Bundarra farmers invited to Centrelink information day
New South Wales Media Release
Thursday, 1 July 2010
Local farmers affected by the recent Exceptional Circumstances declaration for the Bundarra area are invited to attend a free Centrelink information day on Friday 2 July to find out about the support available.
Centrelink Rural Services Officer Matthew Teece said the information day will run from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the School of Arts Hall in Bundarra, and experienced Centrelink staff will be on hand to answer questions.
"There will be sessions throughout the day which will cover topics including the assistance available, support for the application process, and we’ll also provide information about other Centrelink payments like Family Tax Benefit and Youth Allowance.
Matthew also urged farmers in the Exceptional Circumstances 'buffer zone' to attend the information day.
"We will work closely with those farmers to ensure they can access all the support and assistance they are entitled to," Matthew said.
"For example, the Climate Change Adjustment Program Advice and Training Grant is available to eligible farmers for specialised professional advice and training across a range of areas, to assist them to adjust to the impacts of climate change.
"You don’t have to be in an EC-declared area to apply for the Advice and Training Grant."
Matthew said another option for farmers in the ‘buffer zone’ is the Transitional Income Support Payment.
"This payment provides up to 12 months income support to farmers who need short-term assistance, and may help eligible farmers who will still struggle financially because of the drought, and can help pay for daily living expenses such as food and utilities."
Matthew said it’s very important that people don’t self assess their eligibility for assistance.
"Everybody’s situation is different, so I would strongly encourage farmers in the area to come and see us at the information day to talk about what they might be entitled to."
The Centrelink information day is on Friday 2 July from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, at the School of Arts Hall, Bundarra.
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink Media Contact.