Murchison Financial Advocacy Service

Meekatharra, Western Australia

The service commenced in 1996 and is managed by 1 full time Financial Advocate and is based at Meekatharra in the Murchison region and services the towns of Cue, Mt Magnet, Wiluna and Sandstone. This area is known for pastoral and gold mining activities. There is a large Indigenous population, many of whom have moved to the towns to access government services.

The Financial Advocate works mainly with adults who need personal financial assistance. The emphasis is upon assisting clients to take responsibility for their affairs and to resolve current financial difficulties. This may include assistance with budgeting, debt consolidation, advocacy with creditors and information relating to bankruptcy. Clients are also assisted in applying for No Interest Loans for essential white goods. People stranded in Meekatharra without funds are assisted in contacting their banks in other towns and having money remitted to Meekatharra.

Due to lack of suitably qualified and experienced staff, the Service went into recess from mid 2005 until late 2007.