In the least, we've tightened our belts, which not only puts stress on household budgets but also tests family relationships.

For some people the consequences of the downturn have been more dramatic - the loss of employment.

Next week's regional figures could show the Illawarra has the dubious distinction of reaching double-digit unemployment - 10 per cent compared to a national rate of 5.4 per cent.

However, there's an even more disturbing aspect to the recession that we reveal today: the loss of the family home.

Each week at least one mortgaged property is seized by the sheriff, the hideous final chapter when people can't cope with the financial times.

The Federal Government has encouraged banks to show leniency to those under duress. Indeed, some institutions now have more humane practices in place, allowing borrowers to defer loan payments, for instance.

Unfortunately, there is an increasing number of people for whom there appears no escape, the key here to seek help before it is too late.

And there are places to go for assistance. One of this community's virtues, which Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will discover when he visits Wollongong on Monday, is that we have learned to look after each other.