From Susan's Desk
The past month has been another really tough time for so many people across our community.
The Hawkesbury has been once again inundated by floodwater - this time more brutal than the last. And the Blue Mountains community hasn’t escaped, with roads cuts and disruption to transport services. If you know someone in need, I’ve put together some contacts and information in this eNews to help with the initial recovery.
Our government responded quickly to the July floods, but we know there's much more that's needed. We will not walk away just because the glare of the cameras has gone.
Of course, COVID is ever-present in our community, and I’ve also included more information on accessing payments if you are off work and don’t have access to sick leave.
In other news, the first sitting of the 47 th Parliament has taken place and the government has introduced a range of legislation to set our emissions reduction target, reduce the taxes on electric vehicles, improve aged care, bring in paid domestic violence leave, and get rid of the cashless debit card - all things we promised we’d do. We’ve also provided a draft on what a referendum question for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament would be.
In the first fortnight in Canberra I’ve met with a range of stakeholders, including insurers and mental health advocates, and begun meeting with government ministers about the issues we face.
We want this Parliament to bring Australians together to create a better future. Australians voted for change and our government is working hard and delivering.
But clearing up nearly a decade of mess and mistakes will take more than 10 weeks, and we’re using the first sitting weeks of the new parliament to take some important first steps.
Remember, if you have questions or need help with issues from floods to RATs, my team can try to assist. Please don’t hesitate to reach out on (02) 4573 8222 or email susan.templeman.mp@aph.gov.au for assistance.
On a personal note, thank you for the messages of condolence on the death of my dad, who we’re all going to miss. He was 92, and had been declining for some time, but he was content that he’d made the most of his long innings. As one of my brothers said: “There goes a lovely man.”
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Recovery News
Floods
The Hawkesbury Local Government Area (LGA) has been declared a natural disaster area, and recovery centres have been set up once again to provide financial, accommodation, mental health, clean-up, insurance and legal assistance. Please note the centres are now operating SIX DAYS PER WEEK.
- South Windsor Family Centre (6 Greenhills Way)
Mondays/Tuesdays/Wednesday/Friday – 10am to 5pm
Thursday – 12 noon to 7pm
Saturday – 10am to 2pm
CLOSED SUNDAYS (AS OF JULY 31)
- Wisemans Ferry – The Retreat (5564 Old Northern Rd)
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday – 10am to 5pm
Thursday – 12 noon to 7pm
Saturday – 10am to 2pm
CLOSED SUNDAYS (AS OF JULY 31)
Shower ensuites are available at The Retreat Recovery Centre 7am to 7pm daily.
Those needing temporary accommodation should attend recovery centres, or call 13 77 88.
Peppercorn Recovery Support Services can also connect people to services for immediate and longer term needs, including counselling, mental health and financial support.
People can also access Community Hubs throughout the Hawkesbury for support.
Free flood waste collection is available for residential properties that have been impacted by rising flood water. Hawkesbury City Council’s flood waste collection registration is available online, or you can also call (02) 4560 4444. More information is available via council’s website
Storms
The Blue Mountains LGA has also been declared a natural disaster area following landslips, tree falls and road closures in the severe wet weather. More information on local road, reserve and national park closures, as well as public transport alerts, is available via Blue Mountains City Council’s emergency dashboard
Assistance
New assistance has been announced for rural landholders and for people who need to rent while their home is uninhabitable. Information on Federal Government assistance for those affected by natural disaster events is available from Services Australia.
The Australian and NSW Governments will also provide Back Home Grants of up to $20,000 to help renters, homeowners and landlords repair properties and replace belongings lost in the floods.
Hawkesbury residents affected by the July flood will be able to get more information and apply in coming days via this link.
Information on State Government assistance for individuals and businesses is available from Service NSW.
Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre's disaster recovery can provide practical and financial assistance, including vouchers, assistance with utilities and No Interest Loans. Phone (02) 4754 4050 or email admin@winmaleeneighbourhoodcentre.com.au.
The Australian Banking Association has advised my office that banks are offering a range of measures to help customers affected by floods and other natural disasters. Depending on individual circumstances, hardship assistance can include deferral of scheduled loan repayments, waiving of fees and charges, debt consolidation and access to grants. Contact your bank for information.
Donations
Donations for those affected by storms and flooding can be made via GIVIT.
COVID Information
The Federal Government has extended the $750 Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment for those who can’t earn an income because they or someone they care for has to self-isolate or quarantine due to COVID, backdated to July 1. More information is available from Services Australia.
An additional 7.4 million people are now eligible to receive a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose after the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) updated its recommendations to help provide additional protection from severe disease against the emerging surge of Omicron subvariant infections. ATAGI has recommended people aged 50 to 64 years should have their fourth dose, while people aged 30 to 49 years may choose to have a fourth shot. ATAGI reiterated that people who had already been eligible for the fourth dose, including those aged 65 years and over, remain at higher risk of severe disease and death from COVID-19.
Updates to NSW COVID regulations, including information on face masks and international travellers visiting NSW can be found here
Free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) are available to people with disabilities, immunocompromised people and their carers, as well as those who hold a Pensioner Concession card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Care card, Health Care Card or Department of Veterans Affairs Gold, White or Orange card. You can get RATs from NDIS and DCJ providers, or neighbourhood centres including:
- Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre Inc
- Belong Blue Mountains Incorporated – Blaxland
- Bligh Park Community Services Inc
- Glossodia Community Information and Neighbourhood Centre Inc
- Mountains Outreach Community Service Inc – Hazelbrook
- Blue Mountains Aboriginal Culture and Resource Centre – Katoomba
- Blue Mountains Women's Health and Resource Centre Incorporated – Katoomba
- Mountains Community Resource Network Inc – Lawson
- North Richmond Community Centre Inc
- Merana Aboriginal Community Association for the Hawkesbury – Richmond
- Richmond Community Service Inc
- Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Co-operative Ltd
- Strong Nation Community Services – Windsor
- Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre Inc
Mental health help
The Head to Health mental health support line and clinics are available in the Hawkesbury and Penrith to help those whose mental health may be suffering as the result of the pandemic. Call 1800 595 212.
If someone you know needs mental health support the following services are available 24/7:
- Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636
- Lifeline - 131 114
- Kids Helpline - 1800 551 800
- Suicide call back service - 1300 659 467
- NSW Mental Health Line - 1800 011 511
- If you or someone you are with is in immediate danger, please contact 000.
NSW COVID rules
The NSW Government is responsible for the rules and regulations that affect how we can move around in the community. Information about COVID restrictions is available via the government’s website
To keep up with the latest information on COVID statistics, visit the NSW Health website.
- The Australian Government - here
- The Department of Health - here
- The NSW Government - here
- NSW Health - here
- Nepean Blue Mountains Health District - here
- Blue Mountains City Council - here
- Hawkesbury City Council - here
Diabetes subsidies
People with type 1 diabetes are now able to apply for access to subsidised continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and flash glucose monitoring (Flash GM) products through the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS). The government committed to provide subsidised access to CGM and Flash GM technology for all people living with type 1 diabetes during the election. Both NDSS and Diabetes Australia can help provide guidance for newly eligible people with type 1 diabetes about accessing subsidised CGM and Flash GM through the NDSS.
DIY pap smears
Women who need to get a cervical screening test are now able to choose to self-collect a sample themselves. Changes to the National Cervical Screening Program that came into effect on July 1 mean that anyone aged 25-74 with a cervix who has ever been sexually active will be able to choose to have a Cervical Screening Test either by taking their own sample or having a health care provider collect a sample. Both test options are free under Medicare. More information is available via the Department of Health.
National Cultural Policy
What should the future of the arts look like in Australia? The Albanese Labor Government is consulting with artists and creators across Australia as we develop a new National Cultural Policy that will bring drive, direction and vision back to the arts industry. You can share your views and help us develop a comprehensive National Cultural Policy until August 22.
Solar survey
The University of Sydney is surveying Australian households about the use of solar energy to meet their electricity needs. Researchers want to canvas the views of owners and renters living in all types of dwellings as part of a project to find solutions for solar energy to reduce household bills. The survey takes 10 minutes to complete.
Anti-Corruption Commission
The Albanese Government will legislate a National Anti-Corruption Commission by the end of the year. The Attorney-General’s Department has already started work on the legislation, and there will be no barrier to the commission looking into the past – it will be up to the commission to determine if it was in the public interest to investigate allegations of serious and systemic corruption that occurred before its establishment. We now hope all sides of politics can join us in supporting this important reform.
Deadlee Gap fundraiser
Deadlee Gap Aboriginal Café and Cultural Hub is doing some great work providing services and bringing our community together at their Lawson base. The café is growing and planning for the future, with a clear focus on Aboriginal culture and knowledge to support people young and old, and the team is asking for community support. If you or your business are in a position to help with start-up costs, check out their online campaign.
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Business News
Jobs & skills summit
The Albanese Labor Government’s Jobs and Skills Summit will be held at Parliament House on September 1-2. The Summit will bring together unions, employers, civil society and governments to address our shared economic challenges, aiming to build a bigger, better-trained and more productive workforce; boost incomes and living standards; and create more opportunities for more Australians to get ahead and to reach their aspirations. The government has also taken action to address the urgent skills crisis, with the very first piece of legislation introduced to establish Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) - a new independent agency - to provide advice to government that will underpin the response to current, emerging and future labour market and workforce skills and training needs, to improve employment opportunities and economic growth. More information is available from The Treasury website.
July changes
A number of changes for business came into effect from July 1, including to superannuation eligibility, the national minimum wage, company fees and business name fees that could impact your business.
Tax time tips
It’s that time of the year again, and business.gov.au has released some online tax time tips to help with your return. Learn about the best time to lodge your tax return, claiming if you have received COVID-19 support payments, what you can and can't claim and how to start the new financial year on the right foot.
Grants News
Grants finder
If you’re doing business in Australia, business.gov.au’s guided search can help you find grants, funding and support programs from across government.
Saluting Their Service
This popular program is back for another round. The program is designed to preserve Australia’s wartime heritage, involve people around the country in a wide range of activities highlighting the service and sacrifice of Australia’s service personnel, and promote understanding of the experiences of service and the roles that those who served have played in shaping the nation. Grants to a maximum of $10,000 are available for local, community-based projects and activities. For more information, go to the Community Grants hub.
In the news
The Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury in the media:
Be social
You can keep up-to-date with all the news – including speeches, shared content and the latest from Parliament – via my social media channels.
Tune into YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/susantempleman
My Facebook page is www.facebook.com/susan.templeman
Join the conversation on Twitter @stemplemanmp
Out and about
Here’s a sample of some of the people and places I’ve visited in the last few weeks.
Clockwise from top left: With Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama at the first Meeting of State Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) on June 21-23 in Vienna; “Dragging” Milton Dick MP to the chair after nominating him as Speaker for the 47 th Parliament; Talking with Aunty Sue and Sally about the great work Deadlee Gap Aboriginal Café and Cultural Hub is doing in the Blue Mountains; With Cllr Danielle Wheeler and artist Luke Kelly at the launch of Macdonald Valley Public School’s gorgeous new mural recently.
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Keep in touch.
I hope this information has been useful. If there are specific issues you’d like information on, please do not hesitate to ask.
Kind regards,
Susan Templeman
Federal Member for Macquarie
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