By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
A COMMUNITY initiative that allows disadvantaged and homeless people to trade their time instead of money is fast making its way to Doveton.
Timebanking, started by the New South Wales Government, is a system that allows people to trade skills and resources instead of paying for them with money.
Chisholm TAFE student Maria Featherston, a Doveton resident, is currently researching the viability of bringing the timebanking initiative to her suburb.
Maria has already interviewed several people from the Doveton Neighbourhood Learning centre who want to participate in the program and she is looking for more.
“By giving practical help and support to others it is possible that people experiencing disadvantage will be able to be given equivalent support when they themselves are in need,” Maria said.
“Thus timebanking may be able to provide a circle of support.
“It may be that establishing a timebank could be effective in empowering individuals to make choices, since the intention is that members define for themselves what they consider to be their assets and abilities.”
The initiative works by a timebank account holder gaining a time credit for doing something for someone else.
“Time is the only measure, not money” Maria said.
“An hour of gardening equals an hour of child-care, equals an hour of dentistry, equals an hour of home repair!
“After someone else from my timebank community does something for me, I ‘pay’ them with a time credit earned previously.”
Maria said a disadvantaged person faces an insufficient income to cope with the basic needs of rent, food, transport, clothing, school fees and utility bills.
And she said the fear of isolation also becomes a mounting concern for those who are less fortunate, and timebanking also aims to address that.
“Another issue for disadvantaged people can be isolation from their communities – mobility issues combined with difficult financial circumstances can keep people alone, not connected with their communities of social life or work.
“Thus any project or social scheme which connects those experiencing social disadvantage to the wider community and which makes it more possible for them to seek paid employment down the track, can be valuable.”
For more information, contact the Doveton Neighbourhood Learning Centre on 9791 1449 or visit www.timebanking.com.au.
