Publication:Sea Talk Summer 2008/$1.5 million in loans to RAN families for Christmas

Not everyone will be home for Christmas: Pic shows Australian and US sailors of Task Force 158 responsible for the security of Iraq’s oil export infrastructure and sea lines of communicationin the northern Persian Gulf patrolling in USS Nitze’s seaboat with Khawr al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT) in the background. CDRE Bruce Kafer, who took over as Commander TF158 in October, is at the helm.

The RAN Relief Trust Fund (RANRTF) has enabled the families of more than 1500 Navy personnel to have a more festive season with more than $1.5 million in short-term $1,000 loans being made.

Many members indicated they were simply buying Christmas presents, while several others said they would be using the money for a family holiday or as another opportunity to fund reunion travel at this special family time.

The Christmas loan was introduced as a new service in 2006 with 1302 loans made. It was offered again last year with 1564 personnel taking advantage of the loans. The success of the Christmas loan and feedback from members saw the board decide to offer it again this year.

The availability of the $1000 Christmas loan was canvassed in the last edition of Sea Talk and a signal was released announcing the loan, including the loan conditions for eligible personnel.

Through the loan, the RANRTF is providing a $1000 loan paid into a nominated financial account on either December 4 or 5 . The only fee is a nominal $10 administration charge and the loan has a delayed repayment schedule - starting on February 5 next.

Loan recipients may use the loan for any reasonable purchase over the Christmas period and receipts are not required. If they were already repaying an existing RANRTF loan and had sufficient pay funds, they could also apply for the Christmas loan.

The RANRTF is provided with excellent financial support from the RAN Central Canteens Board. This enables the RANRTF to continue to assist in the retention of our people, through contributing to the welfare and wellbeing of Navy members and their families in having a great Christmas season.