THE MESSAGE. BRINGING INTO FOCUS FILIPINO PRESENCE IN AUSTRALIA
www.kalatas.com.au | Volume 6 Number 1 | OCTOBER 2015
06
Plan your travel now:
Countdown
to light rail
construction
Artist's impression of the George Street light rail.
WELCOME
W
e’re asFROM THE PREMIER
ER
king employers
across
Sydney’s
CBD to work with employees and allow them
NSW Premier | @ @MikeBairdMP
P
to alter their normal travel plans during construction of the new light rail line throuA key component of the Travel Choicgh the city. It’s hoped that by doing so, the
es program is to encourage businesses to
peak hour load will be spread out to eawork with delivery drivers and couriers to
se pressure on Sydney’s transport network
adjust to the new CBD environment and
during the works.
plan ahead to avoid peak periods.
The Transport for NSW’s Travel ChoicAn online tool to assist freight and
es Program has been launched aimed at
delivery drivers locate loading zones in
helping businesses and employees develthe CBD has been developed and can be
op effective travel plans. The program’s
found here http://mysydney.nsw.gov.au/
aim is to reduce peak hour car travel by
guides/commercial-drivers#loading. Busiasking drivers to ‘re-route, re-mode and
nesses can register to be a Travel Choices
re-time’ their journeys.
participant at: http://travelchoices.eventWe have just days to go the first mabrite.com.au or call 1800 632 500.
jor transport change, which is the removFinally, it was good to get down to
al of buses from George Street and we are
Manly Beach this week to announce the
working with everyone to prepare. George Australian Open of Surfing has been seStreet will eventually be out of action, so
cured there for the next three years. I was
we’re strongly encouraging commuters to
joined at the launch of next year’s Austraavoid driving where possible.
lian Open of Surfing by legends Mark OcCBD Coordinator General Marg Prenchilupo and Damien Hardman, and future
dergast has reached a combined total of
star Isabella Nichols.
63,000 employees to make sure the upThe Open is Australia’s biggest accoming changes are communicated.
tion sports and youth culture festival
Travel Choices is an Olympic style cam- and I’m so glad the event has been sepaign that encourages employers to uncured at my local beach until 2018. Sydderstand the travel needs of their employney’s Northern Beaches really comes alive
ees and be as flexible as possible in the
when this event is on and each year thouwork place.
sands of people take part to watch some of
CBD businesses of every size will be ca- the world’s best surfers and skateboardtered for in the program with those emers compete. It’s also a great opportunity
ploying over 500 staff entitled to help
for tourists and visitors to Sydney to head
from a dedicated specialist travel advisor
down to one of the world’s best beachwho will provide individual support and
es and experience Australian surf culture
solutions to manage construction impacts. first hand.
Targeted workshops will be availThe 2016 Australian Open of Surfing
able for the mid-tier employers with toolwill be held from 27 February to 6 March
kits and support information available for
and more details can be found at: www.
smaller employers.
australianopenofsurfing.com
MIKE BAIRD
to a regular
column with Department
of Human Services
General Manager, Hank
Jongen. Here you can find
out important information
about the Australian
Department of Human Services
Government Department
General Manager
of Human Services, which
includes Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support.
TALKING HUMAN SERVICES
ERVICESS
HANK JONGEN
Bereavement Support
I’d like to talk about the support available for people dealing with bereavement.
It is never easy to lose a loved one. Bereavement is an extremely difficult time,
and it can also trigger substantial changes in
the way you manage your finances. This can
be a big challenge for people who haven’t
been involved in managing the household
budget before. The Department of Human
Services has a range of free services available to help in this difficult time.
Our Financial Information Service is a really useful resource for people who have lost
a loved one. Financial Information Service
Officers are not financial advisers, but can
discuss options and provide the information
you need to make informed decisions about
organising your affairs.
The service also offers free seminars on
a range of topics, including estate planning,
retirement income and Aged Care considerations. These seminars are a great resource
for people who are interested in becoming
more financially aware.
It’s also important to focus on your own
health following the death of a partner.
Feelings of sadness and loneliness can be
natural parts of dealing with loss, and we
have resources to help you. We have social
workers who can provide you with support
and put you in touch with organisations like
the National Association for Loss and Grief
or Lifeline or put you in touch with community organisations like Rotary or Apex, if you
are interested in getting involved in social
groups or activities.
In the weeks following the death of a
loved one, you will need to notify organ-
isations and government agencies about
the situation. We can give you a checklist of
people and organisations you may need to
contact when someone dies.
As with all major life changes, it is important to notify the Department of Human Services quickly so that we can determine the payments and services that best
suit you. If you are receiving a payment from
us you may be eligible for Bereavement Payment if your partner, child or a person you
were caring for dies.
If your partner has recently died you
may be eligible for Bereavement Allowance.
This is a short term income support payment that provides financial support while
you adjust to your changed circumstances.
If you are currently receiving Carer Payment, Wife Pension, Partner Allowance or
Parenting Payment, you may continue to receive your payments for 14 weeks following
the death. This will allow you a time of financial stability while you seek other support.
Finally, it is worth discussing organ donation with the people closest to you to ensure they are aware of your wishes. Australia has an opt-in system for organ donation, which means that the consent of your
loved ones will be needed to donate your
organs when you pass away. You can register your wishes on organ donation, either
for or against, on the Australian Organ Donor Register by visiting humanservices.gov.
au/organdonor.
To find out more about our support services, resources and payments for people
dealing with bereavement. Visit humanservices.gov.au/bereavement.