Cash, no crisis

By Danielle Galvin
FIFTY loans later and the Cockatoo and Hills No Interest Loan Scheme is celebrating making a difference in the lives of hills families.
Staff, volunteers and supporters came together to celebrate the milestone last week.
The no-fuss, no-interest loans help out with the smallest of items that make all the difference.
Cockatoo resident Tania spoke about how much the program had improved her quality of life.
“I find it very hard being on a disability pension to be able to afford to get the simple things in life, such as beds, getting tyres for the car and general car repairs, or white goods and a TV.”
Tania has lived in the area for more than 15 years and said that she recommended the program to friends.
“Without it, people like myself would have to just keep on trying to get other assistance or pay for renting items through lenders and maybe then get trapped into upgrading and never really owning things, paying three or sometimes four times what it is really worth,” she said.
Clients who have paid back their loan in full are eligible for more loans.
Tania was the first and 50th loan recipient.
Loans offered range from $800 to $1200 and are repaid in fortnightly installments by clients.
“The Cockatoo and Hills NILS gives low-income residents in the Ranges Ward the opportunity to buy basic household items,” co-ordinator Sue Barbieri said.
Contact Ms Barbieri on 5968 7000 or call into the Cardinia–Casey Health Service, McBride St Cockatoo on Mondays through to Wednesdays.