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Communities raise over $500,000 for local volunteer emergency services at Aussie Day Weekend Fundraiser Barbecue
THANKS to community generosity, over half a million dollars has been raised and contributed in support of local volunteer emergency services through the annual Aussie Day Weekend Fundraiser BBQ. Held on Saturday, January 28 at every Bunnings Warehouse store nationally, Victorians helped raise over $125,000, with all funds going directly to the Country Fire Authority and Victoria State Emergency Service. B u n n i n g s Wa r e h o u s e m a n a g i n g director, Michael Schneider expressed his appreciation to everyone who supported this important initiative. “We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone that bought a snag or donated on the day in support of the emergency services, including any local businesses that donated supplies. We’d also like to thank the local emergency service volunteers, along with our team members,
who rolled up their sleeves and ran the barbecues on the weekend,” Michael said. Over 2,200 team members and local volunteers ran more than 270 barbecues all over Australia. The Aussie Day Weekend Fundraiser barbecue takes place annually at every Bu n n ings’ store nationally over the Australia Day weekend, with every cent raised going directly to local volunteer fire brigades and emergency services.
SUPPORTING COUNTRY FIRE AUTHORITY AND VICTORIA STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE…
Bunnings Warehouse, activities organiser, Paula Ryan. Photo: Alicia Niglia
Greater stamp duty relief for first home buyers “MASTER Builders has welcomed the findings of the latest housing finance statistics, which show total dwelling finance increased by 0.4 percent in December 2016, supported by a 1.3 percent increase in owner occupied loans, offsetting a fall in investor loans of 1 percent,” Master Builders national manager housing, Matthew Pollock said.
“The recent housing finance data supports Master Builder’s expectation nationally for another year of strong positive growth in housing construction, d r iven by a re cord for apa r t ment const r uc tion in NSW and Vic toria particularly. However, prospects will likely be more varied across other housing markets, particularly in resources states,” Mr Pollock said. “The fall in investor loans is a reversal in an upward trend in investor loans that has extended since September 2016 and is early evidence that loan restrictions by the Australian Prudential Regulatory Aut hor it y (A PR A) a nd t he m ajor commercial banks are beginning to taper investor interest in the housing market,” Mr Pollock said. Page 20 – The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1341 Wednesday, February 15, 2017
“First home buyer challenges continue with loans down by 7.1 percent in the month, and is down by 2 percent over the year to December 2016. More needs to be done to improve first home buyers access to the housing market, but changes to negative gearing is not one of the solutions,” he said. “There are no easy solutions, but in the short term, stamp duty relief for first home buyers for all types of housing, is the most obvious policy solution. Stamp duties can be equivalent to 10 to 20 percent of the deposit required in most states/territories. “The housing data shows that the states that provide greater stamp duty relief for first home buyers also have a much greater share of first home buyers in the market,” Mr Pollock said.
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0Take advantage of
low housing loan rates COMBINING all your existing debts such as credit card debts and personal loans with your home loan into a single loan is a great way to take advantage of low interest rates. GMCU branch manager, Dallas Moore said, “Debt consolidation is a simple process that involves getting a new loan, or adding to an existing low rate housing loan, to pay off all your other debts so you only focus on the new loan repayment. “Many people don’t realise they have a redraw on an existing loan, and this can easily be used to consolidate a higher rate debt like a credit card.” Mr Moore said, “Debt consolidation can provide many benefits to people who are trying to regain their financial stability and cash flow. These benefits are real and immediately placed into action to eliminate the possibility of missing a payment or undue stress.” Mr Moore explained, “Debt consolidation
GIVING AWAY GREAT ADVICE…
Goulburn Murray Credit Union (GMCU) branch manager, Dallas Moore. Photo: Alicia Niglia.
combines all debt into one monthly payment making it easier to manage, avoiding any delays that can cause added charges to your debt and can help you to reduce your overall monthly payment while still paying off your bills in less time. “The current interest rates on your unsecured debts can be substantially reduced, especially if you consolidate into your home mortgage loan. This allows more of each monthly payment to be applied toward principal instead of toward interest, which can reduce the time to pay off your debt.” GMCU is located in Shepparton at 92 Fryers Street and also has branches in Benalla, Echuca, Seymour, Euroa, Kilmore, Kyabram, Mooroopna and Numurkah.
The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1341 Wednesday, February 15, 2017 – Page 21