The Golden Wattle mobile service truck will be at Westport Park in Port Macquarie today (Thursday, November 14) to help people impacted by bushfires. Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said residents with damaged homes or people who had been injured in the fire or who had lost a family member should visit the truck and access assistance. "People around Lake Cathie and further afield in the Stockyard Flats and Walcha areas have had a harrowing time battling bushfires," he said. "It's important for anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one, been seriously injured in the blaze or have had their home or business damaged to access assistance by contacting the Department of Human Services. "Our Government through Disaster Recovery Payments can provide a one off lump sum payment of $1,000 to eligible adults and $400 for each eligible child under the age of 16. "We have also extended the Disaster Recovery Allowance to eligible residents in this area to access up to 13 weeks income support. "Residents have been working so hard to protect their properties, help their neighbours and support our rural firefighters. It is important if you have been impacted by bushfire that you reach out and receive the assistance you deserve." The Golden Wattle mobile service truck will be parked near the Westport Park in Park Street from 8.30am-4.30pm. A quick way to access assistance is also to call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
