• Language no barrier in Cairns

Moneycare Financial Counsellor Kevin van Kuijk and interpreter Alexis Mporana present financial literacy training to the Cairns Corps’ African congregation.

The Salvation Army’s Moneycare service in Cairns, Far North Queensland, has delivered a financial literacy training program through an interpreter to assist members of the local African population.

Moneycare Queensland Team Leader Amanda Rees said the Cairns Corps has an African congregation and its pastor identified that some financial literacy training would benefit members of the congregation.

Local Moneycare Financial Counsellor Kevin van Kuijk jumped at the opportunity to reach more members of the local community and organised training with an interpreter. About 20 people attended the day, held during Anti-Poverty Week in October, which included a free sausage sizzle and stalls from other local organisations.

“We had representatives there from Centrelink, the Women’s Legal Service, Moneycare, The Salvation Army’s Cairns Street Chaplains and Rent Connect,” said Amanda. “After the training, each service representative spoke through the interpreter about their service and how it can help.”

“The community was really engaged.”

Moneycare’s Kevin van Kuijk and Amanda Rees at the Cairns Salvation Army special African financial literacy training day.