Who are WANILS?


The WA No Interest Loans Network Inc. (with the commitment of member agencies) aims to provide families and individuals on low incomes across Western Australia with the opportunity to apply for a loan to purchase essential household items, without the burden of interest charges or fees.

WA NILS® is:

At present, WA NILS provides loans between $200 and $1,500 for the purchase of essential household items, predominantly but not exclusively white goods. It is a commercially operated loan scheme with a central administration office, which services applications received from Network Members throughout Western Australia. Network Members are community organisations and welfare groups located statewide, from Kununurra in the North West, to Esperance in the South East. Around 50% of our loans are approved for applicants of an indigenous background.

WA NILS is not merely a loan scheme. While applicants understand that there is an expectation that loans are repaid, and that they will be entering into a formal loan agreement, the process involved in obtaining the loan has proven to be an outstanding social success in Western Australia.

Applicants are encouraged to obtain the necessary support information for the loan themselves. This includes obtaining proof of income, proof of expenditure, and two quotes for the items being sought. From the applicant’s point of view, it is often the first time they have been in a position to negotiate a price with a retailer, and while daunting for some, most applicants relish the experience. This empowerment, and the sense of achievement the applicant gets when the deal is finalised cannot be overemphasised

The retailers also know that if theirs is the preferred quote, they will be paid directly from WA NILS; effectively a cash deal for them.

WA NILS Structure


The WA NILS Network consists of:

The National NILS network will support its members on issues such as funding standards and general policy. Regular newsletters and teleconferencing between members will assist agencies to stay in touch with the broader issues facing their schemes and clients' lives.

Contact WA NILS if you would like to know more about becoming a Network Member agency.

History of WANILS


Establishment of the WA NILS Network

In February 1999, the Minister for Family and Children Services (FCS), the Hon. Rhonda Parker announced the replacement of the Departmental Furniture Assistance Loans Scheme, with a community based No Interest Loans Scheme, and that funding would also be enhanced to establish the new scheme.

In August 1999, the Minister for FCS signed a memorandum of Understanding with Anglicare WA to act as a sponsor of the No Interest Loans Service (NILS) Network from the period August 1999 to 31 December 1999.

NILS operate in some form in every state. Victoria has the largest number of schemes, over 40 and has formed a state NILS network. Funds for the operation of NILS in Australia are derived from Philanthropic Trusts, Church groups, Local Governments, State Governments and combination of these sources.

The Good Shepherd Sisters in Victoria have made available a grant for the co-ordinator of their NILS program to design and develop a National NILS Network. Although in its early stages, it is envisaged that many of the NILS agencies across Australia will become members. The National NILS Network will support its members on issues such as funding standards and general policy. It seeks from its members a commitment to treat users of the scheme with respect, dignity and to support them to gain a degree of empowerment to enrich their lives.