Feb2011 DICKSON NEWS
From your Federal Member for Dickson
PETER DUTTON
Flood recovery
It has been a traumatic beginning to 2011 for Queensland with the continuation of flooding and a terrible loss of life. Locally the Dayboro community certainly rose to the occasion and came to the aid of their friends, neighbours and in many cases total strangers to assist them in what has been a mammoth clean up task.
I would also like to take this opportunity to commend all of those who gave their time, energy and moral support to those in need. Thank you also to all the organisers involved in the community flood meeting that provided an important de-brief and other relevant information for residents. I have included the following details that may still be of some assistance to people during the recovery.
Grants
There are two Federal Government programs which flood victims can access for financial assistance. The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) provides a $1000 payment for those whose home sustains major damage and applications should be in by the end of this financial year. The Disaster Income Recovery Subsidy provides assistance for those who experience a loss of income as a direct result of the flooding disasters and applications need to be in by 28 February 2011. Both programs are administered by Centrelink and those who need to access the assistance should make contact with Centrelink on 180 22 66 to check eligibility. The tax office may provide assistance with any tax liabilities and can be contacted by calling 1800 806 218.
To access Queensland Government grants please call 1800 173 349.
Financial Donations
Financial donations can be made to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal on 1800 219 028 or go to www.qld.gov.au/floods . Alternatively you can donate directly at Coles supermarkets and all major banks or as follows:-
Account Name: Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal
BSB: 064 013 Account number: 1000 6800
Cheques should be made payable to The Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal ABN: 69 689 161 916 and posted to Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal, c/o Department of the Premier and Cabinet, PO Box 15185, City East Qld 4002.
Counselling
Once the initial shock and the floods subside many people may experience significant grief and loss with long term mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Anyone feeling distress should seek help from mental health professionals, telephone counselling services or visit a GP.
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Beyondblue information line – 1300 224 636
Mensline Australia – 1300 789 978
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
Australian Psychological Society – 1800 333 497
More useful information, fact sheets and links can be found on my website at www.peterdutton.com.au or by calling my office on 3205 9977.
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Each year in February Ovarian Cancer Australia runs a national Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month campaign to highlight the symptoms of ovarian cancer and to raise funds for their programs.
Teal is the international colour for ovarian cancer. On Teal Ribbon Day, the last Wednesday in February, all Australians are encouraged to purchase and wear a Teal Ribbon from Ovarian Cancer Australia or your nearest Chemmart Pharmacy, Spotlight, or Napoleon Perdis concept store to show your support for raising awareness of ovarian cancer. During February invite your workmates, friends, or family members to an Afternoon Teal to raise funds for support programs for women touched by ovarian cancer and their families and at the same time provide vital information about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. To register your event, purchase your Teal Ribbon (minimum quantity of 5 ribbons) or get more information go to www.ovariancancer.net.au For information about support services call 1300 660 334.
Neighbour Day
The ninth annual Neighbour Day will be held on Sunday 27 March. This day celebrates community and particularly with recent events will be a great day for us to organise street parties, morning teas or community barbeques. This is an opportunity to come together to strengthen communities and build better relationships to create safer, healthier and more vibrant suburbs and towns. For further information go to www.neighbourday.org
Grants
There are two Federal Government programs which flood victims can access for financial assistance. The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) provides a $1000 payment for those whose home sustains major damage and applications should be in by the end of this financial year. The Disaster Income Recovery Subsidy provides assistance for those who experience a loss of income as a direct result of the flooding disasters and applications need to be in by 28 February 2011. Both programs are administered by Centrelink and those who need to access the assistance should make contact with Centrelink on 180 22 66 to check eligibility. The tax office may provide assistance with any tax liabilities and can be contacted by calling 1800 806 218.
To access Queensland Government grants please call 1800 173 349.
Financial Donations
Financial donations can be made to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal on 1800 219 028 or go to www.qld.gov.au/floods . Alternatively you can donate directly at Coles supermarkets and all major banks or as follows:-
Account Name: Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal
BSB: 064 013 Account number: 1000 6800
Cheques should be made payable to The Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal ABN: 69 689 161 916 and posted to Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal, c/o Department of the Premier and Cabinet, PO Box 15185, City East Qld 4002.
Counselling
Once the initial shock and the floods subside many people may experience significant grief and loss with long term mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Anyone feeling distress should seek help from mental health professionals, telephone counselling services or visit a GP.
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Beyondblue information line – 1300 224 636
Mensline Australia – 1300 789 978
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
Australian Psychological Society – 1800 333 497
More useful information, fact sheets and links can be found on my website at www.peterdutton.com.au or by calling my office on 3205 9977.
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Each year in February Ovarian Cancer Australia runs a national Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month campaign to highlight the symptoms of ovarian cancer and to raise funds for their programs.
Teal is the international colour for ovarian cancer. On Teal Ribbon Day, the last Wednesday in February, all Australians are encouraged to purchase and wear a Teal Ribbon from Ovarian Cancer Australia or your nearest Chemmart Pharmacy, Spotlight, or Napoleon Perdis concept store to show your support for raising awareness of ovarian cancer. During February invite your workmates, friends, or family members to an Afternoon Teal to raise funds for support programs for women touched by ovarian cancer and their families and at the same time provide vital information about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. To register your event, purchase your Teal Ribbon (minimum quantity of 5 ribbons) or get more information go to www.ovariancancer.net.au For information about support services call 1300 660 334.
Neighbour Day
The ninth annual Neighbour Day will be held on Sunday 27 March. This day celebrates community and particularly with recent events will be a great day for us to organise street parties, morning teas or community barbeques. This is an opportunity to come together to strengthen communities and build better relationships to create safer, healthier and more vibrant suburbs and towns. For further information go to www.neighbourday.org
In closing I would like to wish all our teachers and students who are beginning a new academic year all the very best. I look forward to working with teachers in providing information on the Federal Government through school visits and assisting parents and citizen groups through my bikes for primary schools and iPods for high schools programs.
