FINANCE
Are you eligible for
the Pension?
Recently there were updates to the Age Pension rates and eligibility tests, which means there are a number of older Australians who have just become eligible for a part pension. Maybe that includes you?
If you previously checked the eligibility requirements or applied for the Age Pension, but weren’ t eligible, every April, July and October is the time to check again. The full pension tests are usually only reviewed in July each year, but the tests for partial pensions are indexed twice a year in late March and late September, which usually results in an increase in the cut off limits.
The recent updates on 20 March mean that homeowners with assets less than $ 722,000 for a single person, and $ 1,085,000 for a couple, are now eligible for a part pension. And for nonhomeowners the limits are $ 980,000 for a single, and $ 1,343,000 for a couple. Being eligible for even a tiny amount of part pension also makes you eligible for the Pension Concession Card, which provides lots of discounts from Federal and State
governments, easing the burden of high cost of living expenses.
‘ How do I check on my eligibility?’, you might ask. Centrelink has an online calculator, or you can call Jemma at Age Pension Help, and she can quickly check over the phone. This is the first and most important step in our application service which aims to take the uncertainty, wasted time, hassle and stress out of applying for the Age Pension or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
The pension is back dated to the date you apply, not the date you became eligible. The best time to get your application in is as soon as possible! Call us today, 1300 222 484.
WHAT’ S ON
Penrith Highland Festival set for a
spectacular celebration of Scottish culture
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A vibrant celebration of Scottish heritage is coming to Western Sydney, with the Penrith Highland Festival promising a full day of entertainment, culture and familyfriendly fun.
Festivalgoers can expect an actionpacked program
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The Unusual Commoners |
Blue Wiggle), Lachy Gillespie and Dougie Macfarland. The group was formed during a Wiggles tour of the UK, after a passer-by famously described them as“ an unusual bunch of commoners” while they were busking outside Oxford University.
Since then, the band has performed
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featuring approximately 14 pipe bands, highland and Scottish country dancers, and the ever-popular Kilted Warriors strongman displays. There will also be plenty to keep all ages entertained, including 24 amusement rides, climbing walls, showbags and a wide range of food and local market stalls.
Adding to the excitement, visitors can step back in time with a reenactment village showcasing hand-to-hand combat, sword fighting and jousting demonstrations. Animal lovers will enjoy displays featuring Deerhounds and Border Collies, while other attractions include axe throwing, classic cars such as hot rods and Model A Fords, motorcycles, and a quintet competition.
A major highlight of this year’ s festival is the appearance of The Unusual Commoners, a lively ceilidh band featuring Anthony Field( the
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internationally, including appearances in Newfoundland, Toronto and at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. Known for their energetic mix of drums, bagpipes, vocals, piano and tenor banjo, their performances are guaranteed to get crowds on their feet.
Anthony Field’ s passion for Scottish music began prior to his Wiggles career while serving in the Australian Army as a piper with the 5 / 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. Lachy Gillespie also brings his love of traditional tunes to the group, performing on concertina and piano.
Joining them on stage will be Penrith RSL Pipes and Drums Pipe Major Andrew Iverson.
With tickets just $ 15 and free entry for children under five, the Penrith Highland Festival is set to be an unforgettable day out for the whole family.
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SATURDAY OCTOBER 3
Penrith Showground
STATION STREET PENRITH
• Pipe Bands
• Band Quintet Competition
• Amusement Rides
• Highland Strongman
• Highland Dancers
• Hot Rods
• Dog Shows
KIDS UNDER 5 FREE
GATES OPEN 8AM & CLOSE AT 5PM
• Reenactment Village( Viking Ship)
• Jousting / Sword Fighting
• Medieval Martial Arts
• Community Stalls
• Food & Drink Vendors
• Plus Much More!
NO GLASS OR ALCOHOL TO BE BROUGHT IN
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
$ 15PP
PLUS 88 CENTS FEES. TOTAL $ 15.88PP
SCAN QR TO PURCHASE
BRING CHAIRS & RUGS
THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 191 // APRIL 2026 11