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which cannot be met in large mainstream settings. We were making
some headway with the previous government and will make similar
attempts to influence the new State Government.
2.2.2 Open Place
Open Place was launched by Minister Neville on 18 March and is providing a
much needed and effective service, including:
Eight hundred and twenty two (822) Forgotten Australians are now
registered.
Eight hundred and fifty four (854) brokerage applications were managed.
$640,000 was paid out, with most of this on health (eg dentures, glasses)
and life skills (eg computer classes).
Twenty five (25) consultations were held across Victoria and six Support
Groups established (with four more planned for 2011).
2.2.3 Saver Plus
Research indicates that children first learn financial skills at home and that
children in low income families have fewer opportunities to either
understand mainstream financial services or build financial skills. Funded
by the ANZ, Saver Plus is a proven financial literacy and asset-building
program, with demonstrated ability to improve savings and financial
management behaviour over the long term. In 2010, with support from the
Federal Government, Berry Street expanded from four Saver Plus sites to 10.
Through Berry Street the program has been able to:
Develop capability and resilience of vulnerable families, not just respond
to crisis needs.
Contribute to stronger communities through reducing financial
vulnerability of low income families and building relationships between
schools and community organisations.
Bring financial benefit to families and communities through the matched
funding: most expenditure occurs in the local community supporting the
local economy.
2.2.4 Early Learning is Fun
With the support of the Dara Foundation, our Early Learning is Fun program
continues to grow. Highlights include