Financial counselling

In the summer of 2010-11 much of Queensland was impacted by a series of natural disasters, including flooding, cyclones and monsoonal rains.

Although the floodwaters have receded, the cyclones have passed and much of Queensland has been cleaned up, the financial fallout of these disasters is still having an affect on many Queenslanders.

The provision of financial counselling is critical in helping people to understand their options and in helping them to get back on their feet.

Free financial counselling services will be available on the Cassowary Coast and in Toowoomba, Lockyer Valley, Western Downs and Emerald, and will continue until February 2013.

UnitingCare Community continues to provide its state-wide telephone hotline with a specific focus on those affected by the disasters. Financial counsellors are located in: Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Dalby, Hervey Bay, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns.

For free financial counselling in your area, please contact:

Statewide

UnitingCare Community

Cardwell, Tully and the Cassowary Coast

Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network

Lockyer Valley, Toowoomba, Western Downs

Salvation Army

The Financial Counselling Program is a key component of the Community Recovery and Wellbeing Package announced by the Prime Minister and the Premier in April 2011. The package is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA).

Through Category A of the NDRRA, funding is being provided to non-government organisations to provide free and confidential financial counselling services to support families and individuals affected by the disasters who are experiencing financial problems.