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    Your Neighbourhood Issue 6

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     to provide a range of services and activities which enhance the well-being of individuals and families 1. ASIC issued a $27,500 penalty against a rent-to-own company for failing to properly verify consumers' financial situations before entering lease agreements, particularly targeting vulnerable groups.  to advocate for social justice and community development 2. Research found rent-to-own options can cost 2-5 times the retail price of goods, making credit cards a relatively cheaper option.  to promote community participation and access to information, resources and support networks 3. Consumers are advised to shop around, do the math on costs, consider alternatives

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    Your Neighbourhood Issue 6

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     to provide a range of services and activities which enhance the well-being of individuals and families 1. ASIC issued a $27,500 penalty against a rent-to-own company for failing to properly verify consumers' financial situations before entering lease agreements, particularly targeting vulnerable groups.  to advocate for social justice and community development 2. Research found rent-to-own options can cost 2-5 times the retail price of goods, making credit cards a relatively cheaper option.  to promote community participation and access to information, resources and support networks 3. Consumers are advised to shop around, do the math on costs, consider alternatives

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    A newsletter from the Mount Isa Family Support Service & Neighborhood Centre Inc.

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     to provide a range of services and activities which enhance the well-being of individuals and families 1. ASIC issued a $27,500 penalty against a rent-to-own company for failing to properly verify consumers' financial situations before entering lease agreements, particularly targeting vulnerable groups.  to advocate for social justice and community development 2. Research found rent-to-own options can cost 2-5 times the retail price of goods, making credit cards a relatively cheaper option.  to promote community participation and access to information, resources and support networks 3. Consumers are advised to shop around, do the math on costs, consider alternatives

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    98 views4 pages

    Your Neighbourhood Issue 6

    Uploaded by

    YoungPeopleAhead
     to provide a range of services and activities which enhance the well-being of individuals and families 1. ASIC issued a $27,500 penalty against a rent-to-own company for failing to properly verify consumers' financial situations before entering lease agreements, particularly targeting vulnerable groups.  to advocate for social justice and community development 2. Research found rent-to-own options can cost 2-5 times the retail price of goods, making credit cards a relatively cheaper option.  to promote community participation and access to information, resources and support networks 3. Consumers are advised to shop around, do the math on costs, consider alternatives

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    of 4

    Your Neighbourhood

    Warnings on rent to own schemes


    ASIC has issued an infringement notice against Rent the Roo (RTR) and charged a penalty of $27,500. ASIC said it was particularly concerned because RTR regularly deals with consumers who receive social security or government benefits as their only source of income, including Indigenous consumers living in remote locations who have limited access or exposure to other mainstream retail and/or credit services and whose first language may not be English. ASICs surveillance found two credit representatives appointed by RTR under its Australian credit licence had failed to conduct proper verification of consumers' financial situations before entering into consumer goods leases. Meanwhile, the Consumer Action Law Centre (CALC) has published the results of research on The Hidden Cost of Rent to Own. They found that consumers should expect Rent to Own to cost at least twice retail price, often three times and sometimes more with dishwashers almost 5 times the retail price. CALC claim that even an expensive credit card seems a cheaper option than the cheapest Rent to Own. CALC recommends that consumers:
    Mount Isa Family Support Service & Neighbourhood Centre Inc.
    Issue 6 18 November 2013

    Reminders:
    Food Vouchers are available on Tuesdays from 9.30am to 11.30am to people in crisis. People who are homeless are welcome to use our kitchen, laundry or shower during office hours. We help people fill out all sorts of forms, including accessing your Super if in crisis.

    Shop around, Do the maths, Consider other options, and Be wary of getting locked into a contract, and understand any early termination fees.
    See consumeraction.org.au or go to asic.gov.au for more details.

    Inside this issue:


    Recipe: Chilli Con Carne Write for Rights The Fair Work Act Neighbourhood News Life Expectancy for Indigenous Aussies An Epidemic of Narcissism? Plan for a Strong, Healthy Family 2 2 2 3 3 3 4

    Problems with your electricity bill?


    If you are having problems with your electricity bill, it is best to contact your electricity supplier first and explain your situation. If the staff there cannot help you, ask to speak to a supervisor. If the problem is still not fixed, contact the Energy and Water Ombudsman on 1800 662 837, or email [email protected]. The Ombudsman can help if: tricity disconnected for not paying a bill. The Neighbourhood Centre has EWOQ info sheets, and can help you phone your supplier to apply for a payment arrangement or an emergency assistance payment.

    You have a high or disputed bill, You are having difficulty paying your bill, or You have had your elec-

    Recipe: Chilli Con Carne


    Ingredients: 2 teaspoons olive oil 500gm lean beef mince 2 medium onions, finely chopped 1 red capsicum, chopped 3 cloves garlic, crushed 1 long red chilli, finely chopped 1 tablespoon Mexican chilli powder 400gm can diced tomatoes 400gm can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed Serve with corn chips, avocado, light sour cream, or extra chilli sauce. 4. 5. 6. 3. Method: 1. 2. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add mince, stirring with a wooden spoon to break up mince, for 10 minutes or until browned. Add onion, capsicum, garlic and chilli. Cook for 5 minutes or so until vegetables are soft. Add chilli powder and cook for a further one minute. Add tomatoes, bring to the boil, 7. 8. then reduce heat to simmer for 20 minutes. After kidney beans and simmer for another 10 minutes. Add more water if necessary, or thicken with a teaspoon or two of cornflour.

    See www.taste.com.au for more great mince recipes.

    Write for Rights


    The Neighbourhood Centre is working with Amnesty Internationals annual Write for Rights campaign, by asking people to write a letter, save a life. This year there are 6 cases, including these people in prison: the police.

    An Ethiopian journalist given a sentence of 18 years for criticizing the government.

    A mother from Cambodia who peacefully defended the right to housing. A doctor in Burma, who tried to de-fuse riots at the request of

    This letter-writing campaign goes until World Human Rights Day on 10 December. Drop in and ask us for the info sheets, and either write your own letters or we have templates ready for you to sign. We also have tickets for sale in the Amnesty Freedom Raffle. For only $5 you could win the stylish Citron C4 Aircross SUV or a 7 night holiday at Cape Tribulation. The raffle closes on 21 November, so hurry!

    Write a letter, save a life the pen is mightier than the sword

    The Fair Work Act


    With laws becoming more numerous and complex, it is very hard for us to know our rights at work, and even for the best of employers to keep up with all the changes. One good resource is the website at www.fairwork.gov.au. This is especially important if you are not familiar with the Fair Work System, which came into effect on 1/1/2010. For example, did you know that:

    All private sector workplaces in Queensland are now covered by the national workplace relations system. There are 10 minimum workplace requirements under the National Employment Standards. All employers have to give every employee a copy of the Fair Work Information Statement

    before or as soon as possible after they start their job.

    Employers must give employees a pay slip within 1 day of their pay day, even if theyre on leave. The full-time minimum wage for adults (not juniors or apprentices) is currently $16.37 per hour or $622.20 per week..

    For more info, call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94.

    Page 2

    Your Neighbourhood

    Neighbourhood News
    We held a successful AGM in September, and many thanks go to Cathy Tanzer for looking after the shop while Chris was on holidays in Africa. We welcomed Warren Minnicon, Anne Bunce and Judy Martyr onto our Management Committee, and thank Merlin Manners, Leeanne Harris and Janette McLuckie for their ongoing support. Judy has moved over to Anglicare PHaMS where we are certain she will make a wonderful mentor, and we wish her all the best. Sheuly Khatun (pictured with Chris) has also finished up as our Playgroup Leader, having moved to Alice Springs, and we also hope she has a wonderful new life there. The Department of Communities have appointed external architects to oversee our new building, and we expect that there should be a call for tenders soon. Our members, volunteers, Management Committee and staff are invited to Christmas lunch on 10 December, so please keep this date clear in your diaries. A venue is yet to be advised. We will be open over the Christmas period with the exception of weekends and Public Holidays, and will be sending out signs to other services to post on their doors so that clients will know where to come for help. Food vouchers are once again available, and we are approaching half a million dollars worth of NILS loans that have been written since we commenced the program in October 2010. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

    Life expectancy for Indigenous Australians


    The Australian Bureau Statistics (ABS) has released figures showing that life expectancy for Australias Indigenous Peoples is increasing, however very slowly. The latest figures show that: While we, as a society, still have some way to go, it is heartening that These figures are commonly used as a some progress is being made. measure for assessing Aboriginal and The ABS visited Mount Isa last Torres Strait Islander population week to consult with the community health and disadvantage. about the 12.9% of people who Breakdowns by state indicate that New South Wales leads Queensland in average Indigenous life expectancy, with West Australia falling below the new averages and the Northern Terrifailed to complete a census form, and the high number who did not answer whether they are Indigenous. Funding for our region may be negatively affected by this.
    See ABS 3302.0.55.003

    to live for 73.7 years, 9.5 years less than for non-Indigenous females (83.1 years).

    tory bringing up the rear.

    Indigenous males can now expect to live to 69.1 years, compared to non-Indigenous males at 79.7 years, a difference of 10.6 years. Indigenous females can expect

    An epidemic of narcissism?
    Academic and author, Professor Jean Twenge will be visiting Australia next year to speak about narcissism and youth mental health. So, what is narcissism, I hear you say? In its extreme, it can be diagnosed as a personality disorder, marked by traits such as thinking you are superior and special, expecting constant attention and admiration, arrogance, lack of empathy, and preoccupation with fantasies of having great wealth, success, attractiveness or intelligence. Prof Twenge says that narcissism is on the increase, especially amongst the younger generation, and partially due to the way modern societies raise their children. Her research shows that narcissists are more aggressive after experiencing social rejection or criticism, and that they are more prone to other mental illnesses. Prof Twenge will speak at the Happiness and its causes conference in Sydney.
    Page 3

    Issue 6

    Mount Isa Family Support Service & Neighbourhood Centre Inc


    14A Hilary Street PO Box 48 Mount Isa Qld 4825 Tel: Mob: Fax: E-mail: Web: 07 4743 4506 0431 327 372 07 4743 4760 [email protected] www.mifssnc.com
    The Mount Isa Family Support Service and Neighbourhood Centre Incorporated is a not-for-profit organisation that has been operating for the benefit of our community since 1979. It is funded by the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services. The Centres vision is to enhance mutual respect, provide for

    the sharing and growing of lives, and sow seeds of opportunity that build a dynamic and vibrant community.
    Our aims include:

    Providing support for everyone in our Community

    to support and promote the family in its traditional and evolving form as a loving, caring unit in time of crisis and need, and to encourage and promote health, recreation and wellbeing for individuals, families and the general community.

    Facebook Find us on ood eighbourh look for N unt Isa! Centre Mo

    Funded by the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services

    Plan for a Strong, Healthy Family


    Waiting at least two years after birth before trying to get pregnant again is better for mums and babies, because:

    Mum being tired and too thin Older children getting less attention or taking on more responsibility.
    New mums need plenty of rest, nutritious meals and to take care of themselves. Family planning is all about you deciding how many children you want and when to have them. Discuss with your partner how your family will look, find the right birth control method, and make healthy choices:

    And finally, remember that having children is expensive! The National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM) reported in May this year that low-income families will spend about $450,000 to raise two children to the age of 21, while middleincome families will spend about $800,000. Sources: Alaska Dept of Health and Social Services and NATSEM Income and Wealth Report Issue 33.

    Mums and babies are stronger and healthier Each child can have better nutrition and development There is more time to give special attention to each child.

    Becoming pregnant again within the two years can lead to:

    First baby not breastfeeding for as long and missing out on the benefits of mums milk Next baby being born early Next baby being underweight and having a higher risk of disability

    Avoid sex if you feel unsafe, are uncomfortable, or your judgment is impaired. Learn about sexually transmitted diseases and choose the right protection for you.

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