers.dss.gov.au/anne-ruston/contact. Or call on 02 6277 7560. *Register to contact your local Member of Parliament: https://raisetherate.org.au/contact-your-mp.

18.01.2022 Is COVID causing a housing crisis? It's actually a slightly misleading question. Victoria already had a housing crisis, COVID just made it worse. Tonight we'll ...be sharing some practical tips and advice to navigate renting and housing through COVID-19. Captioning is available in English, Arabic () and Simplified Chinese (). Vietnamese (Ting Vit) captions will be added shortly after the live event.

17.01.2022 Good Shepherd has a number of great roles available now, made possible by a Working for Victoria grant from the State Government. The six month roles range from a communications officer through to family violence support workers, recruitment and volunteer coordinator and no interest loan community workers. Check out the #Sidekicker platform https://sidekicker.com/au

17.01.2022 The most significant contributing factor to poverty rates in Australia is employment; two thirds of people in households where the main income earner is unemployed lives in poverty. For many Australians who have had their employment impacted by COVID19, reverting to the normal Newstart allowance of $40 per day isnt sufficient to meet the basic costs of living. Read the latest Poverty in Australia report from Australian Council of Social Service and UNSW: https://bit.ly/2Aajg9P #raisetherate

17.01.2022 Money can be a very sensitive subject. The Good Money Store in Salisbury is trying to help remove that stigma. Everyone needs some assistance at times and Good... Money, in conjunction with Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand, offers a range of affordable financial support services. These services include No Interest Loans, insurance, financial counselling, and even assistance for individuals looking to launch their own business through the LaunchME program. To find out more about Good Money, visit the website at www.goodmoney.com.au or contact Good Money Salisbury on 1300 770 550 or [email protected]

17.01.2022 Some of our friendly Household Relief team talk to Financial Stress & Easy Credit. At Good Shepherd we take responsible lending seriously, and want to improve your situation - not make it worse. To find out more about our Household Relief Loans Without Interest you can call our COVID hardship support hotline on 1300 121 130 or visit the website: https://householdrelief.org.au/ NAB Australian Families

16.01.2022 Thank you to everyone who joined our Live Forum for International Day of the Girl yesterday! In case you missed it, you can listen to the courageous girls who s...poke on our panel via the recording on Youtube. #IDG2020 #MyVoiceOurFuture #internationaldayofthegirl https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQhEHvyZHLU&feature=youtu.be

16.01.2022 July 30th is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The 2020 theme focuses on the first responders to human trafficking. These are the people who work in different sectors - identifying, supporting, counselling and seeking justice for victims of trafficking, and challenging the impunity of the traffickers. This year we highlight the contributions of Good Shepherd Mission Partners in 72 countries, working on the frontline to end human trafficking. They identify, support, co...unsel and seek justice for victims of the traffickers. Their services are needed more than ever as Covid-19 creates an environment conductive to an exponential increase in the use of online platforms, where traffickers use 'grooming techniques' to exploit unsuspecting, girls, women, migrants and children. #EndHumanTraffficking #HumanTraffficking #AQUIESTOY

16.01.2022 Good Shepherd is joining the chorus of calls for urgent government action to improve the countrys welfare safety net. Todays release of the Inequality in Australia report by ACOSS clearly demonstrates that women, young people and lower paid workers are bearing the greatest economic impact of the pandemic. The CEO of Good Shepherd, Stella Avramopoulos, said this important research demonstrates the most vulnerable are being hit hardest by the pandemic and there is a risk of o...thers joining this growing group of people. . "People are overwhelmed, they are distressed and unable to see a way out of their growing financial pressures," she said. We are calling for structural changes to the social welfare safety net, with new service models and cross-sector strategies to respond to the significant number of Australians now in financial distress. Job Seeker has been a critical aspect of this safety net and is needed to help build a financial wellbeing roadmap for Australians to recover. Good Shepherds financial counsellors, family violence workers and other front-line staff have supported many thousands of people since this pandemic hit. People need to be safe and healthy in their communities, they are desperate for reliable information and support to help them navigate the multiple challenges they are facing, Ms Avramopoulos said. Good Shepherd is supporting those experiencing financial distress due to the pandemic with a range of services providing people with access to financial information, help to navigate supports, financial counselling and Household Relief Loans Without Interest, which is supported by the Australian Government and National Australia Bank.

15.01.2022 Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand celebrates trans and gender diverse children and young people and supports the right for gender identity to be recognised, respected, and celebrated. We envision a world where every person, no matter their gender or the way they dress, feels safe and has the opportunity to grow and thrive in school, at home, at work, and in the community. A world where transphobia is called out, challenged, and becomes a thing of the past. Read our #TransgenderDayofVisibility statement here: https://www.cfecfw.asn.au/statement-of-support-internation/

14.01.2022 People on the #Jobseeker payment are raising concerns about what will happen when the Coronavirus supplement ends, and worried it will drop down to $40 per day payment that saw people living well below the poverty line. Data from the newly released UNSW & ACOSS Poverty in Australia report reflects the state of play for Australia from ABS findings in 2017-2018: the COVID19 pandemic has significantly impacted this and projections show an accelerated rate of poverty and risk for those groups who are already vulnerable. Read the full report: https://bit.ly/2Aajg9P

14.01.2022 A fantastic read on developing financial resilience.

14.01.2022 Today marks the start of National Reconciliation Week 2020. We cant be physically together to show respect, but we can show respect to Country wherever we are. Good Shepherd acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Tradition Custodians and Elders of this nation, and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Good Shepherd is located in different parts of Australia, so we work on the lands of various Traditional Owners; this map can show you who they are - https://aiatsis.gov.au//a/aiatsis-map-indigenous-australia #NRW2020 #InThisTogether2020

13.01.2022 Lost your job or had income reduced due to COVID? Call 1300 121 130 now for free financial support to help you navigate the complex COVID services available. Plus ask about Household Relief Loans Without Interest of up to $3,000 towards rent, utility bills, bond, body corporate fees and council rates. #Householdrelief... https://householdrelief.org.au/

13.01.2022 Today Mission Australia has released their Youth Survey 2020 report. The report has revealed that young Australians aged between 15 to 19 years old have significant concerns relating to equity and discrimination, COVID-19, mental health, education and employment. With 25,800 young people surveyed between April and August this year, this landmark report provides invaluable evidence collected during the COVID-19 pandemic about young people’s most pressing concerns. #YouthSurvey2020

13.01.2022 Read our latest blog where our financial experts share 3 small, easy changes that might help reduce your power usage and put a few extra dollars in your pocket.

13.01.2022 Today is the day of action from R U OK Day where we are reminded that every day is the day to ask, Are you OK? if someone in your world is struggling with lifes ups and downs. Right now, given the unprecedented challenges we are facing, its safe to say that someone you know may not be okay. Follow RUOKs four simple steps that could change a life:... 1. Ask 2. Listen 3. Encourage Action 4. Check In For more tools on how to support those around you, head to https://www.ruok.org.au/ For emergencies, call 000. For crisis support and suicide prevention, call lifeline on 13 11 14. For sexual assault, domestic and family violence support call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

12.01.2022 We are proud to partner Commonwealth Bank to increase support for people impacted by financial abuse, as a result of domestic and family violence, with the launch of Next Chapter; a new program that will see the bank bring a range of services, support, resources and research to the market. Next Chapters first two industry leading initiatives the Financial Independence Hub and Community Wellbeing team will offer specialised trauma support, solutions and financial coachi...ng. The Financial Independence Hub had been developed in close consultation with people with lived experience of financial abuse, and support from a reference group of sector leaders and academic experts. Good Shepherd has a long history of supporting those impacted by family violence. We know that financial abuse is widespread and that it can be devastating. Our front-line staff see the impact of financial abuse every day. We see people, primarily women, with bad credit histories or huge debt forced on them by abusive, controlling partners and often without access to their own money who dont know how they will feed their kids. We know that financial inclusion and capability can be the key to changing a life. Stella Avramopoulos, Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand CEO. Full story: https://bit.ly/2WyYt8o #NextChapter #FinancialIndependence

12.01.2022 Working Through COVID-19 Victorian Voices is a streamed online series where well be discussing the latest COVID-19 public health and legal information, in pa...rtnership with the Victorian Council of Social Service. Exploring a range of themes from workplace issues to mental health and wellbeing, these sessions will provide a platform for diverse communities to hear from experts, ask questions and air their concerns. This episode will be hosted by Raf Epstein with guests Dr Nadia Chaves, infectious disease specialist from cohealth, Sainab Sheikh, founder of the Somali Women's Development Association Inc., and Catherine Hemingway, senior community lawyer at WEstjustice. Captioning is available in English, Simplified Chinese () and Hindi (). Arabic () will be available soon.

12.01.2022 With the stress COVID-19 has placed on everyone's lives, its now more important than ever to look after your overall health and wellbeing. Have you been following Jean Hailes for Women's Health #WomensHealthWeek for 2020? Head to https://www.womenshealthweek.com.au/the-week/ to explore health tips, tools and information from each day and unlock your own powers for good health.

12.01.2022 July 14 is a National Day of Action to #RaiseTheRate. We cannot turn back to people struggling on the old Newstart rate of $40 per day. It is not enough to cover the basics like housing, food, bills and transport. #RaisetheRateforGood

11.01.2022 #AbolishAustraliaDay

11.01.2022 In 2020, Reconciliation Australia marks twenty years of shaping Australias journey towards a more just, equitable and reconciled nation. 2020 also marks the twentieth anniversary of the reconciliation walks of 2000, when people came together to walk on bridges and roads across the nation and show their support for a more reconciled Australia. Today we work together to further that national journey towards a fully reconciled country. #NRW2020 #InThisTogether2020

11.01.2022 Can you spare a minute to help our supporters today? Parliament has just finished for the day, after discussing wine labels legislation (as you do!) ... Just like our Parliament, our supporters have been busy all day, participating in our digital protest and calling the Prime Minister to tell him how much a cut to Jobseeker would impact them. Send our PM some bedtime reading by tweeting him why we need to #RaisetheRateForGood so everyone can #coverthebasics. It only takes a minute, thanks to our handy website, and you will be helping out the millions of people relying on Jobseeker to get them through this tough time: https://bit.ly/32lsfPX

10.01.2022 Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand has welcomed the Victorian State budget, in particular its spending on jobs in priority areas, housing and gender equality. Good Shepherd’s CEO, Stella Avramopoulos said: It’s a very welcome budget that’s focussed on people doing it tough and the State’s economic recovery. We particularly note the provisions to support women both in and out of the workforce. Good Shepherd praised the key initiatives supporting women:... o Free kindergarten programs for four-year-olds and eligible three-year-old children in Victorian Government funded services, as part of a $169.6 million investment in early childhood education. o investing $81.6 million to increase the availability of before and after school care giving mums flexibility when it comes to work, study, training or re-entering the workforce o Committing $150 million to support businesses to hire 6,000 women through wage subsidies. One third of these will go to women over 45 years old, due to hurdles they face in finding work. o $10 million will go to female entrepreneurs to access startup capital. Ms Avramopoulos also welcomed the historic investment of $5.3 billion to build 12,300 social and affordable housing properties and supporting people with the cost of living and financial hardship through heating and cooling upgrades in 250,000 low income homes and 35,000 social housing properties. https://www.budget.vic.gov.au/

10.01.2022 Despite the government supports being offered during this pandemic, financial distress is now the most significant welfare issue facing Australia. We need long-term, structural changes to the social welfare safety net, with new service models and cross-sector strategies. People are overwhelmed, they are distressed and they often feel stigma and shame. This is a crisis that no one expected, it has hit suddenly and it is out of peoples control." Stella Avramopoulos, CEO, Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand. Good Shepherds financial counsellors and other front-line staff have supported thousands of people since this pandemic hit. For more information on available support and services visit: www.goodshep.org.au

10.01.2022 A safe home Fresh food Warm clothing This is what the increased #JobSeeker payment has meant for single mums and their children around the country. ... Our front-line staff have seen first-hand that the increased rate of JobSeeker has helped many vulnerable people to keep themselves and their families afloat. We cannot go back to the old Newstart rate of $40 per day. There is an opportunity to lift people off the poverty line through a secure and adequate social security safety net, and we must take it. #RaisetheRateforGood #RaiseTheRate Australian Council of Social Service

09.01.2022 Our No Interest Loans (NILS) are available for essential goods and services such as fridges, washing machines, car repairs and medical procedures for up to $1,500. Repayments are set at an affordable amount over 12 to 18 months. NILS is offered by 170 local community organisations in over 600 locations across Australia. Chances are there’ll be a local NILS provider near you or one who can help over the phone. Head to our website to find out now: https://nils.com.au/

08.01.2022 We all need a safe place to call home. Even before the Coronavirus Supplement was cut, only one per cent of private rental homes across Australia were affordable for people on #JobSeeker. We need to ensure income support payments cover the basics and protect people from poverty and homelessness. JobSeeker at around $40 a day traps people in extreme poverty, unable to eat properly or pay their housing, medical and other basic expenses. This year's Anti-Poverty Week focuses o...n supporting affordable housing for all and need to #rasietherate. Join the Everybody’s Home campaign for affordable housing: https://everybodyshome.com.au/ #antipovertyweek #raisetherate #raisetherateforgood Australian Council of Social Service Anti-Poverty Week

08.01.2022 JobSeeker cuts would mean extreme hardship for 1.6 million Australians. The Federal Government is planning to cut the Coronavirus Supplement on September 25, reducing incomes of people on JobSeeker and Parenting Payment by $300 per fortnight. In two weeks it's going to drop from $550 to $250 a fortnight.... A survey released today by Australian Council of Social Service has found the decrease will have an immediate impact on people without paid work in this recession. #raisetherateforgood

08.01.2022 Good Shepherd has and will continue to support those experiencing family violence during the pandemic and as we come out the other side. From family counselling, to financial assistance, to a safe place to stay for women and children. Find out how you can help: https://bit.ly/35Y1BxS

08.01.2022 Happy National Volunteer Week to all of our incredible volunteers! You help us in our purpose to disrupt cycles of disadvantage and create a better future for women, girls and families. Thank you to each and every one of you for your time, generosity, skills and for the huge difference you are making in our programs and communities every day. #NVW2020 #Nationalvolunteerweek

07.01.2022 The definition of a ‘healthy relationship’ may vary from person to person, but it’s important to make sure that yours aren’t causing more harm than good. Read Australia’s National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service, 1800RESPECT’s, signs of a healthy relationship, as well as warning signs of an unhealthy one here: https://www.1800respect.org.au/healthy-relationships

07.01.2022 Interesting read about the compounding impacts of coronavirus on women: https://bit.ly/3czLp7N

07.01.2022 2020 was an extremely challenging year for most people. Despite the difficulties, Good Shepherd ensured a year of microenterprise coaching for nine extraordinary and talented people through it’s #LaunchME program. Read about four of our graduates here!

06.01.2022 Good Shepherd in collaboration with the Australian Government and NAB are offering Household Relief Loans Without Interest for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Assistance for rent and utility bills can be provided in the form of loans of up to $3,000 with no interest, charges or fees to pay. Loans are available to people who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, have lost their job or had their work hours reduced.... More: https://bit.ly/2AtnNEU Canstar

05.01.2022 Today we observe National Sorry Day. First recognised in 1998 to mark the anniversary of when the Bringing them Home report was tabled in federal parliament, it is also a day to acknowledge and recognise the experience and suffering of members of the Stolen Generation. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians.

05.01.2022 Car Insurance can be a little tricky, but it's an important financial protection to have. Shop around to find what's right for you, comparethemarket.com.au is a handy website to compare car insurance quotes in Australia

05.01.2022 Today Australian Council of Social Service and UNSW released the next report in the Poverty and Inequality series. This new report shows the disproportionate impact of #poverty on #women including female-headed sole parent families being three times more likely to live in poverty. Read the full report: https://bit.ly/2Aajg9P

04.01.2022 The economic impact of the Coronavirus pandemic has created a new group of economically vulnerable people, with young people, recent migrants and women among those hardest hit. A new study by Roy Morgan Research has tracked close to 6000 working Australians since April also found those already on average or lower incomes were most likely to have suffered negative impacts to their employment during the pandemic. Commissioned by Good Shepherd, the research found that 60 per c...ent of working Australians on average or lower incomes had experienced employment changes such as having hours reduced, pay cut, being stood down or made redundant, creating a new class of economically vulnerable people. Good Shepherd is supporting those experiencing financial distress due to the pandemic with a range of services including financial counselling and Household Relief Loans Without Interest, which is supported by the Australian Government and NAB. For more information on our available support and services visit: https://www.goodshep.org.au/

04.01.2022 Are you a woman looking to improve your financial literacy? Register for our free Financial Wellbeing for Women course before 9 April. Run by women for women in... a relaxed, informal and supportive environmentwe even offer childcare if you need ityou will be able to connect with each other while learning about things like; Where to go for interest free loans Meeting the costs of schooling Where to get the best deals on winter heating Managing debts Connecting you with a Financial Counsellor To register or find out more, please contact Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre: Phone: 03 5156 0214 Email: [email protected] See more

03.01.2022 We are preparing for our National Day Of Action happening next Tuesday July 14!! Supporters will be taking action in many different ways, including contacting p...olitical leaders. Many people will be using canned food as a symbol of how hard it is to get by and to eat regular, fresh, nutritious meals, on the old Newstart rate of $40 a day. You might like to post a photo to Facebook and Twitter of canned food, sharing your experiences and views. If you do, remember to use #RaisetheRateforGood. On Facebook, tag @RaisetheRate and @AustralianCouncilofSocialService. On Twitter tag @ACOSS. There will be other creative events and projects being organised. For more info, follow the @RaisetheRate Facebook page or contact Raise the Rate for Good community organiser Pas Forgione at [email protected] or on 0444 590 297. Anyone participating in the National Day of Action, of course, should always regularly check the latest local health alerts, wherever they are, to ensure they comply with physical-distancing and other requirements. Find out those requirements here: tinyurl.com/ud5ejb2

02.01.2022 The Victorian Government, through the Department of Health and Human Services, has recommitted to funding Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand’s four Victorian Good Money stores, which play a crucial role in supporting and protecting thousands of vulnerable Victorians who are otherwise financially excluded. Good Shepherd’s CEO, Stella Avramopoulos, said: the work of the Good Money stores has never been more important, following the devastating impacts of the restrictions for...ced by the coronavirus pandemic and the recent tragic bushfires which have combined to create a bleak picture for many Victorians, pushing many further into poverty. Our work at this critical moment is integral to the community’s economic wellbeing and recovery, and we are grateful for the Victorian Government’s ongoing support. Good Money stores across all locations in Victoria, as well as interstate, work with financially vulnerable people to give them access to safe, affordable and secure financial support and advice. Without this support, there is a real risk the people we work with, who are already at the margins and at risk of falling deeper into poverty, will turn to predatory pay day lenders and high interest cash loan providers. https://www.budget.vic.gov.au/

02.01.2022 Happy #WearItPurple Day! Today is a day for celebrating and supporting LGBTQIA+ young people. Wear #purple today to show your support for LGBTIQA+ youth and remind young people they are loved, accepted and have the right to be proud of who they are. #wearethechange

02.01.2022 If a bushfire, flood, or storm struck tomorrow, would you be ready? A natural disaster can become a financial disaster for you and your family. Download our step-by-step guide to: - understand your risks - protect your valuables... - navigate insurance - find where to get help Download the guide by clicking below or call 1300 770 550 https://goodshep.org.au/publications/disaster-proof-toolkit/

01.01.2022 We know its been an uncertain and challenging couple of months. So we want to reassure you that we are still here for women and children experiencing family violence. This includes helping them to develop strategies for safety and wellbeing while isolated. Find out how you can help: https://goodshep.org.au/donate