Essential First Steps to re-establishing financial security

Essential First Steps
to re-establishing financial security
FINANCIAL ABUSE is a form of DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE is a CRIME.
The Family Violence Protection Act 2008 states that women and their children can be protected from the following
forms of family violence: physical, sexual, emotional/psychological, racial, economic and spiritual or cultural abuse.
Contents
To prevent identity theft & to keep your financial information safe please keep this booklet in a secure location.
Priority First Contacts .................................................
Access and Security ...................................................
Access and Security Quotes and Help Lines .................
Essential Documents ..................................................
Other Help Lines ........................................................
Bank Accounts ...........................................................
Bank Accounts Quotes and Help Lines .........................
Mortgage and Rent ....................................................
Mortgage and Rent Quotes and Help Lines .................
Housing Help Lines ....................................................
Accessing Services .....................................................
Legal Quotes and Help Lines .......................................
Legal Help Lines .........................................................
Finances ..................................................................
Financial Quotes and Help Lines .................................
Health and Wellbeing ................................................
Health and Wellbeing Quotes and Help Lines ..............
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Refugee/Multicultural Services Help Lines .................... 19
Aboriginal Services Help Lines .................................... 20
Centrelink/Child Support ............................................ 21
Centrelink/Child Support Quotes and Help Lines .......... 22
Vehicle/Superannuation ............................................ 23
Vehicle Quotes .......................................................... 24
Insurance .................................................................. 25
Insurance Quotes ....................................................... 26
Wills/Powers of Attorney ........................................... 27
Wills/Powers of Attorney Quotes and Help Lines ......... 28
My Financial Goals ................................................... 29
Financial Quotes and Help Lines ................................. 30
My Personal Goals .................................................... 31
The Future ................................................................. 32
Notes ....................................................................... 33
Final Quotes .............................................................. 34
This booklet will help you protect your assets and money during separation and assist you to disentangle financially from an ex-partner. It also
alerts you to some of the things to avoid in future relationships. It is hard to say, ‘No, I am not giving you my pin number,’ but sometimes we have
to set up our finances carefully to protect ourselves and our children. If any of these steps do not apply cross them out.
Featured throughout this booklet are quotes from famous individuals, from sector workers and from women who have experienced violence - in
particular financial abuse - from an ex-partner. These quotes are not meant to be taken as legal information but are given as points you may
want to consider along your journey.
PRIORITY FIRST CONTACTS
Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service of Victoria 1800 015 188 (24 hours) www.wdvcs.org.au
National Sexual Assault & Family Violence Counselling Service 1800 737 732 (24 hours) www.1800respect.org.au
Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention & Legal Service Vic 1800 105 303 www.fvpls.org
Centres Against Sexual Assault Victoria 1800 806 292 (24 hours) www.casa.org.au
Centrelink Social Worker 13 17 94 www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/dhs/centrelink
Child Support Info Service 13 11 07 (24 hours)
www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/enablers/child-support/child-support-info-service
Child Support Agency Enquiry Line 13 12 72 www.csa.gov.au
National Financial Counselling Hot Line - 1800 007 007. To locate your free local financial counsellor go to
www.moneysmart.gov.au/managing-my-money/managing-debts/financial-counselling
Vic Legal Aid 1800 677 402 Provides free legal information over the phone and depending on your personal
circumstances you may be able to see a lawyer for free legal advice. www.legalaid.vic.gov.au
Community Legal Centres provide free legal info. To locate your local community legal centre go to
www.naclc.org.au/clc_directory.php
Council of Single mothers and their Children Support Line - 1300 552 511. Provides support, information and referral.
www.csmc.org.au
No Interest Loans - NILS. To locate your local services go to www.goodshepherdmicrofinance.org.au/find-provider
Family Relationship Advice Line 1800 050 321. Provide information and services that can assist with family relationship issues,
including dispute resolution and mediation. www.familyrelationships.gov.au
Relationships Australia 1300 364 277. Provide a broad range of services and referrals. www.relationships.com.au
2
Access and Security
Name of Company
Phone Email
Website
Contact person
Date contacted
Reference Number
Change pins on all bank
accounts (phone/internet).
Change passwords for
internet accounts, banking,
shopping.
Secure your mailing address
(consider friends, family,
PO Box) You may choose to
clear your internet history.
Stop any authority your
partner may have over your
Centrelink payment.
Check with mobile phone
provider that you can not be
tracked via the phone.
3
Follow up
required?
When?
Notes, Tips,
Suggestions...
Done
‘Life isn’t about finding yourself.
Life is about creating yourself.’
- George Bernard Shaw
‘He had complete control over my
Centrelink payments. I didn’t realise this
was another form of domestic violence!’.
‘Be aware that if your partner is the
authorised person for your Centrelink
payments he will also receive a copy of any
letter sent to you from Centrelink .’
‘Use only secure computers or devices to
make financial transactions.’
‘Standing alone doesn’t mean I‘m alone ,
it means I’m strong enough to handle
things all by myself.’
Centrepay is a free bill-paying service for people receiving Centrelink
payments. You can arrange to pay your bills on line at
www.humanservices.gov.au/onlineservices
Or by ringing Centrelink 136 150
4
ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS
Ensure that you have copies or originals of important documents.
Type
Located & Secure Yes/No
Birth certificates for you and your children
Marriage certificate
Passports
Driver’s Licence
Centrelink paperwork
Medicare Card/Health Care Card
Medical records for you and your children
Any essential medical prescriptions
Wills/Prenuptial agreements
Immigration paperwork
House/Contents Insurance
Health Insurance/Life Insurance/Ambulance/Funeral Insurance
Utility Bills
Vehicle registrations
Bank Statements/Credit Card Statements/Cheque book
Children’s savings account details
Title documents/Mortgage Contract
Superannuation details
Payslips
Credit Rating Report
List of referees for rental purposes
Any essential business documents
Accountant
Debit/ Credit Card
5
‘He coerced me into claiming single
parenting payment when we were
actually living together. We got caught
out, he disappeared and now
I’m the one with a HUGE debt.’
Social Security Rights 1800 094 164 Provides specialist information
advocacy and casework support in the area of Welfare Rights and
Social Security law, including domestic violence exemptions
policy and practice. www.ssrv.org.au
Victims of Crime 1800 819 817 Provides information and referral
www.victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au
Victims of Crime Helpline 1800 819 817 The Victims of Crime
Helpline can refer you to your local Victims Assistance and
Counselling Program. They can provide practical support in
assisting you to make a police report and communicating with
police; assisting with accommodation options, transport and
medical services; short term counselling; finding support groups
and services like lawyers or legal aid; providing information about
what happens in court and support with processes like Victims
Impact Statements and applying to the Victims of Crime
Assistance Tribunal for counselling and financial assistance.
www.justice.vic.gov.au/home/victims
6
Bank Accounts
Name of Company
Phone Email Website
Contact person
Date contacted
Ref Number
Follow up
required?
When?
Notes, Tips,
Suggestions...
Cancel any secondary
cards on your accounts
(credit, store, saving or other).
Open new acct. first and
notify Centrelink of the new
number before closing old
account.
Open new credit/debit card
account if your ex-partner
has current details.
Freeze or close joint accounts
where possible/desirable.
Cancel partner’s direct debit
bills still being paid out of joint
account or your account.
Ensure incoming money goes
to an account you control
(eg. Wages, Medicare Rebates).
Check for any unnecessary
direct debits e.g. Christmas
hamper.
7
Done
‘You never fail until you stop trying.’
Albert Einstein
‘If you are paying your ex-partner his share of a bank account that you
are closing, make sure you do it with a bank cheque , as this is proof that
you have paid him.’
‘Whenever I tried to talk to my ex about money he got angry. I thought it was me ,
but my DV worker told me it was all about POWER and CONTROL.’
‘My savings are so important. If I went into a new relationship again I would not
disclose that I had savings, as I don’t want to share that money if we break up.
I need to think of my children’s future .’
Financial Ombudsman Service 1300 780 808 www.fos.org.au. Provides impartial dispute resolution.
The Australian Bankers Association provides a number of informative booklets including Making the Most of Your Money and
Know Your Banking Rights and Responsibilities. To order a free hard copy ring 1800 009 180 or go to: www.bankers.asn.
au/Consumers/Booklets
For fact sheets about financial hardship go to: www.bankers.asn.au/Consumers/Are-you-experiencing-financialdifficulty-
8
Mortgage
Name of Company
Phone Email Website
Contact person
Date contacted
Ref Number
Follow up
required?
When?
Notes, Tips,
Suggestions...
Done
Follow up
required?
When?
Notes, Tips,
Suggestions...
Done
Seek legal advice re
property settlement/
division of assets as a
priority.
Change terms to needing
both signatures if you
have a joint redraw
(line of credit) mortgage.
Rent
Name of Company
Phone Email Website
Contact person
Date contacted
Ref Number
Change relevant names on
any tenancy agreements.
9
‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal:
it is the courage to continue that counts.’
Winston Churchill
‘The financial counsellor helped me to talk to the bank and arrange
for hardship provisions for my mortgage .’
Dept of Human Services 1300 650 172. Provide bonds in certain circumstances - check your eligibility by going to:
www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-individuals/housing-and-accommodation/private-renter-assistance/bond-loan-scheme
Office of Housing Vic 1300 650 172. To locate your local Housing Office go to:
www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-individuals/housing-and-accommodation/
public-housing/local-housing-offices
Every bank have specialist financial hardship teams. To find the number for the
Financial Hardship Team for your bank go to:
www.doingittough.info/content/how-do-i-contact-my-bank
For disability contact information and support: 1800 783 783
10
Mortgage Relief Scheme 1800 134 872. Provides short-term interest-free loans to help you keep up your home loan
repayments after an unavoidable decrease in your income. Certain eligibility requirements need to be met.
www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-individuals/housing-and-accommodation/home-owner-support/mortgage-relief
Financial Ombudsman Service 1300 780 808. Provides impartial dispute resolution. www.fos.org.au
Consumer Affairs Vic 1300 558 181. Provides conciliation between tenants and landlords and ensures
compliance with consumer laws. www.consumer.vic.gov.au
Tenant’s Union of Victoria 0394 162 577. Provides free and confidential advice
to tenants in Victoria. www.tuv.org.au
Vic Civil & Admin Tribunal 1800 133 055. www.vcat.vic.gov.au
Tenants Union Victoria provides free and confidential advice to
tenants and residents renting in Victoria. www.tuv.org.au
Homeless Crisis Line - 1800 825 955.
11
Accessing services - what women say
‘It feels like on one side there is anxiety and depression and on the other is commitment and responsibility… with what I have been through I am so stuck in the
shit, and I find it so hard to turn up for an appointment… it is not that I don’t
want to help myself, it is more that I get so overwhelmed and don’t know where to
start, I can’t get out the door and so I let people down , then I feel bad , they think I
don’t want things to change , so they give up on me and the cycle continues…’
‘There is a mythology
that women who
experience family
violence have not
managed money well or
had assets in the past –
I felt patronised . They
didn’t give me credit
for the fact that I had
owned property in the
past, I have business
experience … I felt like I
was less than , and that
hurt.’
12
Legal
‘Seek legal advice as a priority and the sooner you get help the better.’
‘In my work I have seen instances of an ex using intimidation to get money.
The victim will not report this as a breach of the Intervention Order as they do not
see it as family violence and a reportable offence against the IVO. The perpetrator
can use all sorts of things as intimidation , including “I will report you to
Centrelink” to get the victim to cooperate .’
‘He took a huge cash withdrawal out of my credit card then hid some in his
TAB account and gave the rest to his Church to hold for 12 months until
settlement went through . I found this out much later.’
Legal Aid Victoria 1800 677 402 www.legalaid.vic.gov.au
Women’s Legal Service Victoria 1800 133 302 www.womenslegal.org.au
The Law Handbook can be downloaded from: www.lawhandbook.org.au/handbook.php
Community Legal Centres 0396 521 500. To find your local Community Legal Centre www.communitylaw.org.au
13
Consumer Action Law Centre 1300 881 020. Provides free
legal advice and representation to vulnerable and disadvantaged
consumers across Victoria. http://online.fines.vic.gov.au/fines/
Court Network Vic 1800 681 614. Provides personal support,
information and referral to persons attending court and to
advocate for the needs of all court users.
www.courtnetwork.com.au
Family Law Court 1300 352 000. Provides information on legal
procedure but not legal advice. www.familycourt.gov.au
Legal Services Commissioner. 1300 796 344 Independent agency
responsible for handling complaints about lawyers in Victoria.
www.lsc.vic.gov.au
Law Institute of Victoria to find a lawyer www.liv.asn.au
Deal with fines as a matter of urgency – for comprehensive advice
and help lines go to: www.online.fines.vic.gov.au/fines
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Finances
Name of Company
Phone Email Website
Contact person
Date contacted
Ref Number
Explore the tax implications
of separation for you
with an accountant OR
financial counsellor.
Notify Australian Tax Office
of any change in account
details for tax reimbursement
purposes.
Credit Provider
(credit card, personal
loan, car loan)
Credit Report
15
Follow up
required?
When?
Notes, Tips,
Suggestions...
Done
‘Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?’
L.M. Montgomery
‘The financial counsellor helped me to get Intensive Assistance
from the Tax Office . They were really helpful .’
Financial Counsellors are NOT Financial Planners. Financial Counsellors are free, and provide
a confidential and independent service to assist people to organise finances and do a budget.
They can negotiate repayment arrangements with creditors, apply for a hardship variation and
help you maximise your income.
My financial counsellor (has been) very helpful, approachable, most importantly very
understanding and non-judgemental. She (has) eased my burden a lot.
I Wish I’d Known Sooner - The impact of Financial Counselling and Debt Resolution and Personal Wellbeing. Swinburne University of Technology.
NAB StepUP Loan - Low interest (3.99%)
loan of up to $3000. Must have a Centrelink
concession card or Family Tax Benefit Part A.
Credit check required. http://
goodshepherdmicrofinance.org.au/
services/stepup-low-interest-loans
National Financial Counselling Hot Line
1800 007 007. To find your local financial
counsellor go to
ANZ Saver Plus - Every
dollar saved up to $500
matched. For eligibility
requirements & to find
your local contact ring
1300 610 355
NAB ADDS UP Savings Plan - Save a minimum
of $300 and have every dollar after this
matched to a total of $500. Must have repaid
a NILS loan & have a current Centrelink
concession card or Family Tax Benefit A. http:/
goodshepherdmicrofinance.org.au/services/
addsupmatched-savings-plan
Money Smart www.
moneysmart.gov.au is a
www.financialcounsellingaustralia.org.
au/Corporate/Find-a-Counsellor
Government funded website
that has lots of useful financial
information and advice.
A good credit rating is desirable when
applying for a loan or signing up for a
utility account. You can get a free credit
report at: www.checkyourcredit.com.
au/Resources/Forms/
16
Health and Wellbeing
Name
Phone
(e.g. Pack some vegemite sandwiches and
walk with prams to park and back.)
Friend/worker to assist with
wellbeing issues
Friend/worker to assist with
Health issues
Friend/worker to assist with
Financial issues
Friend/worker to assist with
Legal issues
Friend/worker to assist with
Housing issues
Friend/worker to assist with
Child Support issues
Check up with GP/Women’s
Health Nurse
Support groups: gambling,
alcohol, drugs, mental health
Someone impartial to talk to
Notes, Tips, Suggestions...
Local Community Health Service
GROW - Mental Health
Support Group
WIRE - Women’s Info Centre
Rural Support Line
Council of Single Mothers
(Outside Melbourne local call cost)
....................................
1800 558 268
1300 134 130
1300 655 969
(03) 9654 0622
1300 552 511
17
‘Friends are SOO important at this time . I had my friend who went to the
bank with me , another friend helped me with Centrelink and another with
Child Support. They were able to come to the appointments and remember things
I needed to know, because my head was in another place .’
‘If you don’t look after yourself - you can’t look after your kids.’
To find your local Community Health Service go to: www.health.vic.gov.au/pch/commhealth/directory.htm
Women’s Health Information Line at the Royal Women’s Hospital 1800 442 007 www.thewomens.org.au
Women’s Health Services cover Victoria. To locate your nearest service go to: www.whv.org.au/publications-resources/
health-information-links
National Association for Loss & Grief Vic 1800 100 023 www.nalagvic.org.au
Vic Health Services Commissioner 1800 136 066 An independent statutory authority to receive and resolve complaints about
health service providers. www.health.vic.gov.au/hsc/
18
Refugee/Multicultural
In Touch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence 1800 755 988 www.intouch.asn.au
Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health 1800 656 421 www.mcwh.com.au
Murray Valley Sanctuary Refugee Group-Albury Wodonga. Provides interest free loans to refugees for airfares and
settlement expenses. http://murrayvalleysanctuary.org.au
Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights 03 9481 3000 www.ausmuslimwomenscentre.org.au
Refugee & Immigration Legal Centre 03 9413 0100 www.rilc.org.au
Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria 03 9349 4122 www.eccv.org.au
Translating & Interpreting Service 13 14 50
Red Cross Victoria 1800 131 701 www.redcross.org.au
Dept. of Immigration National Enquiries Line 131 881
Check the following link to see if you are eligible for learning English classes.
www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/help-with-english/amep/learning-english/eligibility.htm
Adult Migrant English Service 1300 26 37 www.ames.net.au
Speak to a Centrelink employee in your language by calling 13 12 02
19
Aboriginal contacts
Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention & Legal Service Victoria
1800 105 303 www.fvpls.org
‘...And she’s sick and tired
of walking into doors.
Her gentle spirit
Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service of Victoria
1800 015 188 (24 hours) www.wdvcs.org.au
her sacred way and her smile
may not be here
she may disappear
in a little while .
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
1800 064 865 www.vals.org.au
Sister moon , sister girl
and given birth .
Mother nature
Victorian Aboriginal Health Service
03 9419 3000 www.vahs.org.au
mother of pearl
and mother earth .
Sweet mother earth .’
Centrelink Indigenous Call Centre 136 380
(Archie Roach)
20
Centrelink/Child Support Agency
Name of Company
Phone Email Website
Contact person
Date contacted
Ref Number
Follow up
required?
When?
Notes, Tips,
Suggestions...
Done
Apply for exemption for
child support if necessary.*
Use your mobile/calendar
to remind you about
renewal of exemption
(12 months).
Check eligibility for Crisis
Payment from Centrelink.
You have only 7 days
to do so after separation.
Ask for a Centrelink
Social Worker to help
you negotiate financial
and other issues.
Centrelink
Family Assistance Office
13 61 50
Centrelink
13 17 94
* This is known as the ‘Maintenance Action Test’ and it can impact on your Family Payments. Be informed about collection options such as Private Collect and
possible exemptions such as Partial Exemption before entering into an agreement. Legal advice is advisable.
21
‘According to anecdotal information , if you do not disclose family violence to
Child Support Agency you will not be given information regarding Participation
Exemptions from job search activities and the processes that are involved . And
then often if Participation Exemptions are put in place , they are under ‘special
circumstances’ which can be up to 13 weeks or shorter periods, rather than ‘family
violence’ exemption which is a 16 week exemption period .’
If your ex-partner has the child/children for one night a week – 24% of his Child Support
obligations will be negated.
In the process of a reassessment the child support agency may reveal details to your ex-partner
via the Change of Assessment (COA) Form - that may show your or your children’s location/
details (e.g. school receipts).
Child Support can be paid beyond 18 years of age, if the child is still in secondary school and a special application is made
before the child turns 18 - all details on the CSA website www.csaonline.gov.au
‘If not specified in the contact agreement, the woman can be left with the
responsibility and financial costs of transporting children for ex-partners access!’
Parentline - Victoria 132 289 www.education.vic.gov.au/about/contact/Pages/parentline
22
Vehicle
Name of Company
Phone Email Website
Contact person
Date contacted
Ref Number
Follow up
required?
When?
Notes, Tips,
Suggestions...
Done
Transfer
ownership/registration
of vehicles.
Change contact details for
insurance purposes.
Check details regarding
RACV membership.
Superannuation
(If you have more than one Superanuation fund, consider rolling into one fund)
Name of Company
Phone Email Website
Contact person
Date contacted
Ref Number
Change the beneficiaries
for your superannuation
fund(s).
23
Follow up
required?
When?
Notes, Tips,
Suggestions...
Done
‘If you can’t fly then run. If you can’t run then
walk. If you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever
you do you have to keep moving forward.’
Martin Luther King Jr.
‘The car may be in his name but
don’t think you just have to hand
it over. Get legal advice , as in my
situation I relied on it to take the
children to school , so he couldn’t
take it from me .’
‘Because I had a pension card I was
able to pay my registration every
six months instead of the big bill
at the end of twelve months.’
24
Insurance
Change of of beneficiaries and scope of cover
Name of Company
Phone Email Website
Contact person
Date contacted
Ref Number
Home Building &/or Contents
Insurance
Car Insurance
Health Insurance
Life Insurance
Ambulance Cover
Funeral Insurance
25
Follow up
required?
When?
Notes, Tips,
Suggestions...
Done
‘What lies behind us and what lies before us are
tiny matters compared to what lies within us.’
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
‘I was paying $50 a fortnight for funeral insurance . I didn’t realise that if I didn’t
die till I was 70years old my funeral would have cost me $52,000! So I changed to
a Funeral Bond .’
To find out more about funeral bonds go to:
www.afda.org.au/faq/funeral-bonds
‘Domestic Violence in whatever form consumes
a woman’s time and energy and damages selfconfidence and ability to focus on long and
short term goals, all of which are essential for
successful transition from economic dependency
to building economic resources of her own’.
(Sanders and Shnebel 2007, as cited in MacDonald:2012; P21)
26
Wills
Name of Company
Phone Email Website
Contact person
Date contacted
Ref Number
Follow up
required?
When?
Notes, Tips,
Suggestions...
Done
Notes, Tips,
Suggestions...
Done
Make or change your will
(including nominating a
guardian if other than
ex-partner).
Check inheritance details.
Power of Attorney
Name of Company
Phone Email Website
Contact person
Date contacted
Ref Number
Cancel any Powers of
Attorney that your ex-partner
may have over you with help
from a financial counsellor,
lawyer or download
www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.
au/file/file/Powerofattorney/
Revocation_of_General_
Power_of_Attorney_Form.pdf
27
Follow up
required?
When?
‘If blended families are involved it is important to consult a lawyer.
‘Will Kits’ do not allow for the complexities of step-children.’
‘Check your parents Will , as if they die before settlement your ex may
be entitled to half.’
Vic Legal Aid 1800 677 402 www.legalaid.vic.gov.au
Office of Public Advocate Advice Service 1300 309 337 www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au/services/102
To order or download a copy of Take Control: A kit for making powers of attorney and guardianship, go to
www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au/publications/121/
28
My Financial Goals
Steps to get there
Short term
(1-3 months)
Short term
(6 months)
Medium term
(1-2 years)
Long term
(5 - 10 years)
29
‘I had no way of paying my electricity bill but I rang my provider and spoke to the
Hardship Department and they suggested I apply for the Utility Relief Grant.
This meant $500 was paid off my bill!’*
* Please note $500 is the maximum of this grant and you need to meet eligibility criteria. Decisions can also be reviewed if you have more information to add.
‘A man is not a financial plan’.
If you have a concession card there are many grants and concessions that you may be eligible for. For a comprehensive list go
to: www.whealth.com.au/documents/publications/is-financial_resources.pdf
Concessions Information Line 1800 658 521
‘Many financial counsellors advise applying for your credit report every twelve months.
By checking your report regularly you can ensure that lenders are getting a balanced
and complete picture of your financial health. You can ensure the information on your
credit report is accurate and request corrections where necessary.’
For information about your credit report and contact details for helpful services go to:
www.moneysmart.gov.au/tools-and-resources/publications/factsheet-your-credit-report
To obtain a free copy of your credit check go to:
www.checkyourcredit.com.au/Resources/Forms/ApplicationForConsumerCreditReportAU.pdf
National Financial Counselling Hot Line 1800 007 007
For a list of Regional and Rural Emergency Relief providers go to: www.vicdrugguide.org.au/handbook/ch13s06s02.php
Money Smart www.moneysmart.gov.au is a Government funded website that has lots of useful financial information and advice.
Home Energy Saver Scheme (HESS) Help Line 1800 007 001 provides free support and advice, including home visits, to low-income
households experiencing difficulty paying their energy bills. www.fahcsia.gov.au/our-responsibilities/communities-andvulnerable-people/programs-services/financial-management-program/home-energy-saver-scheme
30
My Personal Goals
Family
My family and I will……………….................................................................................................................….
My family and I will……………...........................................................................................................…………
......................................................................................................................................................................
Work
I will…….................................................................................................................................................……
I will………………..................................................................................................................…………………
......................................................................................................................................................................
Social
My new hobby will be……………………......................................................................................................….
The new group I will join will be………………………………...............................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................................
Spiritual
I will take time for myself ……………................................................................................................................
I will take time for myself …………...............................................................................................................…
......................................................................................................................................................................
31
The Future
Upgrade your current skills or create a new career
Name of Service
Phone Email Website
Contact person
Date contacted
Reference Number
Follow up
required?
When?
Notes, Tips,
Suggestions...
Done
TAFE
UNI
Centrelink
Employment
Networks
Further
Training
Other
support/
networks
32
Notes
....................................................................................................................................................................................................
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‘Women like me can find a positive in all this negativity… if they haven’t been
working or are unsure of what to do - you can remind them that they could
always try studying again at TAFE. Not only could they be eligible for JET
Childcare Assistance (need a Health Care card) but also, if they start receiving
a pension , they could be eligible for a Pensioner Education Supplement.
Lots of forms to fill out, but it ’s worth it!
They can upgrade existing skills or gain new ones, plus you get a little extra
money for studying! It gives you a feeling of being in control more , increasing
self-empowerment and that feeling of “I CAN DO THIS.”
I studying gets difficult, you can apply for extensions, you can do
If
things part-time , all they need to do is talk to the careers adviser
and they will be guided in the right direction .
‘I question my decisions sometimes. My ex isn’t
liking my growing awareness of money and sometimes
I feel really shaky, other times I feel clear and
competent - I want more of the latter.’
‘You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So…….get on your way!’
Dr.Seus, Oh the Places You’ll Go.
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This booklet developed by Women’s Health Goulburn North East (WHGNE) is a product of the Keeping
Your Boat Afloat project, in collaboration with the WHGNE Tools for Change Mentor Program.
The artwork and photography for the Tools for Change products, used also in this booklet was inspired by women’s stories and their symbolic representation
in the Australian bush. These images are of Eucalyptus caesia, commonly known as Silver Princess, and represent the cycles, impacts and changes in a life
journey, which is particularly relevant for a survivor of family violence. The essence of this particular tree is of value when feeling aimless, despondent and
without direction. Subsequently, the positive expression of this essence facilitates motivation, direction and life purpose. This essence is considered most
effective when people are at a crossroad. Re-establishing financial security after violence is one such crossroad.
Special acknowledgement and sincere appreciation to Sandy King, WHGNE Tools for Change Project worker, for her inspiration and input into the
development of this resource. We gratefully acknowledge the women and workers for their valuable input. We also wish to acknowledge the Women’s
Information and Referral Exchange (WIRE) and in particular Sally Marsden, for so generously allowing their material to be used during the development of
this resource. WHGNE would also like to acknowledge the Keeping Your Boat Afloat project worker Karen O’Connor who developed this resource in the
hope that it will assist women leaving family violence to journey successfully to a new and brighter future for themselves and their children.
We thank the Ian Potter Foundation and William Buckland Foundation for their funding for these projects.
Copyright © Women’s Health Goulburn North East, 2013
The information contained in this publication is the product and property of Women’s Health Goulburn North East.
When copying or reproducing any part of this document, please acknowledge the source as WHGNE and include the title, year and page number.
Every effort has been made to provide accurate and current information. For continuing updates, see WHGNE’s website: www.whealth.com.au
Please notify WHGNE with any changes or corrections, in particular organisations details.
Project layout by [email protected] 0428 307 201
PO Box 853 Wangaratta VIC 3676 Ph 03 5722 3009 Fax 03 5722 3020 [email protected]
www.whealth.com.au