LOCAL LIFE
Return and Earn- now even more convenient in Emerton
Blacktown residents now have even more options to recycle bottles, cans and cartons with the opening of a new Return and Earn machine at Emerton Village.
This is the 29th return point in the Blacktown City Council area, making it easier than ever for residents to redeem their eligible containers. The machine is located in the car park near Red Rooster, 19 Bunting Street, Emerton, and is open daily from 7.00 am to 10.00 pm.
The new machine features the latest‘ takes-all’ technology, allowing all eligible drink containers glass, plastic and aluminium to be returned through any chute without the need for sorting. This makes recycling quicker and simpler, while still earning the 10c refund.
Users can choose how to receive their refund:
• Print a voucher to redeem for cash or shopping discounts at Woolworths.
• Opt for an e-voucher or direct transfer into a bank or PayPal account via the Return and Earn app.
Support local charities Residents also have the option to donate their refund to one of more than 400 charities listed on the app. Local donation partners include the Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation, which runs Mums and Bubs programs, Elders’ Gatherings, Healing Circles and a homework club.
Alternatively, donations can go to the
current statewide partner, Guide Dogs NSW / ACT, which provides life-changing support for people living with low vision or blindness.
A proven community fundraiser Since launching in 2017, Return and Earn has become a vital fundraising stream for many charities and community groups. More than $ 82 million has been raised from donations and hosting fees across NSW.
Edmond Atalla, Member for Mount Druitt, praised the community’ s commitment to recycling:
“ Blacktown City Council residents are enthusiastic recyclers, having returned over 768.9 million containers through local return points since the scheme began.”
“ More than 14.1 billion drink containers have been recycled through over 660 return points across NSW, delivering $ 1.4 billion in refunds back into people’ s pockets.”
Available
during lunch trade only between 12pm until 3pm. Dine in only. Must present Senior’ s Card. A discount will be applied to the meal of equal or lesser value. Main meals consist of pizza, pasta, risotto and mains. Takeaway specials will be charged full price. Takeaway of specials will incur a surcharge. Commences Wednesday 3 September 2025 until Friday 28 November 2025. No substitutions or variations. Members price, members discount already applied. Members only special, must present membership card. No further discounts apply. Images are for illustrative purposes only. Offers not available on Public Holidays or special event days. Available until sold out. Available only during piazza trading hours.
CSIMARCONI
81 South Street, Schofields NSW 2762 Ph 02 9627 4435 www. csimarconi. com. au
Eligibility for partial Age Pension
Are you over 67 years old and still working? Do you know whether you are also eligible for a partial Age Pension? Let’ s talk about the income test …
One of the most common enquiries I have is from people who are working part time and retiring in a couple of months. They are preparing for retirement and want to get the Age Pension organised to coincide with that date.
What they don’ t realise is they have been eligible for a part pension and the pension concession card for some time. Maybe they have held back because they weren’ t sure about their eligibility, maybe they think Age Pension is only for retirees, or perhaps they just don’ t have the time, the fact is that you can be working and also be eligible using the income test.
The income test includes employment, self-employed, investment and other government payments. The sum of all these incomes is capped at $ 2,516 per fortnight for a single person, and $ 3,844 for a couple. In addition, if you or your partner are over 67 years old the Work Bonus is applied and this increases your allowed employment income by $ 300 each per fortnight. Does this sound like you?
The benefits of applying immediately are that even if you are only eligible for $ 1 per fortnight in Age Pension, you will still receive the Pension Concession Card which provides an estimated $ 5,000 per annum of discounts and benefits. Additionally, when life changes, such as you reduce your hours, or retire, the pension rate will change immediately and you won’ t have to wait for weeks to get the increase.
Don’ t wait until you are about to retire!
If you are over 67 years old, find out today whether you are eligible for a partial pension and Pension Concession Card, by giving us a call. We specialise in providing personalised assistance to people who are applying for the Age
Pension. We use easy-tounderstand language, no need to go online, no forms to fill out, just a friendly person at the end of the phone. Call us today, 1300 222 484.
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 55 // OCTOBER 2025 11