Fair Trading Deputy Commissioner Steve Griffin is urging Bathurst consumers and traders to learn more about their rights and responsibilities during next week’s Regional Access Program.

Mr Griffin said Fair Trading staff would be carrying out compliance activities, business inspections and promoting consumer services in and around Bathurst from Monday 13 to Friday 17 September.

“The first Regional Access Program took place at Broken Hill in 1998,” he said.

“Regional Access Programs are run on a regular basis around the state and over the past 12 years, have played a vital role in educating communities about Fair Trading services.”

Mr Griffin said Fair Trading inspectors would be carrying out a range of compliance activities, including checking licensing and business name compliance at motor dealers, travel agents, pawnbrokers and second hand dealers.

“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, landlords and tradespeople will also benefit from attending presentations that focus on their areas of operation.

“A range of free information sessions will be held for incorporated associations, tenants and landlords, builders, motor dealers and repairers and young people,” he said.

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

Mr Griffin said Money Stuff sessions will be delivered to students at The Scots School, Kelso High School and the local TAFE.

“This highly successful program, now in its ninth year, teaches teenagers about their consumer rights, including managing their finances and avoiding the debt trap,” he said.

Mr Griffin said educating the whole community was a vital part of the program and Fair Trading would be visiting retailers and businesses in the Bathurst and Kelso CBDs.

“A Fair Trading information stand will be at the Kelso Community Centre from Monday to Thursday for three hours each day,” he said.

“Fair Trading officers will be delivering product safety packs, including information on safe toys, nursery furniture and baby products to pre-schools and childcare centres.

“Seniors Guides will also be delivered to the local Senior Citizens Centre.

“There is something for everyone and I encourage all 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:

• Home building CPD and NSW plumbing reform seminar
  Monday 13 September 2010, from 4:30pm to 6:30pm
  Bathurst Convention and Function Centre, Cnr Howick and Peel Sts, Bathurst.
• Motor dealer seminar
  Tuesday 14 September 2010, from 5.30 to 6.30pm
  Bathurst Panthers (Panorama Room), 132 Piper Street, Bathurst.
• Motor vehicle repairer seminar
  Tuesday 14 September July 2010, from 6.30 to 7.30pm
  Bathurst Panthers (Panorama Room), 132 Piper Street, Bathurst.
• Building Partners seminar
  Wednesday 15 September 2010, from 10am to 12pm
  Orange Ex-Services club (Moresby Room), 231-243 Anson Street, Orange.
• Tenancy reforms seminar
  Wednesday 15 September 2010, from 11am to 12:30pm
  Bathurst Convention and Function Centre, Cnr Howick and Peel Sts, Bathurst.
• Incorporated associations seminar
  Wednesday 15 September 2010, 5:30pm
  Bathurst Panthers (Panorama Room), 132 Piper Street, Bathurst.

To make a booking for one of these sessions please call 02 6333 1413.

School session details, not open to the general public, but that may be of interest are as follows:

Money Stuff information sessions:

• 13 September: 8.50am - 9.45am at The Scots School Bathurst
• 14 September: 10am – 11.30am at Bathurst TAFE
• 17 September: 1.40pm – 2.30pm at Kelso High School

Revved Up information sessions:

• 13 September: 10.55am - 11.25am at The Scots School Bathurst
• 14 September: 10am – 11.30am at Bathurst TAFE (with Money Stuff)

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