Hawkesbury Showground Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 October Saturday 9am to 3pm | Sunday 9am to 2pm | $ 5 entry fee
WOODWORKING DEMONSTRATIONS SCROLL SAWING • WOOD TURNING WOOD CARVING • PYROGRAPHY MANY CREATIVE CRAFT STALLS
TIMBER SUPPLIERS WOODWORKING EQUIPMENT & TOOL SALES
LIFE & STYLE
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.
Hawkesbury Woodwork and Artisan Show
The artistry and skill of local craftspeople will be on full display when the Hawkesbury Woodwork and Artisan Show returns to the Hawkesbury Showground on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October.
Running from 9.00am to 3.00pm on Saturday and 9.00am to 2.00pm on Sunday, the show promises two days of demonstrations, displays and stalls celebrating creativity in all its forms.
A major drawcard of the weekend is the chance to watch talented makers at work. Visitors will be able to see woodturning demonstrations, intricate scroll sawing, fine wood carving, and the delicate art of pyrography, where designs are burned into timber to create detailed patterns and pictures. These demonstrations offer a rare insight into techniques passed down through generations, as well as modern approaches to the craft.
Beyond the woodwork, the Artisan Show brings together an eclectic mix of handmade creations. Stalls will feature cultural crafts, fibre designs, children’ s apparel, dolls’ clothes, lavender products, and unique homewares including homemade toy boxes. It’ s an opportunity to browse and buy items you won’ t find in the shops, each piece made with care and character.
For those already bitten by the woodworking bug, the show is also a great place to stock up on materials and equipment. A range of timber supplies, woodworking tools and equipment will be available for sale, with expert advice on hand for anyone looking to expand their workshop or take up a new hobby.
The Hawkesbury Woodwork and Artisan Show is more than just an exhibition- it’ s a community gathering that celebrates the region’ s creative spirit. Whether you’ re a hobbyist, a seasoned woodworker, or simply curious, there’ s something captivating about seeing raw timber transformed into furniture, toys, or art. Families are warmly welcomed, with plenty to entertain all ages. From browsing handmade wares to watching craftspeople in action, it’ s an event designed for discovery and inspiration.
Hosted by HAWKESBURY WOODCRAFT CO-OPERATIVE
HAWKESBURY WOODWORK & ARTISAN SHOW
Hawkesbury Showground Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 October Saturday 9am to 3pm | Sunday 9am to 2pm | $ 5 entry fee
WOODWORKING DEMONSTRATIONS SCROLL SAWING • WOOD TURNING WOOD CARVING • PYROGRAPHY MANY CREATIVE CRAFT STALLS
TIMBER SUPPLIERS WOODWORKING EQUIPMENT & TOOL SALES
INFORMATION: Graham Shakespeare 02 45 761 517 Proudly sponsored by HAWKESBURY CITY COUNCIL and BENDIGO BANK
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 124 // OCTOBER 2025 15