Media release
Murray-Darling Basin Drought Bus to visit Northern Victoria
11 January 2008
The Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, today announced the Australian Government’s Murray-Darling Basin Drought Bus will visit four northern towns from Tuesday 21 January through to Thursday 24 January 2008.
The towns the Murray-Darling Basin Drought Bus will be visiting include Katamatite on Tuesday 21; Rushworth on Wednesday 22; Mitiamo on Thursday 23 and Pyramid Hill on Friday 24 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.
“Everyone’s circumstances are different, and people shouldn’t self-assess their eligibility for drought assistance or other support payments and services. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Katamatite | Southern end of Katamatite, Benalla - Tocumwal Road | Monday 21 January 2008 | Between 9.30am and 4.30pm |
| Rushworth | Max’s Maze, Centre car park area, High Street | Tuesday 22 January 2008 | Between 9.30am and 4.30pm |
| Mitiamo | Opposite Mitiamo Hotel, Echuca-Mitiamo Road | Wednesday 23 January 2008 | Between 10am and 4pm |
| Pyramid Hill | Mobile Library Zone, Kelly Street | Thursday 24 January 2008 | Between 10am and 3.30pm |
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