Media release
Murray-Darling Basin Drought Bus to visit Regional Victoria
8 January 2008
The Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, today announced the Australian Government’s Murray-Darling Basin Drought Bus will visit four Victorian towns from Tuesday 15 January through to Friday 18 January 2008.
The towns the Murray-Darling Basin Drought Bus will be visiting include Kilmore on Tuesday 15; Yea on Wednesday 16; Avenel on Thursday 17 and Nagambie on Friday 18 January.
Senator Ludwig said specialist rural staff from Centrelink including Rural Services Officers, Social Workers and Customer Service Advisers will be on-hand to provide information on a range of drought assistance payments and other support.
As an additional service, Medicare staff are also available to assist rural families with non-cash transactions, such as paying Medicare claims by cheque or EFTPOS, enrolling people for Medicare, or updating their contact details.
“I encourage farmers, irrigators and farm-dependent small businesses to come and talk to these rural staff about what assistance or other options may be available to them,” Senator Ludwig said.
“Everyone’s circumstances are different, and I strongly urge farmers, irrigators or farm-based small businesses to speak with staff at the bus, or contact the Murray-Darling Basin Assistance and Referral Line on Freecall ™ 1800 050 015.”
The Murray-Darling Basin Drought Bus is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to supporting farming communities in the region.
The $13 million in assistance and support also includes a Centrelink service delivery coordination unit, based in Griffith; a dedicated hotline; and 23 additional Rural Services Officers, psychologists and social workers.
The Murray-Darling Basin Drought Bus will be at:
| Town | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kilmore | The old Service Station site, 58 Sydney Street | Tuesday 15 January | Between 9.30am and 4.30pm |
| Yea | Outside the Shire Offices, The Semi Circle | Wednesday 16 January | Between 9.30am and 4.30pm |
| Avenel | Jubilee Park, corner of Queen and Livingstone Streets | Thursday 17 January | Between 9.30am and 4.30pm |
| Nagambie | Centre Reservation car park, High Street | Friday 18 January | Between 9.30am and 4.30pm |
Media Contact:
Barb Barrett—0448 469 787.