COMMUNITY NEWS

With the new school year fast approaching, we know many parents and carers will struggle to cover the cost of essential school items. This additional stress on families is especially difficult for those already experiencing financial hardship.

I am writing to let you know of a wonderful initiative available through Vinnies NILs called No Interest Loans (NILs). A NILS loan has no interest, no fees, no charges ever.

Every year, we help parents and carers on low incomes (in particular those on Centrelink) to apply for a NILs loan of up to $1,500 to cover the cost of essential school items such as uniforms, books, laptops, stationery, school camps, and musical instruments(as well as other essential such as washing machines, fridges, car repairs, medical and dental expenses).

What is a NILs loan?

A NILs loan is a safe, affordable alternative to high-interest payday loans or rent-to-buy leases. It’s not a payday loan or a bank loan but a form of ‘circular community credit'. This means when a borrower makes a repayment to NILs, the funds are then released to someone else in the community. NILs is supported by not-for-profit Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand, with funding from the Australian Government in partnership with NAB.

To help raise awareness of NILs

If you feel that your students and their families could benefit, I encourage you to raise awareness of NILs loans for education costs within your school community.

To assist I’ve attached a copy of an A4 advertisement in PDF format that you may wish to publish in your school newsletter and website AND/OR print and display in your reception area. You may also wish to inform parents via email or post, particularly when school booklist reminders are being distributed, and to notify your school counsellor and accounts team if parents call to request a payment plan.

Parents can find out more information about NILs by contacting:

Vinnies NILs

5229 8829

enquiries.nils@vinniesnils.org.au

www.vinniesnils.org.au