Cash up!
Geeveston & Surrounds
TIPS ON HOW TO
SAVE & MANAGE YOUR
MONEY AND MUCH MORE!
1
CONTENTS
Tips on Saving Money
Your Home Budget
8 Week Budget Sheet
Community Centres
The No Interest Loan Scheme - NILS
Financial Counsellors
Gambling Hotline
CentrePay – Pay Bills the Easy Way
Quit and Save a Packet
Discounts and Concessions
Crisis Accommodation
Best Before and Use By Dates
Emergency Relief
Housing Services
Eating on a Budget
Shopping and Cooking for One
Quick and Easy Meals
Handy Food
Cheap School Lunches
Giving Back
GeCo
3
7
9
10
13
13
14
14
15
15
17
17
18
19
20
22
23
24
26
27
28
2
TIPS ON HOW TO SAVE MONEY
FOOD
1. Make In, the opposite of takeaway:
Help save money by preparing your food at
home. If you spend $40 a week on takeaway
that’s $1560 a year you could save!
2. Online recipes/libraries: Meals can get
boring, use the internet or recipe books from the
library to inspire you at no charge.
10. Question everything that you put in
the trolley: Is it really necessary? Is there a
way you can do something else? Make
something that does the same job? Buy one
cheaper? Write a shopping list before you go.
Save your shopping docket and work out what
items you could have left out and how much you
might have saved.
3. Pack your own lunch: Buy your lunch on
11. Make large meals and freeze
leftovers: By making extra you can save on
special occasions. If you buy lunch four times a
week and spend $8 a time you’re spending
$1500 a year.
waste, avoid extra electricity costs and make a
quick meal.
4. Buy goods in bulk: It is cheaper to buy
use one cup of flour to one teaspoon of yeast,
add iodised salt, a tablespoon of sugar and mix
in seeds/grains of your own choice to give it an
extra nutty flavour. Follow the instructions on
your yeast packet on rising and baking.
some things in bulk. If you can squeeze this into
your budget, it will save you in the long run.
Look for Bulk Food Sellers in your local area.
Bulk buy stores are great, a lower price per kilo,
just make sure you store things airtight to keep
them fresh. Also, if in town check out cheap
Tuesday at franchised Pizza shops, buy in bulk,
take home and freeze.
5. Grow your own: If you can grow your own
fruit and vegetables give it a try or go to the
Community Garden. You can benefit from
delicious organic produce and save money.
Many people find that is their favourite strategy
to save money.
6. Bake: You can spend $3.50 on one muffin or
bake 8 of your own for the same price.
7. Bottled water and soft drinks: Three
drinks a week at $3.50 each – that’s close to
$550 a year. There are better things to do with
your money. Take your own bottle of water or
drink with you. It takes some planning but it’s
worth it.
8. Visit your local markets: Fresh produce
markets or farmers’ markets are a great way to
find seasonal goods at great prices. Eating food
that is in season is nearly always cheaper.
9. Try and avoid junk food: Have something
healthy handy – fruit, yoghurt or dry crackers
make a great snack when you are hungry. Most
often it’s habit that drives us to the unhealthy
food choices. Don’t make it never, but an
occasional blow out.
12. Make your own bread: Buy yeast and
13. Make your own popcorn: Buy unpopped popcorn and save 500% on the cost of
packet popcorn. Search on Google – “Perfect
popcorn Recipe”.
14. Make your own yoghurt: Put a
tablespoon of natural yoghurt in a 500ml
container of milk (43 degrees) and place in a
warm place for 24 hours. For a thicker yoghurt
mix in 4 tablespoons of milk powder. Repeat
this a couple of cycles till the bacteria levels that
make the yoghurt drop too low and you’ll need
to start from fresh yoghurt. Stir in your
favourite flavours.
15. Never shop hungry: An empty stomach
can’t handle temptation! Easy to overspend by
$10 or more on a weekly shopping trip.
16. Buy generic brands: Why pay for a name
or fancy packaging? Buy no name brands. But
check that they are cheaper.
17. Buy a slow cooker: Having a slow cooker
means you can use cheaper cuts of meat and still
eat tender meat.
18. Know your supermarket: Find out when
your supermarket reduces prices – time your
shopping trip then.
19. Buy a coffee maker: Spoil yourself at
home! It’s around 1/15 of the price. One
bought coffee a day over a year costs $1,275 and
less than $100 made at home.
3
TIPS ON HOW TO SAVE MONEY
ENERGY
29. Use a washing line to dry clothes:
20. Never boil a full kettle: Why boil a full
Saves you over $100-$150 a year if you use a
dryer an average of 5 hours a week.
jug of water for just one cup? It takes 1Kwh of
power to boil 1 litre of water – ½ that for 500ml.
If you boil a full kettle twice a day it costs $138
a year for your cup of tea, around $70 a year if
you only boil half the amount.
21. Turn the lights off: Turn the lights off
when you leave a room.
22. Turn off appliances too: Appliances can
use electricity even when you’re not using them
so turn them off at the wall to save on your
energy bill. It’s an energy saving strategy and
it’s one of the best strategies to save 10% off
your power bill.
23. Electrical Appliances: When you replace
electrical appliances buy the most energy
efficient one you can afford. It will save you
more in the long run.
24. Insulate: Insulating your home keeps you
and your family healthier and saves money.
You can insulate your home by yourself, and
doing it one room at a time can spread out the
cost. Buying thick curtains or even blocking off
a window at night with thick cardboard will
make a difference. The government estimates
that the average sized household in Australia can
save between $200 and $700 per year on their
energy bills by insulating and keep warmer too!
25. Seal around your windows and doors:
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
30. Second hand goods: If you can spend the
time searching, second hand goods are a great
way to save money.
31. Repair things: Keep things in good
working order and avoid them breaking down
when it becomes a lot more expensive to repair.
32. Join a Men’s Shed or Community Shed
Make use of the skills and equipment to repair,
make or recycle stuff. If you don’t know where
your closest Men’s Shed is check out
www.mensshed.org At the time of printing
Men’s Sheds are located at:
Dog House
9B School Road GEEVESTON TAS 7116
Telephone: (03) 6297 1616
Email: [email protected]
Port Cygnet Men’s Shed
3 Garthfield Avenue CYGNET TAS 7112
Telephone: (03) 6295 1523 (Bruce Barnett)
Email: [email protected]
Weather stripping is a cheap way to make your
house warmer and save on power.
Dover Community Workshop
26. Take shorter showers: Estimates run
6988 Huon Highway DOVER TAS 77117
between saving $150-$500 a year by spending
only a couple of minutes in the shower and you
can increase savings further by installing a low
flow shower head.
Telephone: (03) 6298 1849
Email: [email protected]
27. Only wash large loads: This goes for
both clothes washing and dish washing – only
wash big full loads and increase your energy
efficiency.
MONEY MATTERS
28. Clean your dryer: If you have to use your
33. Never spend coins! Only ever break
dryer, clean the filter and it will be more energy
efficient. It might even save it from catching
fire.
notes and when you receive change, put it in a
jar and you’ll save a nest egg. Lots of people
swear by it.
4
TIPS ON HOW TO SAVE MONEY
34. Leave your money at home: Take only
the money you have budgeted to spend, leave
the plastic at home.
35. Maximize your tax: It can be worth
having a professional do your tax return. They
can often find additional dollars that more than
pay for their fee.
36. Bundle your insurance: If you can talk to
your insurer about bringing your
house/car/contents insurances together you may
be given a discount that reduces your overall
costs.
37. Have a garage sale: Everybody has
unwanted goods lying around home. Hold your
own garage sale, go in with a neighbour or
friend and raise a few dollars to put towards
other money saving strategies.
trips and go to the beach, river, fishing, a walk
instead.
47. Free newspapers: Visit the library to read
the newspapers and you could save around $700
a year.
48. Put up a no junk mail sticker on your
letterbox: While there are savings to be made
you often end up buying things you never
needed in the first place.
49. Use reward schemes: Like Frequent
Shopper Cards at supermarkets.
50. Shop online: Sometimes the best deals are
online, or do the research online and find the
best bargains in your area.
51. Stay Healthy: You’ll look and feel good
38. Banks: Shop around for the best interest
and it’s a great way to save money on medical
bills.
rate.
CAR & TRAVEL
39. Budget: The first and best way to save
52. Maintain your vehicle: Pump up your
money is to identify what you have to spend and
what your weekly costs are. Budgets aren’t
boring, saving hard earned cash can be exciting
when you have a long term plan.
tyres – if they’re below optimum pressure they
can decrease vehicle efficiency by as much as
10%. Replace your air filter to increase fuel
efficiency.
40. Start a budget: Check out the budget
53. Carpool: Save money on fuel and the
sheets on page 18.
environment by carpooling with friends and
family. http://www.coolpooltas.com.au/ is an
online network of people willing to share the
drive.
41. Pay bills online: It’s cheap and easy. No
need to mail payments. If you don’t have the
internet, community centres and libraries often
do. Just remember to log out before you leave!
42. Pay bills on time: Late fees are a waste of
money. Pay on time and avoid penalties.
43. Refill your own ink: Buy an ink cartridge
54. Drive smarter: Speeding burns more fuel
so be a smarter driver and reduce over
accelerating and braking to maximize efficiency.
Keep an eye on your tachometer – keep your
revs around 2500.
kit to help save money.
55. Trips: Bundle all your small trips into one
44. Bundle your debts: If you can
trip and save multiple trips. Potential to save
lots of money and time if you organise well
ahead.
consolidate your debt, which means bringing a
number of debts together, under the one lower
interest loan you can save big dollars. Talk to
your bank.
45. Be careful of automatic tellers: Be sure
to draw money out of your bank’s branded ATM
to avoid paying excess fees and charges.
46. Contain your impulses: Impulse buying
often leads to buyer regret and smaller bank
balances. Find ways to avoid going on shopping
56. Bike: Leave the car at home and ride your
bike. You’ll fatten your bank balance while you
shrink your waistline.
COMMUNICATIONS
57. Bundle your phone: If you can get a
good deal then it may be worth bundling your
5
TIPS ON HOW TO SAVE MONEY
land line, mobile and your internet connection to
save money.
If you’re spending $5 a week on magazines
that’s $260 per year. Try http://au.eonline.com/
58. Drop call waiting: And other phone
69. Use email: Use email instead of the post,
services that cost money and you mostly don’t
need.
SMS or phone – it’s free.
59. Answering machine: Buy a second hand
the computer – or send virtual cards – you could
save around $50 a year.
answering machine instead of using an
answering service.
70. Cards: Make your own birthday cards on
MISCELLANEOUS
ENTERTAINMENT
60. Board games: Cheap and entertaining for
the whole family.
61. Movie treats: Take your own munchies to
71. Cider Vinegar, Lemon Juice,
Methylated Spirits & Baking Powder: Are
cheap and effective alternatives to most cleaning
products and are better for the environment too.
the movies and time movie trips for cheap
Tuesdays.
72. Centrelink entitlements: Make sure
62. Use the library: Max out your library card
73. Quit or cut down on smoking: Quit or
not your credit card. Libraries hire out DVD’s
too, a great way to save – 25 library hire movies
could save you $50 or more. Go to
http://www.linc.tas.gov.au/ to order movies
from all over Tasmania!
63. Evaluate your need for pay TV: Cancel
the channels that you don’t watch but think
about needing to pay for TV at all – save over
$500 a year.
64. Find free activities: If the best things in
you’re getting all your Centrelink entitlements.
cut down on smoking (see page 15). Over a
lifetime a smoker pays out the cost of an average
house! That’s around $6,500 a year for a one
pack a day smoker.
74. Cut your own hair or have a friend cut
if for you: Cut your whole family’s hair and
save money. Search on Google “How to cut
hair”.
75. NILS (No Interest Loans) Loan: Are
life are free – try visiting museums, libraries,
friends and go to parks and on walks.
available to health care card holders to help buy
whitegoods, household furniture and car
registrations (see page 13 for more information).
65. Camping holidays: Go camping for your
76. Centrepay: Use Centrepay to
next vacation. Borrow a tent, fishing rod and
camping gear rather than buying your own.
INTERNET & EMAIL
66. Check ebay for bargains: Every now and
then genuine bargains come around, but beware
of buying things you have no real need for. Go
to http://www.ebay.com.au/
67. Try VOIP (Voice Over Internet
Protocol): These services enable you to make
cheap phone calls using your internet connection
– big savings are possible.
automatically deduct payments each fortnight
for Aurora bills, water bills, rates and other
annual expenses. When the bill is due the
money is already there. No sweat, no stress,
you’ve spread the payments out over the year.
See page 14.
77. Remember to have some fun! With all
the savings you should be able to plan rewards
along the way. You deserve to splash out.
Saving all the small amounts means you could
be able to buy something you’ve always wanted,
or have a great Christmas with your family and
friends.
68. Don’t buy magazines: The internet has
all the celebrity gossip you could ever hope for.
6
YOUR HOME BUDGET
Most people have no idea how much money they
spend and on what, and most of us just keep
spending until it runs out.
Here are several budget sheets that will help you
keep track of your money and stop the little leaks
that empty your bank account.
The sheets are based on a fortnight and include all
your annual payments to show how much you
need to set aside to pay them over the year.
For example if you pay rates of $900 per year you
need to know how much of that you to set aside in
a fortnight. There are 26 fortnights in a year, so
you would…
Divide $900 by 26
On a calculator you enter 900
hit the divide sign, enter 26
and then = (equals)
This amount is your fortnightly share of that
annual cost ($34.60)
Now have a go at working out how much you
have to spend in a fortnight in the Income per
fortnight section and how much of it you spend
and where in your Expenditure per fortnight.
Work in pencil and keep a rubber handy, or even
make a copy of the blank sheets before you start.
You may need to guess some costs such as
household maintenance.
Budgeting assistance is available at GeCo.
Income per Fortnight
Wages (after tax)
Centrelink Payments (1)
Centrelink Payments (1)
Centrelink Payments (1)
Rent Assistance
Other
Other
TOTAL
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Expenditure per fortnight
If you pay a bill quarterly
Enter the quarterly $ amount on a calculator
X (times) the amount by 4 and divide by 26 and
then = (equals).
This amount is your fortnightly share of that
quarterly cost.
If you pay something monthly
Enter the monthly amount on a calculator
Multiply the cost by 12 and then divide by 26 and
then = (equals)
This amount is your fortnightly share of that
monthly cost.
Another example – if you spend $450 a quarter on
electricity and you want to know how much that
works out to be a fortnight enter $450 on your
calculator, X it by 4, (which makes your annual
total) and then divide by 26.
The answer should be $69.23 per fortnight.
Check out these useful links:
www.moneysmart.gov.au
www.moneyminded.com.au
Eg, divide the yearly bill for council rates by
26 to find out the fortnightly cost
ACCOMMODATION
Rent
Mortgage
Council Rates
Water Rates
House Insurance
Contents Insurance
House Maintenance
Other
Other
TOTAL A
HOUSEHOLD
Electricity
Gas and/or Wood
Internet
Home Phone
Mobile Phone
TOTAL B
FOOD
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
7
YOUR HOME BUDGET
Groceries
School/Work lunches
Takeaway
Cigarettes
Alcohol
Other
Other
TOTAL C
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
PERSONAL
Clothing
Sport/Recreational
Lotto/Gambling
Newspapers/Mags
Birthdays
Christmas
Holidays
Haircuts
Pocket Money
Club Memberships
Pet Expenses
Bank Fees
Savings
Other
Other
TOTAL D
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
EDUCATION/HEALTH
HECs
Books
Uniforms
School Fees
Kinder/Creche/Childcare
Life Insurance
Health Insurance
Med/Dentist/Chemist
Ambulance
Other
Other
Other
TOTAL E
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
VEHICLE
Loan/s
Registration
Insurance
RACT
Licence
Petrol
Parking
Maintenance
Other
Other
Other
TOTAL F
$
$
$
$
$
DEBTS
NILS Loan
Child Maintenance
Fines
Tax Debts
Electrical Goods Hire
Pay TV
Other Loans
Pawnbrokers
Credit Cards
Other
Other
TOTAL G
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
TOTAL INCOME
Total Expenditure
(A+B+C+D+E+F+G)
Minus Expenditure from
Income to find balance.
$
$
$
Hopefully you end up with a positive
amount!
It’s a great way to see how much it costs for
things like your car registration if you pay it
on a fortnightly basis.
You may decide to have this amount or
several annual bills debited from your
account through Centrepay. When it comes
time to pay the money its already there!
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
If you are spending more in a fortnight than
your income allows for, now is a good time
to think about where you might save money.
Read the money saving tips and try some.
THEY MIGHT MAKE A WORLD OF
DIFFERENCE!
8
YOUR 8 WEEK BUDGET
Week
1
Week
2
Week
3
Week
4
Week
5
Week
6
Week
7
Week
8
Regular Income
Rental Assistance
Centrelink Pays
Child Support
Other
Savings Account
Food
Rent/Mortgage
Electricity/Gas
Fuel
Water
Telephone/Mobile
Car Insurance
Car Registration
Medical/Dentist
Clothes/Haircut
Birthday/Xmas
NILS loan
Credit Card
Payment
Centrelink Loan
Other Loan
Child Care
Personal Spend
Cigarettes
Alcohol
Other
Other
TOTAL
EXPENDITURE
TOTAL
INCOME
TOTAL
EXPENDITURE
BALANCE
9
RECEIPTS
10
COMMUNITY CENTRES
SOUTH WEST REGION
Bucaan Community House
8 Bucaan Street
Chigwell Tas 7011
03 6249 5363
Derwent Valley Community House
The Old School Building Willow Court
The Avenue
New Norfolk Tas 7140
03 6261 5230
Dowsing Point Community Centre
Derwent Barracks
Dowsing Point Tasmania 7010
03 6237 7471
GeCo – Geeveston Community Centre
9b School Road
Geeveston Tasmania 7116
03 6297 1616
Goodwood Community Centre
Acton Crescent
Goodwood Tasmania 7010 03 6272 2560
Maranoa Heights Community Centre
24 Hawthorn Drive
Kingston Tasmania 7050
03 6229 4066
West Moonah Community House
130 Springfield Avenue
West Moonah Tasmania 7009
03 6273 2362
West Winds Community Centre
3528 Channel Highway
Woodbridge Tasmania 7162
03 6267 4713
Women's Karadi Aboriginal Corporation
4 Rothesay Circle
Goodwood Tasmania 7010
03 6272 3511
SOUTH EAST REGION
Bridgewater Community Centre (Jordan
River Service Inc)
6 Bowden Drive
Bridgewater
03 6263 4303
Clarendon Vale Neighbourhood Centre
63 Mockridge Road
Clarendon Vale Tas 7018
03 6247 8163
Dunalley & Tasman Neighbourhood House
172 Arthur Highway
Dunalley Tasmania 7177
03 6253 5579
Gagebrook Community Centre (Jordan
River Service Inc.)
191 Lamprill Circle
Gagebrook Tasmania 7030
03 6263 6097
Okines Community House
510 Old Forcett Rd,
Dodges Ferry Tasmania 7173
03 6265 7016
Pittwater Community Centre
34 Hoffman Street
Midway Point Tasmania 7171
03 6265 1155
Risdon Vale Neighbourhood Centre
28 Sugarloaf Road
Risdon Vale Tasmania 7016
03 6243 5752 or 03 6243 5687
Rokeby Neighbourhood Centre
Nielson Park Community Centre
85 Tollard Drive
Rokeby Tasmania 7019
03 6247 6778
Warrane Mornington Neighbourhood Centre
150a Bligh Street
Warrane Tasmania 7018
03 6244 6346
11
COMMUNITY CENTRES
NORTH WEST REGION
Burnie Community House
24 Wiseman Street
Shorewell Park Tas 7320
03 6433 3219
Devonport Community House
10 Morris Avenue
Devonport Tasmania 7310
03 6424 7060
Eastern Shore Community House
106 David Street
East Devonport Tasmania 7130
03 6427 9985
Central Coast Community House
8/10 Lugana Crescent
West Ulverstone Tasmania 7315
03 6425 4186
WEST COAST
NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSES
Rosebery Community House
8 Agnes Street
Rosebery Tasmania 7470
03 6473 1497
Zeehan Neighbourhood Centre
Belstead Street
Zeehan Tasmania 7469
03 6471 6108
NORTHERN NEIGHBOURHOOD
HOUSES
Beaconsfield House
33 Grubb Street, Beaconsfield
03 6383 1110
Deloraine House
112 Emu Bay Road
Deloraine Tas 7304
03 6362 2678
Dorset Community House
3 Cameron Street
Scottsdale Tasmania 7260
03 6352 2765
Fingal Valley Neighbourhood House
Old Tasmanian Hotel
Fingal Tasmania 7214
03 6374 2344
George Town Neighbourhood House
187 Agnes Street
George Town Tasmania 7253
03 6312 3019
Northern Suburbs Community Centre
1 Archer Street, Rocherlea 7248
03 6326 5506
Northern Suburbs Community Centre
Dover Street, Mowbray 7248
03 6326 6776
Ravenswood Neighbourhood House
6 Prossers Forest Road
Ravenswood Tasmania 7250
03 6339 2861
St Helens Neighbourhood House
25 Circassion Street
St Helens Tasmania 7216
03 6376 1134
Tresca Community Centre
Main Road
Exeter Tasmania 7275
03 6394 4231
12
No Interest Loan Scheme
NILS®
Provides interest-free loans for individuals or
families on a low income.
NILS® is generally for the purchase of essential
household items, educational essentials, medical
and dental equipment and services or car care
essentials. There is no interest, charges or fees.
You only pay back the cost of the item or
service. NILS® may also be provided to meet
other essential needs like health aids or
education costs.
NILS® is not for emergency relief, bond or rent
money, living expenses or debt repayment. You
must have a health care card or pension card and
be genuinely of low income.
NILS® loans have the capacity to turn people’s
lives around.
Paying off a NILS® loan has been used by some
loan recipients to show other credit providers
that they have the capacity to repay borrowed
money.
NILS® also provide assistance with small
business loans, Humanitarian (refugee entrants)
or for moving expenses for women facing
domestic violence.
How much can you borrow? It varies, but
usually between $200 to $1200 and the pay-back
period is generally 12- 18 months.
Contact NILS® 1300 301 650 to find out if you
are eligible or speak to your local Community
House
StepUP Low Interest Loan Scheme
A safe, low interest loan from
$800 and up to $3000. StepUP
loans can be used for multiple
items such as second hand cars,
furniture, house repairs, washing
machines and more.
Contact NILS on 1300 301 650 to
find out if you are eligible.
Financial Counsellors
These wonderful people can work with you to
gain control of your finances and can do a great
deal to get you back on top of things such as
consolidating debts and advocating with banks
and creditors on your behalf.
Anglicare Tasmania
Anglicare Financial Counselling Service
Tasmania
18 Watchorn Street, Hobart, 7001 PH: 1800
243 232
1st Floor, Day’s Building, Corner Rooke and
Best Streets Devonport, 7310 PH: 6421 3100
The Salvation Army
Moneycare Hobart
250 Liverpool Street HOBART TAS
Ph: 03 6270 0305
Moneycare Burnie
99 Wilson Street, BURNIE TAS
Ph: 03 6431 9541
Rural Financial Counselling
Service Tasmania
RFCS Tasmania is a statewide, confidential and
free service, providing information and support
for the farming community. The service also
assists small business in rural areas who may be
experiencing a downturn due to their
surrounding drought affected areas.
Ph: 1300 883 276 to contact your nearest rural
financial counsellor.
Australian Debt Counsellors
Finding it difficult to pay your creditors on
time? Reluctant to answer the phone or open
mail because of your unpaid debts? Thinking
about consolidating your debts? Thinking about
filing for bankruptcy? Wanting to know what
your options are to resolve your financial
difficulty? Australian Debt Counsellors
provides a range of options to help businesses
and individuals regain control of their finances.
Ph: 1300 558 900
Colony 47
We are a proudly Tasmanian,
not-for profit organisation dedicated to
providing a range of solutions that change lives
for the better.
Ph: 1800 265 669
13
CENTREPAY
Pay Your Bills the Easy Way
Centrepay is a free direct bill-paying service
offered to customers receiving payments from
Centrelink. Through Centrepay you can choose
to pay bills by having a regular amount deducted
from your Centrelink payment.
Why use Centrepay?
You can choose to pay $25 a fortnight on your
Aurora or phone bill and when it comes due you
have the fortnightly amounts as a credit against
the amount you owe. This means no unexpected
bills that can throw your budget out.
It’s easy to use, you can change or cancel
Centrepay deductions at any time to suit your
personal circumstances.
You know that your payments are under control.
Instead of having large bills every month or
quarter, your bills are paid in manageable
amounts from your payment, making it easier
for you to budget.
Centrepay Deductions
Ambulance Costs
Child Care
Home care services
Rental of household goods
Court fines
NILs
There are thousands of organisations and
individuals who offer Centrepay as a bill
payment option.
To find out who these organisations are you can
contact Centrelink or speak to the organisation
or person you would like to pay using this
service.
The minimum payment amount for Centrepay
deductions is $10 per fortnight. However, there
are some organisations that require a different
minimum amount. Contact the organisation you
want to pay if you are unsure of the minimum
amount required.
To download a Centrepay form go to
www.centrelink.gov.au/ and type in centrepay
form into the search line or you can call
Centrelink.
Bills you can pay with Centrepay:
Private rent
Telecommunications
Electricity, gas and water
Education fees and expenses
ABSTUDY
Disability, Sickness and Care
Employment Services
Seniors
13 23 17
13 27 17
13 28 50
13 23 00
Gambling Helpline Tasmania
Free 24 hours crisis counselling and referral service
Phone 1800 000 973
A qualified counsellor is available on the Helpline
24 hours a day, all year phone 1800 858 858 (freecall)
The Gambling Helpline Tasmania can provide direct crisis counselling, ongoing support
and accurate and appropriate information, as well as assistance in referring you to one of
the Breakeven Network services.
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DISCOUNTS and CONCESSIONS
QUIT AND SAVE A PACKET
The Tasmanian Government’s Concessions
Guide comes out each year and a copy is
available at Service Tasmania, LINCs,
Community Centres and other community
organisations. Or you can check out the
available concessions online at
http://www.concessions.tas.gov.au/ or call
1300 13 55 13
If you give up a pack a day habit you can save a
packet (and your health too). An average packet
of 30 cigarettes costs around $20.00 ($140 a
week or $7,280 a year).
Dependant on which card you hold, e.g. a
Centrelink Health Care Card, Centrelink
Pensioner Discount Card, Dept. of Veterans
Affairs Pensioner Concession Card, a
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card,
Tasmanian Seniors Card or Tasmanian
Companion Card which concessions are
available, but they may include….
Once you’ve quit, your body will have already
started the repair process and there will be
almost no nicotine in your system after 12 hours.
Council rates
Buses and taxis
Adult
education/tuition &
course fee
Enteral Feeds and
Supplements
Dental Services
Wigs for cancer and
alopecia patients
Orthotic/prosthetic
National parks passes
Royal Tasmanian
botanical gardens
Access to computers
and the internet
Making a will
NILS (no interest loan
scheme)
Electricity
Patient travel
Community
Equipment Scheme
Continuous Positive
Airways Pressure
Program
Pharmaceuticals
Pressure garments for
lymphoedema
Motor vehicle
registration
Overland track
The Hasting
Experience and Mole
Creek Caves
Right to information
requests
Micro business loan
program
Motor Tax (40%
rebate)
Quit and your body repairs itself over the next
year, you’ll not only see some improvements in
your health, but also in your bank account.
By the next morning your blood pressure and
heart rate will have begun to return to normal
and by the end of the third day, all nicotine and
carbon monoxide by-products will have been
excreted from the body, and lung efficiency will
start to improve.
Within a week or so, accumulated phlegm will
loosen in your lungs and you may cough it up
over the next few weeks. Cilia, the body’s
natural cleaning mechanism, will have begun to
recover and within three weeks your lungs will
be working better. By this time you will have
saved about $140.
Within a month you’ll have more energy
because the blood flow to your limbs will have
improved. You have now saved about $560.
Within two months your lungs will be working
normally again. You will have saved $1,120.
Once you have quit for six months you will have
saved $3,640, enough money for a winter escape
holiday to Queensland.
A year after quitting your risk of dying from a
heart attack or stroke is almost half that of a
smoker. You will have saved $7,280 and could
afford a round the world ticket or pay a lump
sum off your mortgage.
Hardship Fund
Aurora can offer payment plans if you can’t pay
your bills on time and also runs a Hardship Fund
for those experiencing hardship and temporary
difficulties. Telephone 1300 132 003
CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO QUIT?
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CRISIS ACCOMMODATION
Anglicare Tasmania Inc -Emergency
Accommodation Service. A free service
to help people find after-hours emergency
accommodation. Accommodation options
include hostels, pubs or caravan parks,
community tenancies and crisis shelters - rent or
room fees apply. EASE also provides
information about other services that can help in
the longer-term.
Hours: 24-hour helpline
Ph: 1800 800 588
Address: 406-408 Main Rd, Glenorchy
http://www.anglicare-tas.org.au/
Anglicare Tasmania Inc - Youthcare
Shelter
Safe, secure, crisis accommodation for young
men aged 13-20 years of age who are homeless
or at risk of homelessness. Youthcare can
provide accommodation, food, basic clothing
and practical help with finding more stable longterm accommodation, assistance with legal,
education, income support or health issues, an
opportunity to develop independent living skills
and recreational activities.
Hours: 24-hour support provided to shelter
residents
Ph: 6273 9215
Address is not disclosed to non-residents
http://www.anglicare-tas.org.au/
A.K.Young Womens
Emergency Accommodation Service.
Short-term crisis accommodation and advocacy
service for single women between 12-20 years.
Residents are linked into other support services
within 48 hours of arrival.
Hours: 24-hour support provided to shelter
residents
Ph: 6272 7751
Address is not disclosed to non-residents
Email: [email protected]
http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/serviceengine/find_a_service
Hobart Women’s Shelter
Safe, secure, 24-hour supported accommodation
for women and children escaping domestic
violence, or homeless women and children.
Shelter staff can help women with transport,
finding long-term housing, legal issues, health,
education, financial problems or parenting
issues.
Hours: 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.
Residents receive 24-hour support
Ph: 6273 8455 Address is not disclosed to nonresidents
Email: [email protected]
Colony 47 - Mara House
Provides supervised and supported transitional
accommodation to young women aged 13-18
years, who are homeless or at risk of
homelessness. Residents are supported to
develop and maintain independent living skills,
relationships and education during their stay at
Mara House. Subsidised rent is charged. The
service is supported 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week by a team of dedicated support workers.
Ph 6222 1590 or 1800 225 669
http://www.colony47.com.au/
Jireh House
Offers crisis accommodation and support for
single women and women with children in
abusive relationships, or women who are
homeless or at risk of homelessness. Jireh House
offers supported accommodation, information
and referral, community education, child support
on premises, intensive family support. Jireh
House is centrally located close to bus, schools
and shops. Ph 62323850 (24 hours)
Fax: 62271531
http://www.jirehhouse.org.au/
Salvation Army - McCombe House
Safe, supported emergency accommodation for
women and children affected by domestic
violence and/or homelessness. Hours: 24-hour
support provided to shelter residents
Ph: 6228 1099 Address is not disclosed to nonresidents
http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/findus/tasmania/
Bethlehem House
Crisis and medium-term accommodation for
homeless men. We also provide information and
referrals, access to specialist services, social,
physical and emotional support, education and
awareness, recreational and social activities, an
outreach program and pastoral care.
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EMERGENCY RELIEF
Hours: 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, with afterhours support for current residents.
Ph: 6234 4594
Address: 56 Warwick Street, Hobart
http://www.bethlehemhouse.org.au/bethlehem/
Anglicare Tasmania Inc - Emergency
Relief
Emergency Relief helps people in urgent
financial crisis. Emergency Relief can provide
short-term help with the cost of food and other
essentials, and information and referral to other
services that can also help you in a crisis
situation. Hours: 9am-5pm Monday-Friday
Ph: 6273 5855 or 24-hour helpline 1800 243
232
Address: 406-408 Main Rd, Glenorchy
http://www.anglicare-tas.org.au/
Hobart Benevolent Society Inc
Provides intensive assistance to allow families
to become financially stable and independent of
welfare assistance. Individuals or families who
have not used our services before must provide
an income statement from Centrelink or
statement of earnings from their employer. A
free service provided by a non-religious
organisation.
Hours: 9.30-1.30 Tuesday-Friday, after-hours
phone message bank only
Ph: 6234 1296
Address: 27 Watchorn St, Hobart
Email: [email protected]
Uniting Care Bridgewater/Gagebrook
Free, confidential service, providing emergency
relief to people in the Brighton Municipality
who are facing temporary crisis situations. Same
day appointments can be made. Proof of income
(from Centrelink or relevant source) is required.
Hours: 10am -1 pm Monday-Friday
Ph: 6263 5217
Address: 28-32 Tottenham Rd, Bridgewater
Email: [email protected]
Hobart City Mission
Hobart City Mission offers a wide range of
services including Family Assistance, Friends @
Court, life coaching, welfare assistance,
budgeting, counselling, home visiting (by
appointment), Opportunity Shops, a community
living program for people with intellectual
disabilities, and medium-term accommodation
for older single men.
Hours: 9am-5pm Monday-Friday
Ph: 62154200 Fax:62310514
Address: 50 Barrack St, Hobart
Email: [email protected]
http://www.hcm.asn.au/
Loui’s Van - St Vincent de Paul
Society
A mobile meal service run by trained volunteers
providing friendship, hot soup, sandwiches,
fruit, hot drinks and blankets for those living on
the streets.
Hours: This service operates Sunday through
Thursday nights in Glenorchy and Hobart and
on Friday nights in Bridgewater from
7:00pm-9:00pm times will vary depending on
the location.
Address: Loui’s van will operate out of the
Bridgewater PCYC car park at 24-26 Green
Point Rd, Bridgewater.
Hobart office is at 212 Argyle Street, Hobart.
Email: [email protected]
http://www.vinnies.org.au/
Contact the Hobart office for more details Ph:
6234 4244
Salvation Army /Doorways
Community Support Service Information,
support and referral for families in need, and
emergency relief to individuals or families in
financial crisis. Call to arrange an appointment.
Proof of income is required.
Hobart office
Hours: 9am-4:30pm Monday-Friday, with
appointments between
10am-3pm
Ph: 6231 5440, 180 Elizabeth St, Hobart.
Eastern Shore
Ph: 6244 4615
www.salvationarmy.org.au/tasmania
St Vincent de Paul Society Emergency Relief
Support programs for individuals and families in
need. Free services include emergency relief,
recreation programs, referral, information and
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counselling. The St Vincent de Paul stores have
a range of quality clothing and household goods
at bargain prices.
Hours: 9:30am-12:00pm Monday and
Wednesday
Address: 43 Main Road, Huonville
Ph: 6264 1761
Email:
[email protected]
Emergency Relief Program (Home visits only)
Ph: 6234 4244 9am—5pm Monday—Friday
HOUSING SERVICES
HOUSING CONNECT
Housing Connect is the new way for you to access all your housing and support needs. Housing Connect
started on 1 October 2013.
Ph: 1800 800 588
TENANT’S UNION OF TASMANIA
Renting? An organisation for tenants, working for tenants’ collective interests. Provides free advice and
services, and inform and educate tenants of their rights and responsibilities.
Hours:
Telephone advice line 9:30am-4pm Monday-Friday.
Face-to-face advice 9:30am-12:30pm Tuesday-Thursday.
Ph: 1300 652 641
Address: 166 Macquarie St, Hobart
Email: [email protected]
http://tutas.org.au/
BEST BEFORE AND USE BY DATES
BEST BEFORE
‘BEST BEFORE’ foods can be safe to eat
'BEST BEFORE' foods are still safe to eat after
the date as long as they are not damaged,
deteriorated or perished. The 'best before' date
simply indicates that the product may have lost
some of its quality after this date passes. You
can expect these foods to retain their colour,
taste, texture and flavour as long as they are
stored correctly.
Common 'best before' foods include canned
foods, cereals, biscuits, sauces, chocolate, sugar,
flour and frozen foods.
USE BY
'USE BY' foods must be eaten or thrown away
by the date
After this date foods may be unsafe to eat even
if they look fine because the nutrients in the
food may become unstable or a build-up of
bacteria may occur.
Common 'use-by' foods include milk, sliced
ham, and shaved meats.
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CHEAP SCHOOL LUNCHES
Home-made muesli bar
Fruit salad
(small)
25 cents each
80 cents
Banana
Apple or mandarin
30 cents each
80 cents based
on $6 kilo)
Home-made muffin
(large) 40 cents each
Fried rice
Orange
50 cents a
serve
40 cents
Home-made
quick quiche
Vegetable fritters
35 cents each
50 cents
½ can of spaghetti
½ can baked beans
70 cents
70 cents
Grapes
35 cents
Cheese & salad roll up
(50 grams)
75 cents
Egg & bread tart
50 cents each
Home-made pizza 50 cents per
slice
Pop corn
(popped at home and put in a
brown paper bag) 15 cents
Cheese & corn pasta
35 cents
Toasted sandwich 75 cents
Make muesli bars, quiches, muffins
and pizza on the weekend then pop
then in the fridge/freezer in an
airtight container to drop in lunch
boxes for a quick morning getaway!
Making lunch food is a great kid
friendly job… if you can handle the
mess!
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GIVING BACK
How many times do we get to hear people
who are embarrassed to have been on the
receiving end of assistance saying, “One day I
will give back what I’ve been given”?
GIVE BLOOD
Every donation potentially saves 3 lives! One in
three people need blood over their lifetime.
Only 1 in 30 Australians donate. If you are over
16 and under 70, healthy, haven’t had a tattoo in
the last six months, aren’t pregnant or have had
a baby recently you can call Red Cross and book
in to donate blood. This simple process only
takes 10-15 minutes of your time, but can give
others a lifetime.
13 14 95 or visit
http:/www.donateblood.com.au/
PLANT A TREE
National Tree Day happens 31st July every year.
Why not visit http://treeday.planetark.org/ or
call 1300 88 5000 and you can help in spades.
RSPCA Paws
RSPCA needs help with walking dogs and
grooming cats and dogs. Or maybe there is an
animal shelter near you that could with a hand.
http://www.rspca.org.au/
6332 8200
CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA
Held in early March, it’s a great way to give
back and be part of keeping your community
clean and green. They’re always keen for
volunteers to organise an event in particular
areas, or join a group. You can find out more at
http://www.cleanup.org.au/au/
1800 282 329
VOLUNTEERING TASMANIA
Around 131,000 people in Tasmania are
volunteering. They are a vital part of every
community and contribute so much to our
society.
For more details phone Freecall 180 677 895 or
visit
http://www.volunteeringtas.org.au/
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9b School Road
Geeveston
Tasmania 7116
Phone 03 6297 1616
Fax 03 6297 1811
Email [email protected]
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