FINANCE
Are you eligible for the pension?
What is your immediate reaction when you think about, or someone mentions Centrelink? My guess is that“ easy to deal with”,“ fast”, and“ easy to understand”, are not some of the phrases which spring to mind.
It is for this reason, many people who are entitled to the Age Pension, even if only for a small amount, don’ t bother trying to claim. They don’ t want to go through the stress of deciphering the claim process, or don’ t have the time to spend hours on hold, waiting to talk to someone. At a minimum, this means that they are missing out on the many Federal and State government rebates and discounts which are available to Pension Concession Card holders.
The ABS reports that the average age of retirement is 55 years old. We calculate that the average age of our clients, when applying for the Age
Pension, is 70 years old, despite the eligibility age being 67 years old. The ABS also report that 30 % of retired women have no personal income( no government pension and no superannuation), compared with 7 % of men.
Don’ t wait until you retire! If you are over 67 years old, find out today whether you are eligible for a partial pension and Pension Concession Card, by filling in the Centrelink Payment Finder online.
Alternatively, give us a call and we can do a quick check over the phone. We specialise in providing personalised assistance to people who are applying for the Age Pension.
We use easy-to-understand language and apply our experience to anticipate any potential requests for more information.
Call us today, 1300 222 484.
Chamber Philharmonia Cologne returns!
Residents of the Hawkesbury and surrounds are invited to enjoy an unforgettable afternoon of classical music when the internationally acclaimed Chamber Philharmonia Cologne returns to Windsor for a special concert in early 2026.
One of Germany’ s finest chamber ensembles, Chamber Philharmonia Cologne will perform at St Matthew’ s Anglican Church, Windsor, on Sunday, 22 February 2026 at 3.00pm, offering local audiences the rare opportunity to experience world-class musicianship right here at home.
The concert will present a rich and varied program of classical masterpieces spanning several musical eras, featuring works by Antonio Vivaldi, W. A. Mozart, Felix Mendelssohn, George Frideric Handel, Luigi Boccherini and virtuoso violinist-composer Pablo de Sarasate. Blending beloved favourites with exciting discoveries, the program reflects the ensemble’ s signature approach of balancing the familiar with the fresh.
“ Classical Music Around the World” is the guiding philosophy of Chamber Philharmonia Cologne. Whether performing in a small village church, a cathedral, an open-air venue or a grand concert hall, the musicians bring the same passion, precision and dedication to every performance. Their mission is simple but powerful – to inspire people of all ages to enjoy and connect with classical music.
Founded in Cologne, a city renowned for its University of Music and long tradition of cultural education, the ensemble draws on generations of outstanding musical training. Cologne continues to serve as a creative hub where musicians gather, collaborate and prepare before taking their artistry to audiences across the globe.
Today, Chamber Philharmonia Cologne tours extensively throughout Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Ireland, Spain and Germany, performing around 200 concerts each year. This unique touring concept allows musicians and soloists to continually grow artistically, explore new repertoire and expand their musical horizons.
The ensemble’ s ever-growing repertoire ranges from the Baroque and Classical periods through to Romantic and Modern works, creating engaging programs where Mozart and Vivaldi can meet composers such as Sergei Prokofiev and Astor Piazzolla.
To touch hearts and inspire through music – this is classical music at its finest.
Bookings: www. trybooking. com / DHSCO Door sales: Available at St Matthew’ s Anglican Church from 30 minutes prior to the concert( cash only).
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THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 189 // FEBRUARY 2026 11