Responding to a brutally honest new report on the living conditions of disadvantaged Australians, released by the Salvation Army on Wednesday, Captain Dean Clutterbuck believes the worrying statistics paint an accurate picture of life in Tamworth for many – and it’s not pretty.

The report, which surveyed more than 1600 Salvation Army clients, found that most of the respondents who were in dire financial and living situations were from areas of regional Australia.

Captain Clutterbuck said Tamworth was no stranger to its fair share of misfortune, and many of the statistics accurately reflected what he had seen since arriving in the city in January.

“This is the most brutally honest study we’ve come across – it has shown some really shocking statistics and we haven’t held back on the true picture,” he said.

“What we’re seeing in Tamworth is a really good reflection of these statistics, in particular those about people who are living on less than $16 a day.

“Our financial counsellors are nodding their heads saying that this is what is happening here, not just for people on Centrelink benefits but those who are self-employed. For example, they could be in a landscaping business and coming into winter they are finding it really tough.

“In some cases there are people surviving on less than $16 a day.

“I’d say that close to 100 per cent of the people we are seeing are in that crisis situation, because by the time they get to us for help, they are on that shoestring budget.”

Captain Clutterbuck said residents of all ages had contacted the Tamworth Salvation Army for help, from single parents to the community’s elder members.

He was most concerned for older people in the lead-up to winter, with some reportedly putting themselves to bed in the late afternoon to keep warm on chilly nights. 

“They will go to bed at 4.30pm to keep warm and won’t get up until the sun is up, because they can’t afford to have the heater on and use electricity,” he said.

“This impacts on how they start to feel about themselves and their mental wellbeing. It rolls into serious situations for some of them.”

Captain Clutterbuck said the statistics showed six out of 10 clients surveyed could not afford an internet connection for their children.

He said while it might not appear to be an important statistic to some, children in dire situations often relied on social media outlets to speak to their peer supports about issues they may not be able to verbalise.

“Even the housing statistics are reflective of what we are seeing here,” he said.

“What may happen is the lease may come to an end for whatever reason, and if that person can’t get their bond released they are always on the back foot.

“What we are seeing here impacts the whole community – this is what’s happening in our homes and our family and our community here in Tamworth.

“To hear this, I would say some people would be shocked.”

“Now these statistics are released, it feels like my wife Rhonda and I can work out of this space and see how this report is reflective of our area, and from there we can go into these areas and bring hope to people in the community.”

Captain Clutterbuck said if residents needed help or knew someone who did, to contact the Salvation Army.

TAMWORTH Salvation Army captain Dean Clutterbuck has urged residents seeking financial advice to contact the organisation’s financial counselling service.

Captain Clutterbuck said Money Care was a free and confidential financial service specialising in helping those who found themselves in difficult situations.

The Salvation Army says it may be able to assist and provide advice if you are having difficulty paying debts or fines; experiencing harassment from creditors or debt collectors; facing legal action regarding your debts; dealing with car or house repossession; worried about being evicted from your home; and struggling living on a low income.

For more information, visit salvos.org.au