Tomorrow morning (Friday 5th August) at 7.30 an army of people will experience what it is like to walk along the streets early in the morning seeking a shower, meal, cup of tea and a warm, welcoming place. This is a fundraiser for the Hutt Street Centre that provides care and assistance to those experiencing homelessness.
The walk starts on Wakefield Road, then onto Hutt Street, past Hutt St Centre and finishing in the South Park Lands for a ‘traditional’ Hutt St Centre BBQ breakfast kindly provided by Badge. It will only take just over an hour of your time.
Because no person who is homeless should feel like they’re walking alone
1800 003 308 - The homelessness gateway is a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week telephone service which can help with support and access to emergency accommodation.
Everyone who contacts the service is assessed and referred to the best and most appropriate service. Any person experiencing homelessness or at the risk of Homelessness is eligible for this service.
There are many services across the state that provide help for the homeless of South Australia. From Ceduna to the Riverland these services provide assistance for families, adults, young people, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people and domestic or family violence situations that leave people without shelter, food and care. The Homelessness Gateway Service is provided by United Communities
A full list of homelessness services across the state is available on the SA government website:
https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/housing/emergency-shelter-and-homelessness/homelessness-services-providers/homelessness-service-providers
Ring the Homelessness Gateway 1800 003 308 or use the Affordable SA App as a pocket reference to find the right service required.
As part of Homelessness Week we are highlighting some of the services that are available in Adelaide.
Orange Sky Laundry is a mobile laundry service for the homeless in Adelaide.
"Peggy" began servicing Adelaide on the 30th of March, operating 6 days a week. Every single night, over 6,000 people find themselves homeless in South Australia. Peggy will provide lots of washing and conversations for this community.
Orange Sky Laundry is a catalyst for conversation. In the one hour time it takes to wash and dry someone's clothes there is absolutely nothing to do but sit down on one of our 6 orange chairs and have a positive and genuine conversation between our everyday volunteers and everyday friends on the street.
http://www.orangeskylaundry.com.au/#!adelaide-van/c2oj4
The extreme weather conditions in Adelaide and South Australia has been creating havoc this winter. Imagine the wet and cold for those without the security of four walls and who sleep rough. This week 1-7 August is Homelessness Week, an annual themed week coordinated by Homelessness Australia (HA). It is used to raise awareness of people experiencing homelessness and the issues these people face.
Homelessness is not a choice. The majority of people are homeless due to financial and emotional hardship. The biggest cause of homelessness is family and domestic violence, followed by financial difficulties. Currently there are 105,000 people experiencing homelessness every night in Australia, and many more living in insecure housing, one step away from being homeless.
The largest proportion of Australia's homeless population is out of sight and out of mind, moving from one place to the next. These are our 'hidden homeless'.
See the Affordable App under Accommodation Services for services available to assist the homeless in South Australia and visit www.facebook.com/HomelessnessWeek or join the conversation at #homelessnesscounts to show everyone that ‘Homelessness Counts’ in Australia.
It's tax time again. Get a head start by using Money Smart's Top Tips to get yourself ready for lodging your return. Understand what you need regarding your statements, reciepts and what you can claim regarding work related expenses. Use the online income tax calculator and view changes to the Medicare levy and private health insurance rebates that may effect you.
Tax guidance for lodging your first Tax Return as well as special information for the under 25s. Watch video content to help set you on the right path and download the ATO App to help prepare for next year.
Be Money Smart this year.
The Mount Barker Salvos are excited to bring the Market Place to the Adelaide Hills community from 12pm – 1.30pm every 3rd Tuesday of the month starting Tuesday 21st June 2016. Offering people in need from the Adelaide Hills community access to fresh produce and baked goods free of charge.
Stalls of fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy products and baked goods will be available for the community with a 'help yourself' approach, shoppers are en-couraged to make healthy selections in a dignified and supportive environment.
The Market Place is located at The Salvation Army Church, 17 Fletcher Road, Mount Barker
The cost of food and feeding your family is one of the most expensive aspects to your budget.
For those looking for tips to save money at the grocery store and stretch your food budget further, you can save lots of money grocery shopping if you follow any or all of these tips…
Make a grocery shopping list.
Buy only what’s on the list. If you go grocery shopping without a list, you’ll buy things you don’t need and forget some of the items that you do need. This will result in paying more money at the register. Keep the list handy at home, and add to it throughout the week.
Plan your meals.
Planning your week of meals ahead of time will help you focus on the items that you will need when you make up your grocery list. This will help eliminate buying extra food as a result of not being sure of what you’ll be eating through the week.
Check sales flyers and look for coupons.
Take advantage of sales (and coupons) and plan some of your meals around them. Sales flyers are often found in the newspaper, and online.
Don’t stop and look at other things.
Only shop for the things on your list. This can be tough to do, but sticking to your list will save you money.
Don’t go when you’re hungry.
It is definitely true that when you’re hungry, you will end up spending a lot more. Eat a meal first, and you’ll be more likely to stick to your list.
Buy in bulk when it makes sense.
Although more up front cost, if you are truly going to use it before it spoils, it will be cheaper to buy in bulk. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you will use it up though. Be realistic.
Avoid name brands.
Store brands or brands other than well-known names are often less expensive and tastes nearly as good. Be willing to experiment. You may have a favorite brand of diced tomatoes, for example, but does it really matter?
Cut back on your “one-item” trips.
The cost of gasoline is a factor, and each trip may cost you lots more than you realize when you factor it it.
Avoid watery items.
Things like broth, pre-mixed drinks, and all other items that are laden with mostly water are relatively expensive. Much of this you can make yourself from scratch for less money.
Buy produce in season.
Fresh produce is always cheaper in-season. This gives you the opportunity to buy lots, and to preserve (dehydrate, jams, canning, etc.)
Rain check.
If an item is on sale but the store has run out of stock, ask for a rain check.
Drink water.
Not bottled water, but water from home. Buy a filter if your water tastes bad. If you regularly drink iced tea, sodas or other types of drinks, cut those out completely and just drink water. It’s much better for you, and much cheaper.
Stick to basic spices.
When you buy pre-mixed spices, they are simply blends of basic ingredients which you are paying a premium for. Learn to combine your own spices from the basics. Check online for spice recipes.
Avoid “pre”.
While pre-cubed, pre-diced, pre-sliced, pre-pounded, pre-seasoned, (pre-anything), processed, packaged foods, etc., may be more convenient, it costs LOTS less to make these things yourself, and is often healthier. Learn how. Make it from scratch.
Don’t give in to the kids.
If you allow them, kids will eat the most expensive and worst least-healthy foods possible. Be disciplined. Don’t let them steer you to buy sugary sweets, and all those marketed foods that they see on TV. Be strong. Just because they really like this one thing or another, does not mean that they will starve to death if you buy healthy balanced meals for them. If they’re hungry, they’ll eat it. Who’s running the family… you or them?
Shop on the edge.
Health-conscious shoppers know that the perimeter of the store is where the good stuff is. The baked goods, dairy products, fresh meats, and fruits and vegetables are generally placed along the outside edge of the supermarket, while the processed stuff can be found up and down the aisles. But shopping the edges isn’t just healthier — it’s cheaper too.
Check your receipt.
Make sure your prices are scanned correctly. Make sure your coupons are scanned correctly. Sale items, especially, have a tendency to be in the computer wrong.
1. Dress in layers.
Bundle up. Wear long underwear, sweaters, and even hats indoors. Remember the days of “sleeping caps”? They make sense when so much heat escapes from the head - about 70% actually.
2. Keep Your Feet Warm
Australia is known for it's UGG Boots for a good reason. Keeping your feet warm will help keep the rest of you warm - especially at home. Although the UGG brand can be rather expensive, you can pick up a bargain by shopping around and looking through trift shops.
3. Heat Up Your Bed
Don't turn up the heat for the entire house. Use an electric blanket. An even cheaper and safer option may be a hot water bottle with a wool or fleece cover.
4. Harness the Sun
During the day, open the blinds and curtains on the south-facing windows—and let the Sun warm you. At night, close the blinds and curtains to better insulate your home.
5. Keep the Kitchen Cozy - here are some suggestions:
“I put a cast iron pot of water with liquid potpourri on the top of our cast iron stove. This increases the humidity in the room and puts a lovely smell in the air.”
“Drink lots of yummy hot chocolate!!!!”
“Bake something in the oven, either dinner or a dessert (doesn't have to be fattening but even better if it is).”
“A hot cup of tea is great….if you are sick, a hot toddy works wonders. Also, I always have a crock pot of soup going during the cold months.”
6. Block Drafts
Beyond weather-stripping, which is difficult with old houses, consider these tips:
“I hang blankets to close off the open stair well going to the second floor, since heat raises it keeps the warm air down stairs when we spend most of our time. I noticed it saves a lot of heating dollars.”
“Don't forget to put something at the bottom of outside doors–you can just feel the cold air pour in. You can buy a fancy roll or just use a blanket or towel.”
7. Stay Active
Get your body moving.
“Keep active, this is a good time to clean out closets, garages, etc. Anything to keep active.”
“If I get a chill just sitting I get up and stir around, the movement not only warms me up but also stirs the heat in the house. Children are great when playing, they stir the air around.”
“Don't just sit around. Stay active to keep your blood from 'thickinin.' Exercise is good for ya.”
8. Humidify Your Home
Not only does a humidifier keep your house warmer but also it eliminates drying indoor air. As our readers say:
If you don't have a humidifier, here's another idea: When you take a bath in winter, leave the water in the tub after you get out. If you let it sit until it reaches room temperature, it will add a little warmth to the house and help humidify it!
HOW will the 2016 Federal Budget affect you?
The Economy
— The Government expects an underlying cash deficit of $37.1 billion in 2016-17, down from an estimated $39.8 billion in 2015-16.
— Last year the government had forecast a return to surplus by 2019. But now it sees the deficit falling to $6 billion by 2019-20 and a balanced budget by 2020-21
— Inflation is forecast to grow to 2 per cent by 2016-17, up from a forecast 1.25 per cent for 2015-16 and 1.5 per cent in 2014-15.
— Net debt hits $326 billion in 2016-17 before peaking at $356.4 billion in 2018-19 and then starting to decline.
Income tax
— Upper limit for the middle income tax bracket to rise to $87,000 from $80,000 from July 1.
— Temporary deficit levy of 2 per cent on income over $180,000 from 2017.
Infrastructure
— Additional $33 billion over the forward estimates to deliver road and rail upgrades
— $594 million to Australian Rail Track Corporation for proposed Melbourne/Brisbane rail link
— $2 billion for investment in dams and pipelines nationally.
Banking
— More than $120 million will be paid to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission to battle misconduct in the financial services industry.
— The extra funding will allow increased surveillance and enforcement in areas such as financial advice, lending and life insurance.
Superannuation
— A dozen different superannuation rule changes have been announced in a reform package that will save the Government $2.88 billion over four years.
— The biggest savings come from lowering the caps on concessional super contributions — such as employer payments and salary sacrifice — to $25,000 a year.
— The amount of super that can be transferred into zero-tax retirement phase accounts will be limited to $1.6 million.
— There’s a big cut in how much non-concessional, or after-tax, contributions people can make in their lifetime, while lower-income earners will benefit from a new tax offset.
— Only 4 per cent of super fund members will be negatively affected by the changes, the government says.
Tax avoidance
— Australian Taxation Office to receive $679 million to help crack down on multinationals, private companies and high wealth individuals
— A new taskforce to raise $3.7 billion in tax between now and July 2020.
— Funding will increase the ATO’s specialist audit and investigation teams dedicated to addressing international tax risks and focusing on wealth individuals, trusts and tax scheme promoters.
Welfare
— Crackdown on welfare rorts.
Disability support pension:
— Save $62 million over five years reviewing 30,000 people receiving DPS payments every year for three years (90,000)
Rental payments:
— Streamline payments so public housing tenants have their rent payments automatically wired to landlords to minimise evictions and encourage investment in new public housing stock.
Try, test and learn fund:
— $96.1 million over four years to target people at risk of long-term welfare dependency (NZ model)
— $80 million cut from Department of Human Services.
Health
— Medicare rebates frozen at just $37 for six years forcing doctors to introduce co-payment.
— Prescription medicine prices to rise by $5 from January
— $1000 free dental care for kids axed
— $1.2 billion aged care cuts
— No reforms to private health insurance which may have cut premiums by up to $300 from next year
— New Medicare rebates for breast cancer MRIs
— $9.4 million to detect, prevent and respond to hospital superbugs and antibiotic resistance
Families
— Plans to press ahead with cuts to the paid parental leave that could leave 80,000 families up to $11,000 a year worse off by preventing them so called “double dipping” on their employer paid leave while at the same time getting government money
— Families will have to wait at least another year for new streamlined childcare support and the lifting of the child care rebate cap from $7500 to $10k which won’t be introduced now until July 2018.
Small business
— Small business tax rate will be lowered by 1 per cent to 27.5 per cent.
— Turnover threshold for small businesses increased from $2 million to $10 million giving access to tax incentives.
— From July 1 the increase to instant write-off for equipment purchases will be extended until June 30, 2017 to businesses with a turnover less than $10 million.
— Access to tax concessions increased to more than 90,000 additional small businesses.
— Unincorporated tax discount increased up to eight per cent for businesses with turnover below $5 million.
Jobs
— Youth job seekers who need to boost their job-readiness will take part in intensive pre-employment skills within five months of registering with jobactive.
— Internship program with up to 120,000 placements over four years to help young job seekers who have been employed for six months or more.
— Job seekers will receive $200 per fortnight on top of their regular income support payment while doing an internship.
— Businesses will receive an upfront payment of $1000 when they take on an intern.
— Australian employers will be eligible for a Youth Bonus wage subsidy between $6500 and $10,000 depending on young person’s job readiness.
Education
— Investment to education, training and child care will increase to more than $41.8 million in 2016-17. Early education and care will increase by 9.6 per cent to $8.6 billion, schools will rise by 8 per cent to $17.6 billion, higher education will increase by 0.9 per cent to $12.3 billion and skills up 7.7 per cent to $3.3 billion.
— The Government’s Higher Education reforms have been delayed by 12 months and university fee deregulation abandoned.
Research
— Backing co-investment in new spin-offs and start-ups created by Australian research institutions through the CSIRO
— Expansion of the CSIRO accelerator program to support public research bodies to achieve commercial success
Communications
— Commercial television and radio license fees cut by 25 per cent
— Funding levels for the ABC to remain at $3.1 billion and $814.2 million for SBS
Defence
— $686 million for continued military operations
— $29.9 billion allocated for defence as outlined in the 2016 Defence White Paper includes 12 new submarines, 9 future frigates and 12 offshore patrol vessels
Terrorism
— $195 million on increased cyber security
Foreign Affairs
— About $42.3 million will be spent on opening consulates in Lae in Papua New Guinea and China and an interim embassy in Ukraine
Tobacco
— Cigarettes up by 12.5 per cent a year for the next four years.
— The limit to the purchase of duty-free cigarettes will also be slashed in half from July 2017 — dropping from just 50 cigarettes to 25.