SHADES OF GREY

The Maryborough and District Committee on the Ageing Inc (MaDCOTA)

The MaDCOTA Office will be closed the week of:
Monday 11 October to Friday 15 October inclusive.

At The Start Of The Storm Season

• Trim trees and remove overhanging branches well clear of your home, and clear guttering and downpipes of leaves etc.
• Check and secure tiles or roofing sheets.
• Protect skylights with strong wire mesh, and fit windows and glass doors with shutters or external metal insect screens.
• Clear your yard of loose materials and rubbish that may blow about, and be dangerous.
• Prepare an emergency kit of:
  • Portable radio, torch, spare batteries;
  • First aid kit and manual, and strong plastic bags; and plastic sheeting, timber strips, hammer and nails (for temporary repairs).
• List your emergency phone numbers and keep on fridge.
• Check your home insurance is current and adequate.

Meals on Wheels Fraser Coast Inc

September has been ticking over nicely at Meals on Wheels Fraser Coast. The spring menu is now in place, and will continue until the beginning of December. The service provided lunch at the Disability Expo held at Town Hall on the 16 September which was another opportunity to showcase Meals on Wheels Fraser Coast. The Annual General Meeting is Friday 3 December.

Client Services are gearing up for the Christmas period, and have started making arrangements with suppliers for donation of goods toward the much appreciated Christmas Hampers clients receive each year. Timeframes for deliveries are being discussed.

Do you want to receive Meals on Wheels?
Contact David on 4121 4297 and he will assist you.

Free "Seniors" Broadband Training

Contact:
M'Bro Computer Users Group Inc. Mike 41 29 01 09

All Seniors Welcome!!

Ombudsman Moves On Rebates

Queensland pensioners have been losing their energy rebates when they receive a new pension card.

The Energy Ombudsman Queensland found some pensioners were losing their concessions when their old card expired. This is despite the fact that it was the responsibility of retailers to validate pensioner concession eligibility with the Department of Communities, Centrelink and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Energy Ombudsman Barry Adams said his office had received several complaints where this did not occur. "I'm disappointed that pensions have been left out of pocket because energy retailers have not done their job," he said. Investigation by EOQ resulted in affected customers receiving new bills with the rebate applied and a compensation payment.

"I understand the billing problems impacting pensioner rebates have now been fixed."

The State Government provides electricity and gas rebates, the Electricity Life Support Concession Scheme and the Medical Cooling and Heating Concession for pensioners. Those eligible for an electricity rebate also do not pay the Community Cover Levy.

"While the onus is on retailers, I would suggest pensioners contact their energy retailer if they receive a new pension card so the rebate continues," Mr Adam said.

www.thesenior.com.au

Do you require a Justice of the Peace?

A Justice of the Peace is available at Station Square for your convenience and no appointment required:-

• Thursday 3.30 pm – 7.00 pm
• Friday 1.30 pm – 5.00 pm

Grandparents, It's Your Day!

Queenslanders will take a day to say thank you to their grandparents when the State becomes the first in Australia to proclaim a Grandparents Day on November 7.

Premier Anna Bligh said the day would honour all grandparents, including those who a primary carers, for their love and support.

Many Queenslanders will have very fond memories of spending time with their own grandparents as a child, and I know many parents rely on grandfathers and grandmothers to provide care and guidance in their family.

There are around 14,000 families in Australia who have grandparents as the main carer.

KinKare spokeswoman Maree Lubach (Grandparent Groups) said the organisation was "absolutely thrilled" the State Government had recognised the important role grandparents play. This will mean so much to grandparent carers. Some grandparents give up their retirement dreams to parent beloved grandchildren when the parents can't.

www.thesenior.com.au

Coming Events and Date Claimers

CraftFest 2010

Local Celebration of the International Year of the Nurse

52 Stalls
Local Artisans many of whom will be dressed in period costume
Sales displays and demonstrations

Official Opening 10am Thursday 13 October
by patron
Cr Barbara Hovard

For further information: Narelle 41 23 29 11

All proceeds from door, raffle & refreshments will be donated locally (Blue Care, Feel Gook Look Good, Cancer Support, Maryborough Base Hospital – Day Surgery and Imaging Depts)

Internet Hire (Seniors Citizens Hall)
333 Alice Street, Maryborough

Maryborough & District Senior Citizens
Monthly Concert

Lucky Door Prize/Raffle

Senior Citizens Centre
"Daily Hall Activities"
333 Alice Street, Maryborough

Why not come along and try before joining!!

For Further Information Contact:-

MaDCOTA Project Coordinator		Ann-Maree	4123 1554
Hall Rental		Colleen	4121 0170
(SCC) The M'bro District Senior Citizens Club Inc.		Barbara	4122 2570
(M'bro) Maryborough/Granville Indoor Bowls		Colleen	4121 0170

The Maryborough & District Committee on the Ageing Inc.