Money mentor an Australian first

Julie Appo is Australia’s first Indigenous money mentor of Aboriginal descent.

Australia’s first Indigenous money mentor of Aboriginal descent, Julie Appo, has just started work at the Lismore Neighbourhood Centre. And while she has the formal qualifications to help people manage their money, she has also experienced what it’s like to be broke.

“I know what it is like to have no money and be living from pay day to pay day and on a tight budget,” Julie said. “I’ve been a single mum for most of my life. For years I was an oyster diver and I understand what it’s like to be unemployed and have to make ends meet.”

Julie, an Aboriginal woman from the Tweed area, said it was a big achievement to be an Indigenous money mentor and she was very proud.

“It’s a good sign I got the position even though it was not advertised as an Indigenous position,” Julie said. “It’s good for Indigenous people because it will encourage them and shows that there can be a positive outcome if you study and persist. I want to be an integral part of the networking system and help to change things.”

Julie said there are six Indigenous money mentors across Australia, funded through the NAB’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

“An important part of my job is going out to the Indigenous community and talking about finances and budgeting and referring people to the appropriate services,” Julie said. “Most people are scared; they get into trouble and money is a taboo subject. I am hoping to encourage people to open up and look into their finances and where they are at.”

Julie said she would offer people the opportunity to have confidential, one-on-one appointments where they could discuss any financial issues they were having.

“I can help people who may be having difficulties with mobile phone contracts or predatory rental companies, and can help them access affordable micro-finance options like no-interest loans,” Julie said. “People could be having credit card debt or budget issues. If they are having marriage breakdowns or want to talk about child support issues, they can also come and see me. I can help them with anything to do with finances, like repossession, bankruptcy and real estate and tenancy issues, such as if they fall behind on rent or mortgages.”

Julie said she felt it was a privilege to work with people in the community and help them with budgets.

“I can also help people tidy up bad debts with the Department of Housing,” Julie said. “It’s important to tidy up issues and move on.”

Before she became an Indigenous money mentor, Julie worked managing hostels and said budgeting and helping people manage their finances was a big part of her role.

Julie said she had been spending a lot of time building networks in the Northern Rivers and encourages Indigenous people who are having financial issues to make an appointment to see her.

If you want to make an appointment to see Julie, phone the Lismore Neighbourhood Centre on 6621 7397. If you live out of town, Julie can arrange to meet you in your local area.

“I’m really looking forward to getting into appointments,” she said. “I’m excited to get in touch with the community and make sure that people know what services there are available for them.”