Government supports flood clean-up

On Friday I visited Moree to assess the damage of the flood that went through town and offer Federal Government assistance to those most impacted. The flood peaked at 10.43 metres on Thursday morning and although it didn’t quite reach the levels of the 2012 flood, many homes and businesses were inundated with water.

During my visit, I met with a few people whose homes had been affected by floodwater. They are among many who now face a massive clean-up.

The recovery effort will hopefully be made a little easier with disaster assistance made available through the Federal Government.

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) for the March 2021 floods is now available to people who have been adversely impacted by the flood in the Brewarrina, Cobar, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Moree Plains, Narrabri and Walgett local government areas. This is a lump sum payment of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for each eligible child under the age of 16.

You can also claim Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) if you have lost income as a direct result of the floods. Eligible people may receive the maximum equivalent rate of JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance for up to 13 weeks.

The AGDRP and DRA can be claimed by calling 180 22 66. Impacted people have until 24 September 2021 to lodge their claims.

People in the Moree Plains, Gwydir, Brewarrina, Cobar, Gilgandra, Gunnedah, Lachlan, Narrabri, and Walgett local government areas who have been impacted by severe storms and floods from 10 March can also apply for disaster recovery assistance through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Assistance is available to cover the costs associated with the operational response and support households, small businesses, primary producers, not-for-profit organisations and councils as they begin their recovery and look to repair the significant damage caused to homes, businesses and local infrastructure.

Further information on disaster assistance is available at www.disasterassist.gov.au

Five groups receive Inland Rail grants

Five community groups in the Parkes electorate will share in more than $17,000 of grant funding through the Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations Program.

Moree and District Historical Society has received $4,000 to purchase display cabinets for the museum; Narromine Mudyigalang Ladies Group has received $4,000 to replace sewing machines; Narrabri’s Shared Table Community Kitchen has received $4,000; Narrabri Shire Community Radio – 2Max FM has received $2,984 to upgrade the front façade of the studio; and North Star State School P&C has received $2,640 to install a mobile reception booster.

It’s pleasing to see Inland Rail giving back to local communities in the electorate and supporting organisations that are part of the social fabric in our region.

I encourage other groups in the region to apply for the next round of grants, which is open until 30 April. Visit https://inlandrail.artc.com.au/opportunities/sponsorships-and-donations/ to apply.

Apply now for 2021 Volunteer Grants

I am inviting eligible not-for-profit organisations in the Parkes electorate to submit an expression of interest to my office for the 2021 Volunteer Grants program.

Volunteers play a vital role in shaping this electorate; they give countless hours of their time for the betterment of their communities – whether it is being involved with local sporting teams, helping local charities to support some of our most disadvantaged people, or responding to natural disasters and emergencies – as was shown last week as people pulled together to help those impacted by flooding.

Many community organisations have found that the coronavirus pandemic has significantly affected their access to volunteers and these grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 will help local groups reinvigorate volunteering in their communities.

Eligible organisations in the Parkes electorate can download an EOI form for submission to my office by 5pm AEST Friday 16 April 2021.

More information is available by contacting the Broken Hill electorate office on 08 8087 7649 or by visiting www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants/