2010 News
2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006
12 December 2010 Newcastle Permanent supports new banking competition measures
Newcastle Permanent has welcomed Treasurer Wayne Swan's announcement today of a range of initiatives designed to increase competition in the banking sector.
Newcastle Permanent CEO Terry Millett said as the Hunter's No. 1 home lender, Newcastle Permanent is already offering vigorous competition to the major banks.
"The Treasurer's reforms will provide more opportunity for people to vote with their feet and join Newcastle Permanent a mutual organisation that has no shareholders and entirely reinvests profits in the business to support better pricing for members and support for their local community, instead of paying shareholders' dividends.
"In relation to mortgage exit fees, our analysis indicates that like many other financial institutions, our home loan application fees are not sufficient to recover the full cost of establishing a mortgage. However our member satisfaction is 96% and our home loan retention rates are very high so the abolition of mortgage exit fees will be a benefit to consumers.
"Since the major banks increased interest rates by more than the Reserve Bank's increase in official interest rates last month, we have seen a 100% increase in home loan refinance applications so far this month, and a 50% increase in total home loan approval volumes to around $150 million.
"The new deposit guarantee symbol will be a comfort to the members of many smaller mutual organisations. In the case of Newcastle Permanent, it is the financially strongest Building Society or Credit Union in Australia in terms of net assets, and has credit ratings that are equivalent to those regional banks such as Bendigo and Adelaide Bank and Bank of Queensland.
"The range of initiatives to support wholesale funding is sensible and will positively impact the supply and, potentially, the price of these funds. Newcastle Permanent secures approximately 80% of our funding via member deposits; however the opportunity to access wholesale funding at more competitive interest rates will help us continue to provide our members with a range of highly competitive and quality home loan products.
"Detail surrounding some of the other initiatives announced today, such as account portability, will require some time to develop. Newcastle Permanent looks forward to implementing the finalised proposals and the expected positive impact on competition across the banking sector," Mr Millett said.
8 December 2010 Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation pledges a further $500,000 to local charitable organisations
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has announced more than $500,000 in its latest round of charitable funding to bring the total amount distributed by the Charitable Foundation to more than $6 million to date.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chairman Michael Slater said the recent grants to 8 local charitable organisations would benefit the communities and regions of the Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast, Northern Rivers and New England.
"The projects we supported in this latest funding round will provide significant benefits to the local communities.
"There is a diverse range of projects that have been supported which is in keeping with the Charitable Foundation's ethos," Mr Slater said.
The following charitable organisations have received funding:
- The Nicholas Butters Trust Fund will use a grant of $174,739 to establish a two-bedroom suite at the Maitland District, Manning Base (Taree) and Tamworth Base hospitals. The rooms will allow terminally ill children and their families to stay close to home during treatment and end-of-life-stages.
- Kurri Kurri Community Centre Inc has received $76,500 for the construction of a 'Men's Shed'. The shed will use the experience and skills of members to mentor and encourage local young people and people with disabilities to become involved in activities and become members themselves.
- Lifestyle Solutions (Aust) Ltd will use its $55,629 grant to fund a range of lifestyle camps for young people and adults with disabilities and diverse needs. The camps will provide an innovative and creative outdoor education and recreational experiences.
- House With No Steps operates a 58 hectare dairy farm at Alstonville known as 'Summerland House'. A grant of $55,000 will be used to expand the operations of a whole sale nursery on the farm with the goal of acquiring work on large scale residential projects, supplying the retail nursery and creating additional full-time employment opportunities for seven people with disabilities.
- Riding for the Disabled Association NSW – The Kendall Centre (Port Macquarie) received $30,000 to purchase a new horse float and construct a storage shed to house the new float and other equipment.
- Surf Life Saving Mid North Coast Branch Inc has received $13,100 to purchase a Rescue Water Craft (RWC) to help prevent future drowning incidents in Port Macquarie and surrounding areas.
- The Hunter TAFE Foundation Ltd will use its $20,000 grant to develop a series of encouragement awards which will be used as a catalyst to encourage Hunter school students to expand their educational opportunities beyond high school.
- Riding for the Disabled Association NSW – The Manning Great Lakes Centre will create an all weather riding facility with its $83,101 grant. Currently riding sessions are conducted in the open, which results in sessions being cancelled due to rain. The new facility will allow riding therapy to be conducted all year round.
Local charity and not-for-profit organisations can apply for the next of the two Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation funding rounds each year which closes 8 April 2011.
Visit the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation for more information.
2 December 2010 Newcastle Permanent recognised as Australia's Best in Home Loan Packages
Newcastle Permanent has been recognised by industry experts as a national leader in home loan packages. The Hunter's No. 1 Home Lender has received two home loan awards in this year's Money Magazine's 'The Best of the Best Awards'.
In conjunction with independent research firm Canstar Cannex, Money Magazine reviewed thousands of financial products to determine the best products in the market.
Newcastle Permanent won two gold awards for the Cheapest Home Loan Package and Cheapest Flexible Home Loan for non-bank lenders.
Canstar's mortgage specialist, Mitchell Watson, who provided research support for the awards notes the difference with the Newcastle Permanent is the development of premium products offered at a competitive price.
"Newcastle Permanent has really emerged as a market leader of premium home loan products both against their mutual peers and other major institutions," Mr Watson said.
Newcastle Permanent CEO, Terry Millett, said, "As the Hunter's No. 1 Home Lender, Newcastle Permanent has set a standard to be the obvious alternative to the major banks."
"These awards provide further evidence that while we are a regionally based financial institution the value and quality of our products is equal to, or better than, anything available throughout Australia.
"In conjunction with our current $700 refinance Cash Back offer (which ends on 24 December 2010) we hope that even more existing bank customers realise they may be able to get a better deal with Newcastle Permanent."
25 November 2010 Memory Van the new weapon in the fight against dementia
The Hunter and Mid North Coast regions will benefit from a new Memory Van thanks to a $50,000 donation from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.
A mobile education resource, the Alzheimer's Australia NSW Memory Van will travel throughout the Hunter and Mid North Coast to help raise awareness about the importance of brain health and dementia risk reduction.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chairman Michael Slater said the Memory Van is an important health resource for the regions.
"Dementia is known as one of the major diseases of this century with an expected rapid increase in incidence due to the aging population. "In the Hunter region alone there are an estimated 8,000 people with dementia.
"The Memory Van is an excellent resource to deliver education and information about how to reduce the risk of dementia to the broader community," Mr Slater said.
Alzheimer's Australia NSW's Hunter Dementia and Memory Resource Centre Coordinator Sally O'Loughlin said the $50,000 donation was extremely generous and the Memory Van would help address the growing prevalence of dementia in Australia.
"Currently there are an estimated 257,000 Australians with dementia and that number is set to soar to almost 1 million people by 2050. In the Hunter, that number is set to increase to about 31,000 by 2050.
"Thanks to the generosity of the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions will have a dedicated Memory Van.
"The van provides us with the opportunity to position ourselves in high traffic areas which increases our ability to inform people about dementia, as well as provide lifestyle tools to help reduce the risk of dementia.
"We will also be able to go into rural communities to provide much-needed information about dementia," Ms O'Loughlin said.
Alzheimer's Australia NSW is the peak body for people with dementia and their families and carers. It provides advocacy, support services, education and information.
National Dementia Helpline: 1800 100 500
Applications for the next Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation funding round close 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.
18 November 2010 Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation celebrates $30 million funding milestone
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has become one of the largest regionally based foundations of its kind in Australia with the news it has secured a total funding pool of $30 million.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chairman Michael Slater made the announcement at a special function to celebrate the Charitable Foundation's funding milestone.
"The Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation was established in 2004 as gift to the community to celebrate Newcastle Permanent's 100th anniversary," Mr Slater said.
"There has been a long-standing commitment that Newcastle Permanent would endow the Charitable Foundation with $30 million and I am delighted that commitment has now been fulfilled.
"Since its inception, Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has committed $6 million to more than 180 local charitable and not-for-profit organisations.
"Over the past six years the Charitable Foundation has funded an extensive range of diverse projects across a range of endeavours that seek to provide sustainable and long term benefit to a broad cross section of the community throughout the Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast, Far North Coast and New England.
"The work of the Charitable Foundation provides tangible proof of our commitment to deliver a meaningful contribution to the communities we serve. With this significant funding milestone now fulfilled, we anticipate our annual contribution to the community will increase significantly in coming years " Mr Slater said.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation recognises the invaluable work not-for-profit organisations and volunteers do in their local communities and we are delighted to be able to assist the work they do through our three funding rounds each year.
Visit the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation for more information.
12 November 2010 Newcastle Permanent gives early Christmas home loan refinance bonus to bank customers
The Hunter's No. 1 home lender, Newcastle Permanent announced today a $700.00 incentive for customers to switch their home loan from the major banks and refinance with Newcastle Permanent.
Newcastle Permanent CEO Terry Millett said this is a great opportunity for people to reap the financial rewards with one of Newcastle Permanent’s multi award winning home loans.
"Since the major banks increased their interest rates above the RBA recommendation we have already seen more than a 300% increase in our online inquires." Mr Millett said.
"If people are unhappy with their bank I encourage them to vote with their feet and take up our offer which provides $700 towards the costs of refinancing their existing home loan to a Newcastle Permanent home loan."
The offer begins Monday 15 November and will be available until Friday 24 December, with the loan to commence prior to 28 February 2011.
Newcastle Permanent only increased its variable mortgage rate by 0.25% in line with the Reserve Bank’s recent interest rate increase and our home loans offer outstanding value like the CANSTAR CANNEX 5-star rated Premium Plus home loan.
"When you have your home loan with Newcastle Permanent you not only get one of the best home loan interest rates and market leading service, you are also helping us to support your local community not shareholders," Mr Millett said.
10 November 2010 Newcastle Permanent Primary Mathematics Competition celebrates 30 years of Excellence
More than 17,000 students participated in the 30th annual Newcastle Permanent Primary Mathematics Competition - the largest exam of its type outside of the NSW Department of Education and Training's NAPLAN exam.
Three Hunter and Central Coast students achieved perfect marks. Hamish Davies from New Lambton Public School and Jake Norton from Gorokan Public School were individual winners of the Year 6 division of the exam, while Dana Pilgrim of Rutherford Public School taking out the Year 5 division.
All prizes for the awards were presented on Wednesday, 10 November at Energy Australia Stadium.
This year a record number of more than 17,000 Year 5 and 6 students from 277 schools in the Hunter, Central Coast, New England and Northern Rivers regions took part in the competition.
Newcastle Permanent CEO Terry Millett said it is fantastic to see such a large number of students participate again this year.
"In 1981 when the mathematics competition first started there were 2,337 participants and the competition was held only in the Hunter region, so it is tremendous to see the competition going from strength to strength each year.
"The competition has been going for so long now that many of the parents of the students this year took the exam when they were at school."
"Numeric literacy is such an important life skill, we hope that by continuing to sponsor the competition we can encourage more children to become interested in mathematics at the primary school level.
"Congratulations to Hamish, Jake and Dana for their achievement and to both New Lambton and Gorokan public schools for taking out the Newcastle Permanent Shield," Mr Millett said.
To view past papers, click here.
4 November 2010 Newcastle Permanent lifts interest rates on home loans by 0.25% following RBA announcement
The Hunter's No. 1 home lender, Newcastle Permanent Building Society announced today that it will only be increasing its variable mortgage rates by 0.25% per annum, in line with the Reserve Bank's latest increase in official interest rates.
The increase for variable rate home loans will be effective on Monday, 8 November 2010 with new repayments for existing borrowers to apply from January 2011.
Newcastle Permanent CEO Terry Millett said Newcastle Permanent, as a mutual organisation with no shareholders, is committed to providing its members with highly competitive home loans.
"We have helped more people in Newcastle and the Hunter with their home loan than any other financial institution in Australia, including all the major banks."
"We encourage anyone who is angry with their bank to vote with their feet and switch to Newcastle Permanent. When you have your home loan with Newcastle Permanent you not only get one of the best home loan interest rates, you are also helping us to support your local community, not shareholders."
"After this latest increase our multi-award winning Real Deal home loan will be just 6.97% p.a. for both new and existing members."
28 October 2010 Staff get their hands dirty at Hunter Wetlands Centre
A team of Newcastle Permanent staff spent the day planting essential vegetation at the Hunter Wetlands Centre on Friday 29 October 2010, in a first for the Centre.
The day is a part of Newcastle Permanent's CommunityAssist program where staff members are provided with two leave days every year to help out at local community organisations.
Staff members decided that the Hunter Wetlands Centre was a great option for a volunteer day after they saw some of the fantastic work the Centre was doing for children's education.
Newcastle Permanent CEO Terry Millett said a number of team members were privileged enough to be involved in the launch of the new Hunter Wetlands on Wheels project which was funded by Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.
"During that project the staff team met some very passionate people and discovered that part of the success of the Hunter Wetlands Centre is due to the wonderful volunteers who work on site."
"They felt that it was an extremely worthy cause and were able to arrange for a number of them to go out all at once to get their hands dirty and help improve the facilities at the Centre," said Mr Millett.
Hunter Wetlands Centre Australia Site Manager Ecologist Boyd Carney said it is great to have such a large team from Newcastle Permanent come out to help.
"There is a lot of physical work involved in maintaining and improving the Centre and we rely heavily on volunteers' assistance."
"The Newcastle Permanent team are going to be a real help in completing the planting of vegetation as well the renovation of one our bird structures."
"They are the first corporate team that has come to assist and we hope by having Newcastle Permanent lead the way, other companies will follow suit," said Mr Carney.
In addition to actively participating in volunteer days, the Newcastle Permanent CommunityAssist program also includes a voluntary Staff Charity Donation scheme where Newcastle Permanent employees are able to donate an amount from their regular wage to be donated to local charities.
Participating employees nominate which two charities each year share in $40,000 raised through this scheme. Organisations that have recently benefited include the Leukaemia Foundation, SANE Australia and Central Coast Kids in Need.
Hunter Wetlands Centre Australia welcomes volunteers all year round. To find out more information visit www.wetlands.org.au or phone 4951 6466
22 October 2010 Newcastle Permanent announces strong result at AGM
Financial Year Highlights 2010
- Member satisfaction rating of 96%
- Total member value generated of $105.5 million made up of:
- consolidated group profit after tax of $53.8 million
- a significant increase on the prior year; and
- additional product value delivered to members compared to the major banks ("mutuality dividend") of $51.7 million
- Strong and increasing employee engagement
- Total new home loans approved of $1.33 billion – a 36% increase on prior year
- Home loan book growth of 12% - significantly above system growth and that of the major banks
- Exceptional home loan credit quality – superior to all the major banks Retail deposit growth of 6.4% - above system growth
- Tier one capital ratio of 18.7% - significantly above the major banks
- Strong credit rating equivalent to regional banks BOQ, and Bendigo and Adelaide Bank.
Outstanding Overall Performance
Newcastle Permanent Chairman Michael Slater announced today at the Annual General Meeting that the group had achieved an outstanding overall performance this year across the key financial metrics, the delivery of a range of benefits to members and continued strong support for the community in the regions we operate in.
Newcastle Permanent announced a consolidated group profit after tax of $53.8 million for the financial year ended 30 June 2010 - a significant increase on last year's result.
"This result is an excellent outcome for Newcastle Permanent members and the communities in which they live", said Mr Slater.
"As a mutual organisation without shareholders, this strong profit result provides further capital which is entirely reinvested in the business to support continued delivery of high quality products, better interest rates and lower fees for our members," Mr Slater said.
"This year's financial results have been driven by Newcastle Permanent's outstanding growth in lending, deposits and the strong focus on the efficiency of our operations.
"Newcastle Permanent approved a total of $1.44 billion in new lending, including home loans, which is a 37% increase on the prior year and resulted in an 11.2% increase in the total loan portfolio.
"The strong growth in lending, and in particular new home loans, also creates significant economic flow on effects for the building and construction industries, employment and retail sectors in the regional economies in which Newcastle Permanent operates.
"This year's result is testament to the loyalty of our members, the effectiveness of our business model and the dedication of our people," Mr Slater said.
Strong Financial Performance
Newcastle Permanent Chief Executive Officer Terry Millett said the organisation had delivered an outstanding financial result in a challenging economic and competitive environment.
Newcastle Permanent's financial performance is underpinned by the four pillars of financial strength:
- Capital level
- Funding diversity
- Credit quality, and
- A sustainable business model.
"This strong profit result has further strengthened our exceptional financial position. Our tier 1 capital ratio, which is a significant indicator of financial strength, now stands at 18.7% and is far in excess of all our key competitors including all the major banks," Mr Millett said.
"Newcastle Permanent secures almost 80% of our funding from retail deposits and so we are significantly less reliant on short-term wholesale market funding than other significant Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions, including the major banks. We are also focused on achieving an appropriate balance of short and longer term funding from a diversified range of sources.
"The credit quality of our loans portfolio is exceptional reflecting our prudent lending policies. Newcastle Permanent's home loan portfolio has a 90 day arrears rate of just 0.08%, which is superior to all of our key competitors and more than 60% better than the relevant state average.
"Newcastle Permanent has also maintained its long-term Moody‟s credit rating of A2 and its Standard and Poor's credit rating of BBB+ both of which are superior to that of all building societies in Australia and equivalent to regional banks BOQ, and Bendigo and Adelaide Bank.
"These credit ratings are a reflection of Newcastle Permanent's focus on financial strength, comprehensive risk management, and maintaining a strong and sustainable business model.
"Our record performance of $1.33 billion in home loan approvals resulted in 12% growth in our home loan portfolio which is an exceptional outcome and significantly above system growth, including that achieved by the major banks," Mr Millett added.
Outstanding Member Benefits
"Each year we engage CANSTAR CANNEX, one of Australia‟s leading financial services research firms, to calculate the benefit we provide to members in the form of better interest rates and lower fees compared to the major banks. We call this our 'mutuality dividend'.
In the financial year ending June 2010, Newcastle Permanent generated a total value for our members of more than $105 million, consisting of $51.7 million in mutuality dividends, in addition to our after-tax-profit of $53.8 million.
"As a testament to our excellent customer service, member satisfaction was recorded at 96% in the recent independent research survey*", said Mr Millett. (*AMR Research, June 2010).
Extensive Community Support
Newcastle Permanent also increased its commitment to supporting the community in the regions in which it operates.
"Through the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation we have now provided $5.4 million to 170 charitable and not-for-profit organisations since we established the Charitable Foundation in 2004," said Mr Slater.
"In addition, Newcastle Permanent provides sponsorship support of nearly $1 million per year to organisations in the local community. The staff of Newcastle Permanent also donated $40,000 to community organisations this year as part of the staff CommunityAssist program," Mr Millett said.
Outlook
Commenting on the outlook for the 2010/2011 financial year Chairman Michael Slater said, "The international economic outlook remains uncertain. However the domestic and regional economic situation remains quite positive. Given Newcastle Permanent's financial strength, we are well placed to record a strong financial performance again next financial year while continuing to deliver outstanding value and service to our members and meaningful support to their communities".
"Newcastle Permanent has an exceptionally bright future and we look forward to continuing our mission to be the obvious alternative to traditional retail banks."
Notice is given that the Annual General Meeting of Newcastle Permanent Building Society Limited ("NPBS") will be held:
Date: Friday 22 October 2010
Time: 12 noon
Venue: Newcastle Permanent Building Society
Level 6, 307 King Street
Newcastle West
Ordinary Business:
- CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS
To receive and consider the Financial Report, the Directors’ Report and the Independent Auditor's Report of NPBS for the financial year ended 30 June 2010.
- RE-ELECTION OF DIRECTOR
To consider, and if thought appropriate, to pass the following as ordinary resolutions:
"That David Edward Shanley, being a Director retiring pursuant to Articles 8.3 and 8.5 is re-elected as a Director."
- DIRECTORS' FEES
To consider and, if thought appropriate, to pass the following resolution as an ordinary resolution:
“That the maximum aggregate amount payable to the Directors annually by way of Directors’ Fees is increased by an amount equivalent to 9.3% effective from 1 July 2010.”
- APPROVAL OF RETIREMENT BENEFITS
To consider, and if thought appropriate, to pass the following resolutions as Ordinary Resolutions:
4.1 Retirement benefit for Mr Michael D. Slater
"That Mr Michael Slater be granted a retirement benefit equivalent to the amount that he would have received had he retired as a Director of Newcastle Permanent Building Society Limited on 23 November 2009, being $403,813.00, when he retires as a Director and is not re-elected as a Director, or otherwise ceases to be a Director, of Newcastle Permanent Building Society Limited."
4.2 Retirement benefit for Mr Warren J. Elliott
"That Mr Warren Elliott be granted a retirement benefit equivalent to the amount that he would have received had he retired as a Director of Newcastle Permanent Building Society Limited on 23 November 2009, being $242,185.00, when he retires as a Director and is not re-elected as a Director, or otherwise ceases to be a Director, of Newcastle Permanent Building Society Limited."
4.3 Retirement benefit for Mr W. Barrie Lewis
"That Mr Barrie Lewis be granted a retirement benefit equivalent to the amount that he would have received had he retired as a Director of Newcastle Permanent Building Society Limited on 23 November 2009, being $225,915.00, when he retires as a Director and is not re-elected as a Director, or otherwise ceases to be a Director, of Newcastle Permanent Building Society Limited."
4.4 Retirement benefit for Mr Phil J. Neat
"That Mr Phil Neat be granted a retirement benefit equivalent to the amount that he would have received had he retired as a Director of Newcastle Permanent Building Society Limited on 23 November 2009, being $232,434.00, when he retires as a Director and is not re-elected as a Director, or otherwise ceases to be a Director, of Newcastle Permanent Building Society Limited."
4.5 Retirement benefit for Mr David E. Shanley
"That Mr David Shanley be granted a retirement benefit equivalent to the amount that he would have received had he retired as a Director of Newcastle Permanent Building Society Limited on 23 November 2009, being $232,447.00, when he retires as a Director and is not re-elected as a Director, or otherwise ceases to be a Director, of Newcastle Permanent Building Society Limited."
Special Business:
- MODIFICATION OF CONSTITUTION
To consider, and if thought appropriate, to pass the following resolution to amend NPBS’s Constitution as a Special Resolution:
5.1 Residence of Chairman and Deputy Chairman
That the Constitution of NPBS is amended by:
(a) adding to Article 10.21 the sentence "To be eligible to be elected and to continue to hold office as Chairman, the Director must be ordinarily resident in the Hunter Region"; and
(b) adding to Article 10.22 the sentence "To be eligible to be elected and to continue to hold office as Deputy Chairman, the Director must be ordinarily resident in the Hunter Region".
Voting Entitlement and Notices
Members who had a minimum of $500 invested with NPBS for a continuous period of at least 90 days immediately preceding 30 June 2010 are members that are entitled to vote at the meeting. If you are a member who is entitled to vote and you have not received notice of the meeting, you may request personal notice of the meeting by sending a written request including your name, address and account number to the Company Secretary at PO Box 5001 Hunter Region Mail Centre NSW 2310.
By Order of the Board
Andrew Yost
Company Secretary
10 September 2010
27 September 2010 $42,000 to aid Vision Australia in New England and North West.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has today joined Vision Australia in Tamworth to celebrate the opening of its new Centre in Peel Street.
The new Centre will meet the growing demand for Vision Australia’s services for people living in the New England and North West regions.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chairman Michael Slater said the new Centre would provide people with vision loss with a seamless range of services previously unavailable in the region.
"The $42,000 in funding provided by the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has been used for a variety of purposes including the creation of a children’s multi-purpose room which will provide a much more welcoming and interesting environment for young children and new equipment, displays and activities to enable people from throughout the New England with vision loss to fully participate in life." Mr Slater said.
"I also understand the relocation of services to the larger premises at Peel Health Care Centre has also allowed for additional specialist staff to assist Vision Australia’s clients.
"Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation is delighted to partner with Vision Australia to help people of New England and the North West who are blind or have low vision to lead active, fulfilling lives," Mr Slater said.
CEO of Vision Australia Gerard Menses said the partnership with Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has enabled a significant advancement in service delivery in the New England and Northern NSW region.
"Through the Charitable Foundation’s tremendous support we have been able to fit-out our state-of-the-art Centre to meet the needs of residents in the region well into the future,’ Mr Menses said.
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.
Picture Opportunity
What: Official Opening
When: Tuesday 28 September 10.00am
Where: Peel Health Campus, 103 Peel Street, Tamworth
22 September 2010 Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation grants more than $175,000 in latest round of funding.
"Whilst we would like to be able to help every applicant, we have been able to support four exceedingly worthwhile projects to support in this round," Mr Slater said.
"The recipients include a variety of projects for young people including drug prevention, vocational training, literacy and health."
Organisations receiving funding include:
Life Education Australia – Hunter Region was granted $100,000 to upgrade and refurbish its Education Centre in Edgeworth used to deliver its drug education program.
YWCA NSW was granted $36,860 to establish a Community Training Café in Lismore to provide a venue for training and work experience for 15-24 year olds at risk.
Aboriginal Literacy Foundation was granted $25,000 to introduce the Books for Learning Program for Indigenous children aged 6-12 in the Hunter and Mid North Coast regions.
Riding for the Disabled Association NSW was granted $18,000 to upgrade facilities and purchase equipment at its Upper Hunter facility to provide 'riding therapy' to disabled young people.
Since it was established in 2004, Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has provided more than $5.5 million of funding to 174 community projects.
"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.
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.
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.