A role that ticks all the boxes

A partnership between Anglicare Tasmania and no-interest loans provider NILS Tasmania is delivering practical support and hope to northern Tasmanians.

Trevor Hurst, pictured above, is a volunteer with NILS. For the past two years he’s been based in Anglicare’s Launceston office and has become a highly regarded member of its financial counselling team.

On average, Trevor sits down with five people each week supporting them through the process of applying for an interest-free loan to cover the purchase of essential goods and services.

“Many are wanting to arrange vehicle repairs or replace an old fridge or heater with a more energy-efficient model,” he explained.

“I meet with people ranging in age from 18 to their early 70s. They come from all backgrounds. They are fascinating to talk to. Sometimes I can use my local knowledge to point them in the direction of better deals so they save money.”

Trevor enjoyed the challenges of working in retail management for 30 years before deciding to pursue volunteering opportunities after his wife passed away. It took a little while for him to find something that suited his skill-set.

“My wife had made me promise to get out in the community and meet people, and occupy my mind. I was sitting at home one night looking on the Volunteering Tasmania website and saw the position of NILS loans officer. I had an interview and did some training and was placed with the financial counselling team at Anglicare.  At first I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I found my groove and then it started coming naturally. All of my clients are incredibly polite and grateful. I feel like I can make a difference in their lives.

“I love this job – it ticks all the boxes.”

“Trevor has had a significant positive impact on the services and support we can offer to our clients,” says Anglicare’s Program Manager for Financial Resilience and Wellbeing in the North and North West, Lynne Watson.

“Trevor’s life experiences enable him to quickly develop a rapport with our clients and put them at ease. He also offers follow up appointments if people don’t bring all the paperwork they need at the first meeting,” she said. “NILS loans are a safe and sensible option for people on low incomes who need to borrow money for essentials.”

CEO of NILS Tasmania John Hooper describes Trevor as a ‘gem’.

“He has enabled so many people to access our loans and get access to safe credit, and that way they avoid getting sucked into predatory debt,” he said.

“He is kind and genuine to NILS clients and we hear that from people time and again.  Trevor made us all a bit teary when he told us about finding purpose through NILS after his wife died, but I am just so glad that it has given him something back when he’s done so much to help so many people. We love your work, Trevor.”

More information

Anglicare offers a statewide financial counselling service that is FREE, friendly and professional.

You do not have to be on a low income to access this service.

Call the national helpline on 1800 007 007 and you will be transferred to an Anglicare Tasmania financial counsellor. You can then arrange to meet a counsellor in person at one of our offices or speak with them over the phone.

NILS Tasmania offers no-interest loans for a range of essential purchases for Tasmanians who have a current healthcare card, pension card, Department of Veterans Affairs card, or have a gross income of $55,000 or less. Visit the NILS Tasmania website to find out more.

Check out volunteering opportunities around the State on the Volunteering Tasmania website.