The Keneally Government will invest almost $795,000 to deliver frontline support services to Illawarra consumers and traders.

Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge said the commitment was part of a total investment of $195.7 million in Fair Trading services in the NSW Budget.

“The Keneally Government is building better Fair Trading services for the future of the Illawarra,” she said.

“We support Illawarra residents through community organisations, industry grants and outreach services, including financial counselling, no interest loans and tenancy and advocacy advice.

“Consumers and traders can also access services through the Fair Trading Centre in Wollongong which employs 15 staff.

“Fair Trading has an excellent reputation for supporting, educating and helping those in need. Last year, more than 2,700 residents from the Illawarra region received assistance from these vital frontline services.”

The Keneally Government is funding a range of services over the next financial year in the Illawarra, including:

• Illawarra Tenants Service – $303,339
• Illawarra Legal Centre – Legal Service – $35,654
• Illawarra Legal Centre – Financial Counselling Service – $55,406
• Mission Australia Creditworthy Wollongong – $42,523
• Mission Australia Creditworthy Wollongong (Dapto/Warilla Outreach Service) – $42,734
• Mission Australia Creditworthy Wollongong (Moss Vale Outreach Service) – $101,258
• Mission Australia Creditworthy Wollongong (Dapto, Bulli, Warilla & Moss Vale Outreach Service) – $147,681
• Baptist Community Services Lifecare Services NILS® (No Interest Loans Scheme) – $32,856 and
• Northern Illawarra NILS® – $32,856.

Mission Australia Service Manager John Brett welcomed the Budget.

“The Keneally Government’s funding has helped reduce waiting lists and meet demand for our services,” he said.

“The complexity of financial matters continues to increase with many people needing support with bankruptcy, legal matters and debt negotiations.”

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