Drought bus brings a wealth of information to Cobar
Wednesday June 24, 2009
Members of the Murray-Darling Drought Bus team were in Cobar last Thursday to
discuss a wide range of topics including drought support funds, Centrelink and Medicare issues as well as mental health and more.
The Drought Bus had virtually something for everyone when it called into Cobar last Thursday.
The Federal Government initiative brings representatives from Centrelink, Medicare and a range of other services to rural communities.
Centrelink Rural Services Officer Lisa Harrison, who visited Cobar with the bus, said there was a “constant flow” of visitors when it stopped near Drummond Park.
“We’ve had a lot of enquiries from farmers about Exceptional Circumstances (EC) funding, as well as others asking about things like the carers allowance, family tax benefits, and youth allowance,” Ms Harrison said.
The Drought Bus also brought to Cobar a social worker and a financial information officer, as well as information from organisations such as beyondblue.
“A lot of people are asking questions regarding the budget.
“We’ve had plenty of aged pensioners calling through, both locals and visiting ‘grey nomads’,” Ms Harrison said.
Drought Bus representatives spoke with families about tax benefits and payments, as well as services that are available for isolated children.
Ms Harrison said the visit also allowed her to network.
“In my role I also do on farm visits.
“We have found through our research that the farming population in this area is ageing.
“They want to talk to us about not only what options are available for them once they decide to give up farming, but they are also interested in succession planning,” Ms Harrison said.
“That’s on top of all the usual queries about EC funding.”
The Drought Bus also stopped in Nyngan, Girilambone and Nevertire during its tour of the region last week.
Ms Harrison said she hoped to be able to revisit all of the communities in the near future.
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