Not only is that many people who now have an improved standard of living but the local economy has been boosted by over $420,000. As people repay their loans the money is recycled into new loans for new or existing borrowers.

Since February 2010 Young NILS has provided a unique opportunity for people with a Centrelink or DVA concession card to take out free loans to buy household goods and some services.

People have borrowed to pay for a huge range of items from washing machines to wheelchairs, fridges to freezers, televisions to tyres, heaters to hot water systems, mattresses to medical appliances, lounges to lawnmowers, dental work to driers and computers to coolers. 

People living on low incomes, such as local woman Ruth Johnson, often can’t access mainstream credit such as personal loans from a bank so they can find themselves turning to very high cost options such as payday loans or rent-to-buy companies. 

 “Because I’m on a low income, NILS provided me with a really good option for borrowing to do some much needed home maintenance,” she said.

“The application process was easy and stress free and there was a very short time between applying and being approved for my loans.

“The repayments are extremely manageable and as soon as I pay one off I can reapply. I see NILS as a bridge between struggling to pay for things and being able to manage my budget.”

Another client said they had a NILS loan in Western Australia and when they relocated to Young were pleased that NILS were available nationally which allowed them to access another loan for a fridge for the family.

“I would strongly suggest that anybody on a low income has a look at a NILS loan as they’re very beneficial and you’re not paying any interest on buying new items,” they said. “The repayments are very affordable and easy to manage with Centrepay.”

For more information call Judy Barker on 6382 6328 on Tuesday and Wednesday.