Hardship stretches into winter
STRUGGLING financially is a generational issue, according to David Sutcliffe who says that many young people have never learned how to budget.
“We have really noticed a generational shift in that,” the Salvation Army Orana team leader said.
“The generation that grew up with both parents working didn’t learn about financial management from their parents. That’s not modelled anymore and cashless transactions are the norm.”
Mr Sutcliffe said that sometimes all people need is some direction when it comes to financial planning and management.
“Getting on top of your finances is paramount,” he told Dubbo
“Most companies have hardship plans. All of that is available. Often all people need is direction.
“There is emotional insecurity that comes from financial stress which makes matters even worse so often intervention is needed.”
With the onset of extremely cold weather in the region and the ongoing battle against the drought, Mr Sutcliffe said every little bit helps when others are struggling.
“We are always looking for donations of winter clothing or blankets. People are looking for assistance and with the dry conditions, people are being careful with their money. We are starting to see more people from the farming community and we have rural chaplains, they have spent a lot of time on the road and visiting some of the smaller communities.”
The Salvos annual Red Shield Appeal raised $17,000 locally which was short of the $18,000 goal but enough to offer some assistance.
“We were happy with how it went,” he said.
Vinnies Dubbo centre coordinator Pat Thornton said the freezing nights have left many people searching for warm garments and bedding.
“There’s certainly a big demand for blankets and warm clothing,” she said.
“We have been keeping up with the demand for warm clothing but there is always a need for blankets.”
While clothes are sold at a discounted rate through the Vinnies store, blankets and doonas are mainly distributed through the charity’s care and support centre which buys blankets in bulk for that purpose every year.
“We never have enough blankets,” she said. “We just don’t get enough donated. When we do get them, we sell a few but mainly we give them out.”
Sadly, there are many people in need this winter, including the ‘hidden homeless’.
“We have a tremendous number of people that come in looking for assistance. It’s much harder for the people that nobody knows about.
“There are a lot of hidden homeless people in Dubbo – they are either staying with friends or couch surfing. It’s very hard for them.
“It’s even harder for people who are still living in their home on a low income. There’s a lot of people that it’s very hard for.”
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For those in need or to offer support:
z Vinnies is located at 126 Brisbane Street, Dubbo z Salvation Army Centre is in Gipps Street, and the Family store is in Cobbora Road, Dubbo FROM September 2018, drivers caught using their mobile phones while driving will earn five demerit points.
The tough demerit point penalty follows on from a NSW Government commitment to review penalties, develop new road safety advertising and introduce safeguards to improve driver safety in relation to alcohol and drugs, including prescription drugs.
Legislation is already in place enabling the use of camera-based technology to enforce mobile phone offences in the future, which is a world first.
Changes are in place to also allow doctors to report a patient if they have concerns.