FINANCE
Don’ t give up on your
Age Pension claim!
with Jemma from Age Pension Help
This month, I wanted to share the story of my most recent clients, Mary and Gordon from Winston Hills. They both retired at 60yo and 68yo, and they went to Centrelink in December 2025 to apply for the Age Pension for Gordon. Since they don’ t have a computer at home, they were given the paper forms to fill out, 28 pages of Claim form and 20 pages of Income and Assets form. They muddled their way through these and went back a few days later with their complete forms.
When they sat down with the officer at Centrelink, they went through the details of their claim and they were given another form, Details of income stream product, and sent away to fill it in. Mary and Gordon have read over the questions in this form many, many times, and they could not understand where to get the information, or who could help them fill it in. So, they gave up.
Fast forward six months, they saw our article in the Independent Magazine and gave me a call. I have been through their details with them and determined there is no need for the Details of income stream product form since the details are available from their Super fund. Within two weeks we had a meeting, gathered up all their information and supporting documents for their claim, and lodged it with Centrelink.
This is a common story from people I talk to every week, the process is complicated, and Centrelink do not have the support in place to assist people. If you are looking for assistance with your Age Pension claim, or you aren’ t sure whether you’ re eligible, please give me a call. I am passionate that you should be able to get the benefits you are entitled to with a minimum of fuss.
If you would like to chat to one of our expert team regarding your eligibility for the Age Pension, please give us a call on 1300 222 484.
HORNSBY HAPPENINGS
Hornsby celebrates NAIDOC Week
Hornsby Shire Council is marking NAIDOC Week 2026 with a special author presentation and a range of free family-friendly activities across the July school holidays.
The highlight of the program is Stephen Gapps – The Australian Wars on Wednesday, July 8, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Award-winning historian Stephen Gapps will explore the frontier wars that shaped Australia, examining the massacres, resistance and survival of Aboriginal nations during more than 150 years of conflict.
Drawing on extensive research from across the country, Gapps provides insight into a significant chapter of Australian history that is often overlooked. He is widely recognised for his work in raising awareness of the Australian Frontier Wars and received the NSW Premier’ s History Award in 2011 for his book Cabrogal to Fairfield City: A History of a Multicultural Community.
The event forms part of Council’ s NAIDOC Week celebrations, which this year embrace the theme“ 50 Years of Deadly”. The milestone theme celebrates five decades of NAIDOC Week and its role in recognising and promoting the achievements, cultures and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples.
A variety of free activities will also be held at Hornsby Shire libraries throughout the school holidays.
The NAIDOC Week Bush Tucker Talk, presented by Bush to Bowl, will take place on July 6 at Hornsby Library and Pennant Hills Library. The interactive session will introduce participants to native bushfoods, their traditional and modern uses, and the importance of connection to Country.
Families can also enjoy a special NAIDOC Storytime at Hornsby Library on July 9, featuring stories, songs and activities celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
Creative Drop In and Discover sessions will be held at Hornsby Library on July 7 and 14, Berowra Library on July 10, and Pennant Hills Library on July 17, offering hands-on crafts and engaging learning experiences for children.
Hornsby Shire Mayor, Warren Waddell, encouraged residents to take part.
“ NAIDOC Week is an important opportunity for our community to recognise and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” he said.
For more information and bookings, visit the Hornsby Shire Library website.
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 133 // JULY 2026 11