Media Release: Local organisations join forces to build financially resilient communities in Northern Adelaide
12 April 2022
Ten organisations from a diverse range of sectors across Northern Adelaide have come together to take practical action to enhance the financial resilience and wellbeing of the greater community.
Increased cost of living, global volatility and the ongoing economic impact of COVID-19 are having a negative influence on the financial resilience and wellbeing of local communities.
Together with Good Shepherd, the local organisations have created a shared Financial
Inclusion Action Plan (FIAP) which includes a series of measurable actions for their clients, employees, students and partners.
Good Shepherd CEO Stella Avramopoulos said enhancing financial inclusion and resilience was crucial to ensuring individuals, families, and community members across the region are safe, well, strong and connected.
“Northern Adelaide has undergone significant economic shift in the last ten years. The local communities in Playford and Salisbury have been struggling with high youth unemployment, low levels of educational outcomes and high rental stress combined with a greater
concentration of low-income households in comparison to the rest of South Australia, which has only been exacerbated by the pandemic, “ said Ms Avramopoulos.
“It is great to see organisations working together to help create supports and services for people at risk of financial hardship. This work must be shared so we can reach our vision to build a financially resilient community in Northern Adelaide where people don’t just survive but thrive.”
As part of their committed actions, Northern Adelaide FIAP member, Workskil Australia are reviewing ways to incorporate money management information sessions into their existing services for their jobseekers.
Workskil CEO, Nicole Dwyer said that Workskil Australia is committed to helping people of all backgrounds reach their full potential and that disadvantaged job seekers are among the most financially vulnerable in the community.
“It’s critical that they have access to financial services and support right along their employment journey. This Action Plan represents a targeted pathway to building financial resilience and wellbeing for people most at risk.”
To track the progress of these actions, the FIAP partners will continue to engage through a quarterly Community of Practice over the next 12 months and share learnings with the other members.
The Northern Adelaide FIAP program has been funded by the Department of Human Services, Government of South Australia.
- Department of Human Services, Chief Executive, Lois Boswell said that the core of the business at the Department of Human Services is making a difference so South Australians from all communities thrive. We know that financial inclusion is crucial to a thriving community, and we are proud to be involved in this initiative.
“We are committed to building great relationships with our partners to achieve safe, empowered and connected communities. This is a great example of what can happen when we work together.”
Northern Adelaide FIAP program participants:
• City of Salisbury
• Office for Women – Government of
South Australia
• UniSA STEM Mawson Lakes
• Possible Consulting
• Tindo Solar
• Anglicare SA
• Northern Area Community and
Youth Services (NACYS)
• Relationships Australia SA
• Workskil Australia
• Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand SA/NT
Read more about the Northern Adelaide FIAP here.
Contact
James Lye, General Manager, Marketing and Communications 0439 301 296,
media@goodshep.org.au
About Good Shepherd
The purpose of Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand is to enable fullness of life for
women, girls and families experiencing disadvantage. Programs and services include
parenting support, family violence response, financial counselling services, no interest
loans, education programs, research and policy advocacy