Dear Members,
As part of the PANSW's response to the ongoing flood emergency in various Local Government Areas (LGAs), we have been working behind the scenes to ensure our members have access to both Federal and State Government assistance programs.
Following our lobbying of the Deputy Premier, we are happy to advise that the recently-announced Back Home Grants will now be able to be accessed by members as the scheme will not be low-income means-tested unlike other related schemes.
Am I eligible?
The program has been made available to residents in the Hawkesbury, Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed LGAs.
Further information about the grants and eligibility criteria are listed below:
• Eligible owner-occupiers and landlords will receive up to $15,000 through the Back Home Grants program to repair and refit damaged homes
• An additional payment of up to $5,000 per property can be accessed to replace essential household items (this is only available to renters and owner/occupiers)
• A maximum of $20,000 will be available for any one property
• The property must be assessed as damaged, destroyed or uninhabitable.
• The owner or renter must be uninsured or unable to claim insurance.
Note: Members who have received the means-tested Disaster Relief Grant are not eligible for this package.
For more information, please access the NSW Government website which outlines Federal schemes and links to the application process for the Back Home Grants. A related media release is also available here.
Further welfare assistance
The PANSW, through its Welfare Assistance Scheme, has assisted many members directly affected by the recent flooding events assisting with immediate financial support at the time. The PANSW will continue to advocate for those who have lost property and possessions during this tragic event while serving the communities they police.
If you or your colleagues require assistance, please contact the Information Organising Centre on (02) 92656777 or via email.
Tony King
PANSW President