We are seeing more and more cutbacks either to the individual, or to organisations trying to help those most vulnerable in our community. We see services leaving Bellingen and going elsewhere and often to larger organisations who are ill-equipped to provide the service.
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Individuals are finding the dollar harder and harder to get with unemployment high, underemployment of those in the workplace high, and those lucky enough to have employment, their wages are stagnant or reduced through cuts in the penalty rates. Those unemployed are being squeezed by less government support and if you’re on the pension (as I am) there is little excess at the end of the fortnight.
I am lucky to have worked for 50 years but only have a small super fund, I do own my own house but for how long will I be able to afford the increasing rates, electricity and other infrastructure costs? With the pension stagnant, living costs (food, fuel etc) increasing, costs such as rates, car insurance, electricity, bank fees and other financial costs, telephone and Internet costs (unfortunately a service that is essential in this day and age) the budget at the end of the fortnight is stretched.
What is government doing to assist with the needs of the needy individuals in the town, shire and region?
No jobs are being created (unemployment high), housing prices skyrocketing, rents out of control, cost of electricity escalating, cost of living high, government support reduced and wages stagnant. No wonder we have more and more mental health problems, domestic violence, homelessness and suicides.
To make it worse services to assist these people in need is being reduced in our town and shire. Government believes big organisations are the way forward to the detriment of the smaller community-based organisations. Organisations that have little understanding of the needs of the locals, organisations that look at the finances before the needs of the individuals. Services are being cut and Bellingen will eventually be serviced from afar.
I read that the Community Transport admin is being moved to Macksville, what a tragedy, but I guess it is because they are being squeezed by funding constraints.
What will be next to be cut from our town?
Ask your services if there areany cuts being forced on them in the near future – we don’t lose services that are needed in Bellingen. Don’t wait it, may be too late.