Nina Li from Campsie has lived in Australia for 60 years and was unaware of any pensioner rebates or entitlements that are available but after attending the forum, is now accessing a rebate of $300 for her energy bill, while George Yu from Hurlstone Park was only receiving $100 a year rebate for his energy bills but learnt he was entitled to $285.
The forum was a joint initiative of State MP for Canterbury, Sophie Costs, and the the Chinese Australian Services Society (CASS) at CASS Activity Hall in Campsie, with more than 150 residents attending at the CASS Activity Hall in Campsie.
Ms Cotsis said the forum was success, uncovering serious systemic issues regarding seniors from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, especially pensioners, being unaware of the number of entitlements, rebates and public services offered to them.
“Those who attended now have a better understanding of services that are available to help with their energy, water and gas bills, and other issues such as challenging fines, Medicare, carers allowances and pension information,” she said.
“Residents from my local community who are struggling to afford fresh fruit and vegetables, are resorting to cutting meals or sourcing cheaper but unhealthy meal alternatives.”
Ms Cotsis says seniors are facing many pressures, including the cost of living day by day, and were grateful for the help and opportunity to have face-to-face interaction with service representatives to discuss issues and concerns rather than be pressured to go online for answers and information.
“I’d like to acknowledge General Manger Ivan Wong, and the entire team at CASS for their hard work and effort to organise the forum,” she said.