Battlers’ credit lifeline set to start dealing out money

Andrew Mathieson
A series of interest-free loans are “up and running” for struggling low-income earners and battling pensioners in Geelong.
Charities have started referring clients to No Interest Loan Scheme, with applications open to health care card-holders on Centrelink benefits or working part-time.
The scheme offers loans up to $1200 for household items on 12-to-18-month repayment plans.
Scheme committee of management representative Peter Patterson said the loans would help struggling families enjoy improved quality of life.
“The loans are for the essentials,” he said.
“The charities have been good at putting food on the tables of people with no money but if their fridge or washing machine breaks down it’s very difficult for them to replace it.”
“We try to give battlers a fair go and will try to help them replace essential items,” Peter says.
Mr Patterson said the scheme extended to televisions or computers for children, sometimes to mechanical work on family cars but not to paying out existing debts.
Community houses would soon host interviews for the loans, he said.
National Australia Bank would contribute an initial pool of money for the scheme.
Mr Patterson said he needed volunteers with office experience to help run the scheme.
He asked anyone wanting more information to phone 5229 8829.