Planning for

By Lia Bichel
A NOT-FOR-PROFIT organisation specialising in children’s education plans has opened its doors in Cranbourne.
The Australian Scholarship Group Education Program opened a new centre in Cranbourne to help parents plan and save for their children’s eduction.
ASG’s General Manager Development Michelle Hunder said the City of Casey was a natural choice for ASG’s new centre because it was one of Victoria’s largest and fastest growing municipalities. In Casey, there are currently 16,800 Casey children under four years of age.
“Planning for education as soon as possible is becoming more and more important, especially as education has risen at almost twice the rate of inflation over the 15 years,” she said.
“Planning helps to reduce the effects of spiralling education costs in families, which can limit children’s future education opportunities.”
The program allows parents to provide for their child’s basic secondary and post-secondary costs by contributing a minimum of $11 per week. Parents can supplement their program by putting aside additional funds towards their children or grandchildren’s primary, secondary and post-secondary education.
Public Relations Manager ASG Group Janet Thomas said the program was tailored to suit the need and budgets of most families.
“Contributions begin from around $11 a week for the foundation option of ASG’s Education Program,” she said.
“The actual amount parents contribute varies from one family to another depending on the parents’ education goals. For example, parents who wish to send their children to independent schools would need to contribute larger amounts in order to meet their goals.”
Ms Thomas said parents could enrol their children in the program until the child was 10 years of age and most contributed for 12 years.
“ASG encourages parents to plan for their children’s education and begin as soon as possible in order to reduce financial pressure on their family.”
City of Casey residents are urged to participate in a range of educational support initiatives offered by the ASG. Residents are urged to contact ASG Cranbourne Centre Manager John Coughlin on 1800 648 945 or by email on jcoughliin@asg.com.au