2010 News
31 August 2010 Newcastle Permanent's ATM network just got a whole lot bigger.
Newcastle Permanent has today announced an agreement to provide its members with access to all Westpac Group's ATMs including St.George Bank branded ATMs from 1 September at a substantially reduced cost.
Newcastle Permanent CEO Terry Millett said this agreement provides even more options for our members who will now have access to more than 2,800 additional ATMs right across Australia.
"Following the introduction of ATM direct charging last year we began investigating a number of options to ensure Newcastle Permanent could offer our members convenient and cost effective access to their funds. After a thorough investigation we selected Westpac as our preferred partner," Mr Millett said.
"Newcastle Permanent has been able to negotiate on behalf of its members a significant reduction in access fees for our members to use any Westpac, St.George or Bank of SA ATMs. Our members will pay $1 rather than the standard $2 direct charge for balance enquiries and withdrawals for all Newcastle Permanent Cashcards and Visa Debit cards.
"As a mutual organisation Newcastle Permanent does not have shareholders which means rather than paying dividends to shareholders, we return benefits to our members by way of lower fees, highly competitive interest rates and support for our members' local communities," Mr Millett said.
(The agreement excludes St.George ATMs located in BP service stations).
31 August 2010 Foundation supports KIDS Foundation.
Students from five Mid North Coast primary schools will discover new ways of thinking and playing safely thanks to a $35,000 grant from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.
The KIDS Foundation Safety Education and Leadership Field Day will be held at Hastings Public School with the aim of educating students about safety through the use of a range of interactive activities.
The Field Day is part of KIDS Foundation’s Safety Club education program, which is supported by Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation and is delivered to primary schools nationally.
Every day, 5,000 Australian children are injured and 200 hospitalised from preventable injuries. Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chairman, Michael Slater, said “the Charitable Foundation is pleased to be assisting KIDS Foundation in teaching children about safety and empowering them through the Safety Club.
"Together with the KIDS Foundation, we want to prevent accidents and injuries through increasing safety awareness in schools."
The Safety Club program and tomorrow’s Field Day aim to empower young students to think safely while still having fun. Students are trained to identify potential hazards and to develop practical solutions to prevent incidents happening in their school.
KIDS Foundation Education Consultant, Simone Segrave, says the Field Day is an opportunity for the students to learn about safety through fun, interactive activities.
"Many injuries sustained by children are predictable and preventable. Through our Safety Club program and Field Day, we encourage and inspire students to create a safer school environment.
"Thanks to the support of organisations such as Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, we are able to deliver field days and education sessions like these across the nation, dramatically reducing the number of preventable accidents from occurring,” said Ms Segrave.
At the Field Day, representatives from the police and the fire brigade will speak to the group about how they deal with unsafe situations and the measures they take to protect themselves in their line of work. The children will be shown their protective clothing, as well as a variety of their tools of trade.
Local charity and not-for-profit organisations can apply for the next of the three Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation funding rounds each year which closes 26 November 2010.
To make an application or to obtain further information, go to the website www.newcastlepermanent.com.au, phone 13 19 87, or visit a Newcastle Permanent branch.
30 June 2010 New Wheels – Cool Meals.
A Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation grant of $44,400 has assisted Port Stephens Community Care (PSCC) to purchase a refrigerated van to deliver meals to hundreds of local people with disabilities and the frail aged in the Port Stephens area.
Port Stephens Community Care (PSCC) Inc is a not-for-profit organisation which provides a range of services to meet the needs of the frail aged, younger people with a disability and their carers – enabling them to enjoy the comfort of their own homes and 'live as they choose'.
The new van, purchased with funds provided by the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation will enable PSCC to deliver more meals to those in need as well as offer an innovative food delivery service to other members of the community.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Deputy Chairman Barrie Lewis said Port Stephens Community Care's idea of offering their newly branded, affordable and nutritional HomeStyle Tucker meals to the general community will enable the organisation to raise funds and provide further subsidised food services to those in need.
"Without the services provided by Port Stephens Community Care these community members in need could be forced to enter residential care facilities or nursing homes prematurely," Mr. Lewis said.
"PSCC currently delivers more than 35,000 meals a year, with the support of volunteers utilising their own vehicles.
"With the purchase of the new van, Port Stephens Community Care anticipates they will double the number of deliveries within three years," Mr. Lewis said.
Port Stephens Community Care General Manager Sheryl Cain said these goals would not have been achievable without the support of Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.
"By expanding the food delivery service to the broader community, we are able to raise additional funds to expand the services offered by our staff and 250 local volunteers," Ms Cain said.
"The additional capacity created by the new van means we can offer a larger variety of meal options to clients, reduce delivery costs and allows us to service more remote regions.
"Most importantly it allows us to build relationships with community members not currently in our target market so when and if they require community services a solid trusting relationship has already been formed." Ms Cain said.
PSCC has 250 volunteers who undertake various roles in the organisation, including meals on wheels delivery, providing support to staff at the activity centre for the elderly, home visits, assisted shopping, appointments, aboriginal services, low level maintenance and administration.
The grant of $44,400 to PSCC takes the total amount of grants disbursed to local community organisations by the Charitable Foundation to more than $5.4 million.
Local charity and not-for-profit organisations can apply for the next of the three Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation funding rounds each year, which closes 6 August 2010.
To make an application or to obtain further information, go to the website www.newcastlepermanent.com.au, phone 13 19 87, or visit a Newcastle Permanent branch.
21 June 2010 Hunter infants gain better access to Cochlear Implants.
A new Medelec Synergy Machine will be unveiled at the Newcastle branch of the Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre (SCIC Newcastle) thanks to a $47,000 grant from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.
The portable machine plays a vital role in cochlear implant surgeries, testing implants during and post surgery to ensure the device is working correctly. In the past implant recipients have been required to travel to Sydney for performance testing.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Deputy Chairman Barrie Lewis said having this type of machine in Newcastle would greatly benefit the wider Hunter region.
"One in every thousand babies is diagnosed with severe to profound hearing loss caused by meningitis, rubella and other syndromes or genetic diseases," he said.
"Hundreds of babies will benefit from this portable machine which will be used at both the SCIC Newcastle's Hunter Street clinic as well as the John Hunter Hospital.
"Until now, patients were required to travel to Sydney or wait for a machine to be brought to Newcastle once a month," Mr Lewis said.
Working in partnership with Newcastle-based professionals and organisations, SCIC Newcastle provides a comprehensive cochlear implant program that includes assessment, surgery, rehabilitation, education and lifelong support for the Hunter, Central Coast and North Coast regions.
SCIC Newcastle’s Manager Carmel Ramsey said having the machine in Newcastle meant the number of babies with access to cochlear implants and the necessary ongoing care would be significantly increased.
"Infants as young as three months have successfully received Cochlear implants," Ms Ramsey said.
"Securing a machine for the Hunter would not have been possible without Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.
"The Charitable Foundation has been a great supporter of our Newcastle centre. Two years ago they very generously provided us with a vehicle to provide outreach services to implant recipients in isolated areas, which has been very successful.
"The Medelec Synergy machine will help new implant recipients as well as the 1,000 cochlear implant clients which require ongoing monitoring of their devices.
"Having access to the new machine has even more significance with the State Government's recent budget announcement of funding of 15 cochlear implants at John Hunter Hospital," Ms Ramsey said.
Local charity and not-for-profit organisations can apply for the next Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation funding round which closes 6 August 2010.
To make an application or to obtain further information, go to the website www.newcastlepermanent.com.au, phone 13 19 87, or visit a Newcastle Permanent branch.
31 May 2010 Local sailors with special needs to benefit from new Jetty at Toronto.
A Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation grant of $25,000 will help hundreds of people with special needs to experience the wonderful sensation of sailing on Lake Macquarie.
Sailability New South Wales will launch its new $120,000 facility on Sunday, 30 May following grants from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, NSW Maritime and Northrop Consulting Engineers.
A volunteer-based, not-for-profit organisation, Sailability New South Wales provides sailing experience, training, competition and social interaction for people with disabilities, whether physical, intellectual or social.
Located at the waterfront reserve adjacent to the Toronto Amateur Sailing Club, the new facilities, including a jetty and pontoon, can be publicly accessed by small boats, as well as Sailability members.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chairman Michael Slater said it was wonderful to be a part of a community project that provides an opportunity for people with special needs to experience something wonderful that they may not otherwise have, and make a difference in their lives.
"We have seen the community benefits this type of project produces following a $50,000 grant the Charitable Foundation provided to the Sailability NSW in 2006 for a similar project at the Belmont Sailing Club.
"The purpose-built facilities are outstanding and incorporate a wide range of features making it one of the most accessible points on the western side of the lake," Mr Slater said.
Facility features include:
- A two-metre wide wharf to allow wheelchairs to pass each other;
- A large floating pontoon to maintain a constant loading height above water, irrespective of lake water levels;
- Four points in which personnel cranes can be mounted to transfer sailors between wheelchairs and dinghies;
- Tactile materials on handrails and underfoot to enable safe use by people with impaired vision, and
- Open-grate decking to provide a stable, non-slip walkway, with minimum environmental impact.
Sailability New South Wales Toronto Branch President Geoff Thornely said the facilities would not be possible without the assistance of groups such as Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, Maritime NSW and Northrop Consulting.
"We provide a unique service to community organisations supporting the disabled,” Mr Thornely said.
"Sailing provides positive physical and psychological benefits and we anticipate that with a fleet of 10 boats, this initiative will help more than 100 people experience sailing every week," Mr Thornely said.
Sailability Toronto will be up and running at the beginning of the next sailing season in September and has already received commitment from over 30 volunteers. Funding was provided by:
- The Better Boating Program (BBP) - a State Government grants program run by NSW Maritime to provide recreational boating infrastructure for the benefit of the boating community on NSW waterways. ($50,000)
- Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation as part of its ongoing support provided to the community. ($25,000)
- Northrop Consulting Engineers which, using its experience in the design and certification of maritime structures such as wharves, pontoons and retaining walls, produced a unique design incorporating a number of disabled–friendly features.
- A number of local community organisations
6 May 2010 Newcastle Permanent lifts interest rates on home loans by 0.25% following RBA announcement.
Newcastle Permanent Building Society announced today that it would increase its variable mortgage rates by 0.25% per annum, following the Reserve Bank’s latest increase in official interest rates.
The increase for variable rate home loans will be effective on Monday, 10 May 2010 with new repayments for existing borrowers to apply from July.
Newcastle Permanent CEO Terry Millett said as the AFR Smart Investor Home Lender of the Year, Newcastle Permanent is committed to providing its members with highly competitive home loans and they will remain so after these changes.
"After this latest increase our multi-award winning Real Deal home loan will be just 6.72% p.a. for both new and existing members."
"In an encouraging announcement for borrowers, following this latest increase in official interest rates the Governor of the RBA Glenn Stevens said the RBA Board has been adjusting the official cash rate towards a level that was "close to the average experience over the past decade". This suggests that after six interest rate increases in seven RBA meetings that there may be a pause given the current economic outlook in Australia."
"However should any of our members be concerned about financial hardship due to a change in their personal circumstances, we encourage them to contact their local branch or call 13 19 87 to enquire about our MemberAssist program which offers a range of financial assistance options for members," Mr Millett said.
28 April 2010 Manning and Great Lakes Early Intervention Centre unveils its new 'backyard'.
Manning and Great Lakes Early Intervention Centre (Taree) will unveil its new outdoor facilities, made possible through a $25,000 grant from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.
The first upgrade at the Centre since 1997, the new facilities will enable the young clients to develop their motor and social skills to better prepare them for the transition into school.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chairman Michael Slater said the upgrade to facilities means the young clients will now be able to experience a more comprehensive intervention program.
"There is a large demand for early intervention in the Manning and Great Lakes region with more than 60 students attending the Taree centre alone.
"The funding provided by the Charitable Foundation has been used to improve drainage, increase the level of shaded area, install soft-fall, build a bike track and improve landscaping," Mr Slater said.
Manning and Great Lakes Early Intervention Centre Coordinator Lynne Stuttard said the outdoor area had become virtually unusable prior to the upgrade due to damage caused by heavy rain.
"The improvements to the outdoor area will have a positive impact on the service as a whole and would not have been possible without the assistance of Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.
"We have needed these renovations for several years but we just haven’t had the funding to do so.
"Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation’s generous grant has enabled us to complete the project to an extremely high standard resulting in the children receiving a more comprehensive program.
"The children, their families, the management committee and our staff are very thankful," said Ms Stuttard.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation is committed to the communities it serves. In the Manning region it has recently supported the purchase of vehicles for both Taree PCYC and Snugglepot Day Care Centre.
"We've also recently announced $15,000 funding to introduce a new literacy program named 'Ten Minutes a Day' to Greater Taree City Library," Mr Slater said.
To date the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has donated more than $5.4 million to over 170 community projects.
27 April 2010 Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation funds playground for Central Coast Autism School.
The Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has helped fund a large-scale building project at the Aspect Central Coast School.
The Foundation has contributed $52,000 towards the construction of three purpose built playgrounds.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chairman Michael Slater said the new playgrounds are specifically designed for key age groups.
"An important element of the new playgrounds is they are designed to enhance the students fine motor skills, communication skills and social skills," Mr. Slater said.
"Children with autism often have difficulty with language, understanding non verbal communication, display unusual or repetitive behaviours and may exhibit a diminished interest in other people.
"The Foundation is proud to assist Aspect Central Coast School with its commitment to improving the lives of children with autism," Mr. Slater said.
Aspect Manager, Individual and Planned Giving, Sarah Pieters said funds provided by Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation have allowed us to create a safer environment for children to play in.
"The new playgrounds also encourage children to play more independently and improve interaction between each other.
"The generosity of the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation is greatly appreciated by the parent community. It means so much to know that an organisation is willing to support them. It's priceless really," said Ms Pieters.
27 April 2010 Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation pledges more than $60,000 to Mid North Coast Libraries.
Four regional libraries on the Mid North Coast will share $60,000 in funds from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation to introduce the 'Ten Minutes a Day'early literacy program.
Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Greater Taree and Great Lakes Regional Libraries will each receive $15,000 from the Foundation’s latest funding round to introduce the program to their local communities.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chairman Michael Slater said this was another extremely competitive funding round with a large number of high quality submissions received.
"With over 50 local not-for-profit organisations submitting applications for funding in this round, it was particularly difficult to select projects to support.
"Whilst we would love to be able to help every applicant we have been able to support eight fantastic community organisations in this round.
"The Ten Minutes a Day early literacy program has already been highly successful in other regional centres including Newcastle, Tamworth, Armidale, Lismore and Ballina" Mr Slater said.
The 'Ten Minutes a Day' program aims to improve literacy rates within the community, by teaching and encouraging parents to read to their children every day from a very young age.
Since it was established in 2004, Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has provided $5.4 million of funding to 170 community projects.
"The Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation is committed to giving back to the local communities we serve and we look forward to watching these latest projects come to fruition," Mr Slater said.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation supports not-for-profit organisations in the Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast, New England and Northern Rivers regions.
Applications for the next Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation funding round close 6 August 2010. To make an application or to obtain further information, go to the website www.newcastlepermanent.com.au, phone 13 19 87, or visit a Newcastle Permanent branch.
27 April 2010 Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation pledges more than $140,000 to four Central Coast charities.
Four local charities will share more than $140,000 in funds from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation to undertake worthwhile community projects on the Central Coast.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chairman Michael Slater said this was another extremely competitive funding round with a large number of high quality submissions received.
"With over 50 local not-for-profit organisations submitting applications for funding in this round, it was particularly difficult to select projects to support.
"Whilst we would love to be able to help every applicant we have been able to support eight fantastic community organisations in this round including four from the Central Coast," Mr Slater said.
The four Central Coast organisations to receive funding are:
Sunnyfield Disability Services will receive $50,000 to establish a boutique commercial nursery in Charmhaven to help retrain and build the capacity of people they support with an intellectual disability;
Concern Australia was granted $39,000 to purchase new equipment for its Hand Brake Turn automotive employment training program that provides disadvantaged young people opportunities to create successful career pathways;
Lifeline Central Coast (NSW) will receive $29,970 to assist in the refurbishment of the training and counselling rooms in its Wyoming Centre to ensure the ongoing availability of programs and services; and
Camp Breakaway will also receive $23,340 to refurbish and repair its ‘Sensory Trail’ located at its San Remo location. The Sensory Trail provides a range of outdoor, sensory activities for people with disabilities.
Since it was established in 2004, Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has provided $5.4 million of funding to 170 community projects.
"The Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation is committed to giving back to the local communities we serve and we look forward to watching these latest projects come to fruition," Mr Slater said.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation supports not-for-profit organisations in the Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast, New England and Northern Rivers regions.
Applications for the next Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation funding round close 6 August 2010. To make an application or to obtain further information, go to the website www.newcastlepermanent.com.au, phone 13 19 87, or visit a Newcastle Permanent branch.
27 April 2010 Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation pledges more than $96,000 to Hunter charities.
Three local charities will share more than $96,000 in funds from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation to undertake worthwhile community projects in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chairman Michael Slater said this was another extremely competitive funding round with a large number of high quality submissions received.
"With over 50 local not-for-profit organisations submitting applications for funding in this round, it was particularly difficult to select projects to support.
"Whilst we would love to be able to help every applicant we have been able to support eight fantastic community organisations in this round including three from the Hunter," Mr Slater said.
The three Hunter based organisations to receive funding are:
Drug Arm Australasia will receive $51,700 to purchase a new van and develop a volunteer recruitment program to help expand the Newcastle Street Outreach Service to support more "at risk" members of the community.
The Spastic Centre of NSW was granted $40,000 to refurbish and fit out its new regional therapy and outreach centre in East Maitland.
The YMCA at Kurri Kurri will receive $5,280 to purchase and install a transfer device to assist community members with special needs to enter and exit the pool.
Since it was established in 2004, Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has provided $5.4 million of funding to 170 community projects.
"The Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation is committed to giving back to the local communities we serve and we look forward to watching these latest projects come to fruition," Mr Slater said.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation supports not-for-profit organisations in the Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast, New England and Northern Rivers regions.
Applications for the next Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation funding round close 6 August 2010. To make an application or to obtain further information, go to the website www.newcastlepermanent.com.au, phone 13 19 87, or visit a Newcastle Permanent branch.
7 April 2010 Newcastle Permanent lifts interest rates on home loans by 0.25% following RBA announcement.
Newcastle Permanent Building Society announced today that it would increase its variable mortgage rates by 0.25% per annum, following the Reserve Bank’s latest increase in official interest rates.
The increase for variable rate home loans will be effective on Monday, 12 April 2010 with new repayments for existing borrowers to apply from June.
Newcastle Permanent CEO Terry Millett said as the AFR Smart Investor Home Lender of the Year, Newcastle Permanent is committed to providing its members with highly competitive home loans and they will remain so after these changes.
"After this increase our multi-award winning Real Deal home loan will be 6.47% p.a. for both new and existing members."
"If existing members or prospective members would like more information about these interest rate changes we encourage them to call us on 13 19 87 or visit our extensive branch network".
"Should any of our members be concerned about financial hardship due to a change in their personal circumstances, we encourage them to contact their local branch or call 13 19 87 to enquire about our MemberAssist program which offers a range of options for members," Mr Millett said.
30 March 2010 Newcastle Permanent mobilises Wetlands Education Unit.
Hunter Wetlands Centre Australia (HWCA) has received more than $20,000 from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation to deliver its new Wetlands on Wheels program.
The funding from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has enabled Hunter Wetlands Centre to purchase a purpose-built vehicle to visit preschools, primary schools, aged-care facilities and community events in the Hunter region.
Developed to deliver the messages of preservation, conservation and education on the environment to the community, Wetlands on Wheels enables HWCA to proactively go out to the community to deliver these messages.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Michael Slater said the Wetlands on Wheels program is an innovative program designed to educate the community on the importance of the wetland habitat in the overall environment.
"Now, many community members in the Hunter region will be able to enjoy the reptile, insect and taxidermic bird displays and take part in the interactive activities including reptile and insect handling sessions," said Mr Slater.
Hunter Wetlands Centre Ecotourism Manager Anna Ryan said the program also provides an element of local Aboriginal culture including artefacts used for preparing food found around wetlands.
"Without the funding the program would not exist in its current form, and so we are grateful; to the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation. Organisations interested in having the Wetlands on Wheels program come to their next event, school or educational centre should call the Wetlands Centre at Sandgate," said Ms Ryan.
5 March 2010 Rookie heroes able to save lives thanks to Newcastle Permanent.
Two hundred graduates of the Newcastle Permanent Surf Life Saving Rookie Program will gather on Nobby’s Beach for the 2010 Rookie Graduation and Challenge this weekend.
The graduates will be officially inducted into the senior Surf Life Saving ranks on Sunday before competing in a range of mental and physical challenges.
Supported by a $45,000 grant from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, the Rookie Program was established to improve the number of junior members who progress to the senior ranks.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chairman Michael Slater said retaining junior members is vital to the Surf Life Saving movement.
"We need to teach them the skills, knowledge and confidence in a safe and friendly club environment to encourage progression to senior ranks and become valued volunteer lifesavers on our beaches.
"The Rookie Program provides junior lifesavers from the 13 Hunter SLS clubs a structured, social, education and mentoring program and we are thrilled to be able to ensure this vital service can continue," Mr Slater said.
Hunter SLS CEO Rhonda Scruton said the Rookie Program ensured young lifesavers had the skills and the confidence to save lives.
"Transitioning juniors through to the senior ranks is a significant issue for Hunter Surf Life Saving because the future of the SLS movement relies on senior volunteers.
"Hunter Surf Life Saving is extremely grateful to Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation for its contribution. Without it we would not be able to run such a professional and effective retention program," Ms Scruton said.
Last season, more than 8,000 lives were saved by Australian volunteer surf lifesavers.
Photo Opportunity
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Rookie Graduation and Challenge.
When: 10am – 11am, Sunday 7 March 2010
Where: Nobby’s Surf Life Saving Club
3 March 2010 Following the RBA announcement Newcastle Permanent lifts interest rates on home loans.
Newcastle Permanent Building Society announced today that it is increasing its variable mortgage rates by 0.25% per annum, following the Reserve Bank's latest increase in official interest rates.
The increase for variable rate home loans will be effective on Monday, 8 March with new repayments for existing borrowers to apply from May.
Newcastle Permanent CEO Terry Millett said as the AFR Smart Investor Home Lender of the Year, Newcastle Permanent is committed to providing its members with highly competitive home loans and they will remain so after these changes.
"If existing members or prospective members would like more information about these interest rate changes we encourage them to call us on 13 19 87 or visit our extensive branch network".
2 March 2010 Newcastle Permanent issues statement regarding Knights sponsorship.
Newcastle Permanent Building Society issued the following statement in response to drug allegations concerning two senior Knights players.
Newcastle Permanent CEO Terry Millett said the Knights have acted appropriately and decisively regarding the two senior players involved in the alleged drug charges.
"We sponsor the Knights Junior Development Programme which promotes a healthy, active lifestyle to approximately 60,000 school children each year. It is unfortunate that the alleged actions of these two senior players have threatened the reputation of this proud football Club.
"We will continue to monitor the situation and maintain dialogue with the Knights until this regrettable situation is resolved," Mr Millett said.
10 February 2010 Big wheels roll for prostate cancer awareness.
Hunter Prostate Cancer Alliance (HPCA) has today received $100,000 in funding to purchase a special vehicle for counselling and education on prostate cancer.
The grant was provided by the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation and will greatly improve HPCA’s ability to service the Hunter Region.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chairman Michael Slater said the Foundation was delighted to provide such a significant level of support to HPCA.
"HPCA is the only organisation in New South Wales to offer a free counselling service with qualified counsellors available to men and their families." Mr Slater said.
"Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation recognises the excellent work HPCA is doing in the region and is proud to support its on-going campaign to increase awareness and encourage early testing for prostate cancer."
Hunter Prostate Cancer Alliance Chairman Nick Sovechles said the Charitable Foundation grant would be used to purchase a large van fitted with audio-visual equipment, counselling facilities, solar panels and a generator.
"Unfortunately this region has a low awareness of prostate cancer and this new vehicle will significantly improve our ability to take our messages of early detection to more work sites and organisations across the Hunter." Mr Sovechles said.
"Prostate Cancer affects 1 in 8 men in Newcastle and the Hunter, which is 40 percent higher than the national average, Mr Sovechles said.
"HPCA is the only organisation that employs paid and registered counsellors who are supported by a large group of Volunteer Information Providers (VIP's). Our VIP's have all had a personal experience with prostate cancer and their stories are very powerful in our presentations.
"Our goal is to significantly reduce the percentage of Hunter men who are affected by prostate cancer and the generous support of the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation will help us achieve that goal," Mr Sovechles said.
29 January 2010 Newcastle Permanent employees donate $21,000 of their own money to the Leukaemia Foundation.
The community-mindedness and generosity of Newcastle Permanent employees will be highlighted today when staff hand over a cheque for $21,000 to the Leukaemia Foundation.
Operating for more than 15 years, the Newcastle Permanent CommunityAssist program is supported by employees from the Head Office and all Newcastle Permanent branches across the Hunter, Sydney, Central Coast, Mid North Coast, New England and Northern Rivers regions.
Participating employees commit a percentage of their fortnightly wages to the program and nominate two worthy community organisations to receive funding each year.
Newcastle Permanent Branch Manager Suzanne Coglan at Nelson Bay proposed the Leukaemia Foundation after she witnessed their fantastic work during her nephew’s treatment of Duncan's Syndrome.
Newcastle Permanent Chief Executive Officer Terry Millett said employees who wanted to support worthwhile projects and organisations within their local community instigated the program.
"The support our employees have given the CommunityAssist program complements the wide-ranging support we offer the communities we serve through the Building Society and Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation. We also provide all staff with special community leave days each year so they can help out in the community doing volunteer work for local charities and not-for-profit organisations.
"The Leukaemia Foundation is a particularly worthwhile group dedicated to the care and cure of patients and families living with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders.
"Locally it runs two fantastic services; the Jim Simpson Patient and Family Accommodation Complex located near the Mater, which also services John Hunter Hospital and a Patient Transport Service which is run by a team of 10 volunteer drivers," Mr Millett said.
Leukaemia Foundation General Manager NSW/ACT Stuart Allen said the funds donated by the Newcastle Permanent employees would ensure the Leukaemia Foundation could improve patients' quality of life through personalised and practical care.
"This includes the provision of free services including information and resources, education and support programs, transportation to and from treatment, practical assistance and emotional support, as well as 'home away from home' accommodation close to major hospitals.
"The Leukaemia Foundation is committed to providing its vital services to patients and families across Australia and the support of businesses such as Newcastle Permanent is vital for the expansion and management of the increased incidence in blood cancers across the country," Mr Allen said.