NSW Fair Trading is urging Grafton, Maclean and Yamba consumers and business owners to learn more about their rights and responsibilities during an upcoming Regional Access Program.

Fair Trading Deputy Commissioner, Steve Griffin, today said Fair Trading staff would be undertaking compliance activities, business inspections and education seminars in Grafton, Maclean and Yamba from 9 to 13 August 2010.

“Regional Access Programs are run on a regular basis around the State and play a vital role in educating communities about Fair Trading services,” he said. “They bring Fair Trading staff and services into the community so consumers and traders know who they can turn to for advice or support if things go wrong.”

Mr Griffin said Fair Trading investigators would be checking compliance at motor dealers and repairers, travel agents, pawnbrokers and second hand dealers and traders selling paint spray cans.

“Compliance checks benefit local consumers, lead to better business practices and promote a strong working relationship between Fair Trading and traders,” he said.

Mr Griffin said local businesses and tradespeople were encouraged to attend presentations on their areas of operation.

“A range of information sessions are planned for seniors, high school students, incorporated associations, the Aboriginal community, motor dealers, motor vehicle repairers and landlords,” he said.

“Topics covered will include consumer rights, tenancy information and financial literacy.”

Mr Griffin said officers from Fair Trading, RTA and the Attorney General’s Department will be conducting ‘Kooris and Cars’ information sessions on Tuesday 10 August at 10am at Hillcrest Community Hall, Jubilee Street, Maclean and on Thursday 12 August at 10am at Ngaru Village Robinson Street, Yamba.

“The sessions, developed especially for the Aboriginal community, include information on the pitfalls of purchasing a car privately, what guarantees and warranties apply to new and used cars, the importance of car registration and insurance and how to get and keep your driver’s licence,” he said.

“Year 9 and 10 students from Maclean High School will take part in a Money Stuff information session where they will learn tips on shopping, refunds and warranties, mobile phone contracts, borrowing money and credit cards.”

Mr Griffin said education was a vital part of the program and there will be a Fair Trading information stand at the Yamba Fair on 12 August from 10am to 1pm.

Fair Trading will also be visiting pre-school and day-care centres and delivering product safety packs, including information on safe toys, nursery furniture and baby products,” he said.

“In addition, Meals on Wheels representatives will be given copies of the Seniors Guide to give to their clients.

“I encourage residents to take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about the services and support offered by NSW Fair Trading.”

The following information sessions are FREE and open to the public:

• Associations seminar: 9 August 12.30pm – 1.30pm at Grafton Community & Function Centre, 59 Duke Street, Grafton
• Kooris and Cars seminar: 10 August 10am – 2pm at Hillcrest Community Hall, Jubilee Street, Maclean
• Associations seminar: 10 August 12.30pm – 1.30pm at Maclean Civic Hall, 50 River Street, Maclean
• Motor Repairers seminar: 10 August 6pm – 7pm at Grafton Community & Function Centre, 59 Duke Street, Grafton
• Tenancy information seminar for self managing landlords: 11 August 5.30pm – 7.30pm at Jim Thompson Pavilion, Maclean Showground, 12 Cameron Street, Maclean
• Kooris and Cars seminar: 12 August 10am – 1pm at Ngaru Village, Robinson Street, Yamba
• Fair Trading Information stand: 12 August 10am – 1pm at Yamba Fair, 1 – 3 Treelands Drive, Yamba
• Motor Dealers seminar: 12 August 6pm - 7pm at Grafton Community & Function Centre, 59 Duke Street, Grafton
• Seniors seminar: 13 August 1pm - 2pm at Soldiers Memorial Hall, Charles Street, Iluka

To make a booking for one of these sessions please call Fair Trading on 6653 0700.

School sessions and seminars (not open to the general public but that may be of interest to local media) are as follows:

Money Stuff Information sessions: 

• 13 August 11.15am – 12.05pm and 2.30pm – 3.30pm at Maclean High School

Seniors seminar: 

• 11 August 9am – 9.30am at Maclean CWA
• 11 August 11am – 12 noon at Coffs Coast National Seniors, Coffs Ex-Services Club, Vernon Street, Coffs Harbour.

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