2021 LEGAL AID NSW Legal Topics for Older People Calendar - NSW Government
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2021 LEGAL AID NSW
Legal Topics for Older People Calendar
Artwork: © Luke Penrith
FOREWORD FROM THE LEGAL AID NSW CEO
BRENDAN THOMAS
I am delighted to present a new resource dedicated to older people within the community – the 2021
Legal Aid NSW Legal Topics for Older People calendar.
The 2021 Legal Aid NSW Legal Topics for Older People calendar is an adaptation of the Legal Topics for Older
People Diary and I expect that it will be a successful alternative that is practical and easy to use.
This marks the tenth year that Legal Aid NSW has produced a resource dedicated to older members of the
community to help protect their legal rights, raise awareness about legal issues and assist in accessing services.
As an Aboriginal Australian and a long-time advocate for increased access to justice for all, I am committed to
ensuring that Legal Aid NSW continues to assist Aboriginal communities – particularly older Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islanders in regional areas of NSW. As such, this calendar has been created with older Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people in mind, with a special section dedicated to Aboriginal legal issues. We have also featured a
commissioned piece of art by Aboriginal artist Luke Penrith, who works and lives on Wiradjuri Country.
This calendar would not have been possible without the generous support of the Law Society of NSW.
We are thankful for their continued support of Legal Aid NSW and this publication for older people.
On behalf of Legal Aid NSW, I wish you a happy and prosperous 2021.
Brendan Thomas, CEO
Legal Aid NSW
2021 LEGAL AID NSW
LEGAL TOPICS FOR OLDER PEOPLE CALENDAR
We at Legal Aid NSW have created this resource to highlight some of the legal concerns that people often talk to our staff about.
We have included information about:
For each of the topics, you will find information that is important for you to know as you get older. We have also included information about
the services that can assist you.
At the back of this resource, you will find a Community Directory that includes the details of relevant legal services, including LawAccess NSW.
The LawAccess Hotline is your gateway to legal information in NSW. They can give you legal information or help you book an appointment
with your local Legal Aid NSW office, Aboriginal Legal Service or Community Legal Centre. The Community Directory also lists other national
and NSW based services that can help you. After 2021, you can remove the Community Directory from the calendar and keep it for future use.
We hope you enjoy using this resource as much as we enjoyed creating it for you.
MAKING A WILL
It is very important for everyone to have a Will. Even if you don’t
own property, you should still have a Will.
A Will is a legal document that sets out how you want your assets,
also called your estate, to be distributed after you die. The executor
is the person you appoint to be responsible for making sure that your
estate is distributed according to your Will.
Top tips
• Get professional help to make your Will so you know it is
legally valid – you can see a solicitor or call the NSW Trustee
and Guardian on 1300 364 103.
• Review your Will regularly to make sure it is up to date with
your current wishes.
• Store your Will in a safe place and tell someone close to you
where your Will is. They will need to find it after you die.
DID YOU KNOW?
Dying without a Will, also called intestate, does not automatically
mean that your estate will be divided between your family or friends.
If you don’t have a Will, your estate will be distributed according to
intestacy laws and people may miss out or not get what you intended
for them to have.
A hot air balloon drifting past a vineyard in the Hunter Valley
JANUARY 2021 Public holiday School holiday
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
1 2 3
COMPASS
Compass is a national website navigating elder abuse in Australia. Have a look at
the website to find information and resources www.compass.info
New Year’s Day
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Orthodox
Christmas Day
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Orthodox New Year World Religion Day
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
International
Day of Education
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Yabun Festival /
Australia Day
PLANNING AHEAD
It is important that you make plans while you are fit and healthy.
Planning ahead documents will make sure that you have a say in
how you will be looked after if you lose capacity and can’t make
decisions for yourself. Choosing a Power of Attorney or an Enduring
Guardian will also make sure that you are happy with the people
who make decisions for you.
What do you need?
• Enduring Power of Attorney – will make decisions
about your property, financial and legal affairs including
managing your bank accounts, paying bills, and buying
or selling property.
• Enduring Guardian – will make personal and lifestyle
decisions for you, like deciding where you live, which
doctor you go to, what medical or dental treatment and
other services you get.
• Advance Care Directive – will include your instructions
for doctors and health care workers about the treatment
you want or don’t want in the future. Make sure you tell
your doctor, family and Enduring Guardian about what is
in your Advance Care Directive, so they know what to do
if they need to make decisions for you.
For more information on planning ahead, you can call the
NSW Trustee and Guardian on 1300 364 103.
Aerial view of Broulee Beach, near Bateman’s Bay
FEBRUARY 2021 School holiday
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
International
Day of Women
and Girls in
Science / World
Day of the Sick Chinese New Year Valentines Day
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Sydney Gay
Ash Wednesday / and Lesbian
Shrove Tuesday Lent begins Mardi Gras starts
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Palm Sunday /
First day of Passover
DID YOU KNOW?
You can make changes to your planning documents if you change your mind about the details or the people you have appointed. You need to do this
when you have capacity. If you are worried about what might happen, get legal advice. Call LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529.
BUYING GOODS AND SERVICES
Have you bought something that doesn’t work? Have you paid
someone to fix something and they didn’t do a good job? You have Top tips
rights when you buy goods and services.
• Keep your receipts
Goods and services come with a guarantee that they will be of
• Get quotes in writing
acceptable quality. This means goods must be safe, in good working
order and do all the things you would normally expect them to do. • Get a second quote so you can compare prices
Services you buy must be provided with acceptable care and skill, • Complain to Fair Trading NSW if something goes wrong
give the results that you and the business agreed to and be delivered
in a reasonable time. If they don’t, you may have a right to have You can contact NSW Fair Trading for help.
the thing you bought repaired or replaced, get a refund, cancel the
Call 13 32 20 or visit www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
contract or get compensation.
Panoramic shot of the Bega Valley region
MARCH 2021
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Sydney Gay
and Lesbian
First day of Autumn Mardi Gras ends
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
International
Women’s Day
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Harmony Day /
International Day for
National Close the Elimination of
St Patrick’s Day the Gap Day Racial Discrimination
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Earth Hour
29 30 31
Green Tip
Plant a simple backyard garden. It doesn’t have to be huge or
complicated and it’s a good way to get Vitamin D.
Lent ends
AVOIDING SCAMS
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. What can you do?
Scams are designed to trick you to give away your personal • Hang up if you get a call asking for money or your bank details
details or your money. They can be done by phone, mail, in
person and online. The internet has given new life to old scams • Don’t be pressured into giving away any personal information
and created new ones. • Don’t click on links in unexpected emails or messages
• Use strong passwords
If you think you have been scammed, get help, you are not alone. • Install anti-virus software
Contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160. IDCARE is a free government- • Limit online personal information
funded service that help support you throughout the process.
Some common scams are:
• Investment scams: They offer a “not to be missed” financial
opportunity offering “low risk” with “high returns”.
• Romance scams: They play on your emotions to get you to give
money, gifts or personal details.
• Remote access scams: They try to get access to your computer
and personal details and tell you to buy new software.
• ATO phone tax scam: Scammers say they’re from the ATO and
accuse you of tax fraud and threaten with arrest if you don’t
transfer money to them.
Unusual rock piles on the road to Dubbo
APRIL 2021 Public holiday School holiday
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
Green Tip 1 2 3 4
Compost kitchen scraps for use in your garden — turning waste into
fertilizer. Even better, think about reducing your food waste when you are Easter Sunday /
on the go by collecting your lunch scraps, like apple cores or bread crusts, Last day of
Passover / Daylight
and taking it home to compost.
April Fool’s Day Good Friday Easter Saturday Saving Time ends
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Easter Monday
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Ramadan begins
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Anzac Day
26 27 28 29 30
FINANCIAL HARDSHIP
If you can’t pay your bills, you may be experiencing financial
hardship. We know that these sorts of problems can get worse These are some other places you can go to for help:
over time if you don’t do anything about them, but there are a
lot of places you can turn to for help. • If you are on Centrelink or a low income you may be
able to get a no interest loan from the No Interest Loans
Scheme (NILS) to pay for essential goods and services – see
Centrelink has 2 types of emergency payments for people that are
Community Directory for more information.
eligible for income support.
• Ask your bank and utility provider for a hardship
Crisis payments are available if you experience:
arrangement to pay off your bills and avoid taking out high
• severe financial hardship cost loans or ‘payday loans.’
• an extreme life change (you leave a violent relationship, • You can get free help through Financial Counselling
are a refugee or are getting out of jail)
Australia. Call 1800 007 007 to find someone near you.
• a natural disaster
Centrelink can also give you an advance payment. This is your
usual Centrelink payment, but paid earlier because of your financial
hardship. It is not an extra payment.
A pier in the Coffs Harbour Marina
MAY 2021
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
31 1 2
TOP TIP
You might be able to get savings and rebates from the NSW Government.
Call Service NSW on 13 77 88 to book a cost of living assessment.
Orthodox Easter
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
African World
Heritage Day Mother’s Day
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
International
Ramadan ends Nurses Day
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
World Day for
Cultural Diversity
for Dialogue and
Development
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
National
African Reconciliation
Liberation Day National Sorry Day Week begins
COMPLAINING TO THE OMBUDSMAN
An ombudsman is an independent person who investigates and NSW Ombudsman
resolves complaints between parties in a fair and impartial way. If you • If your social housing provider has not responded to a
have an issue with an organisation that you can’t resolve with them maintenance request
directly, you can go to the industry ombudsman to resolve the dispute.
These are some examples of issues that you can get help with. • If the local council has made a decision that affects you without
giving you notice
Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman
• Being treated unfairly or unreasonably by a NSW State
• Paying for services you didn’t know about or agree to Government agency
• Direct debit taken without notice or permission
• If you are ignored or taken advantage of because of your age,
cultural background, disability or remote location
Fair Work Ombudsman
• Not paid the right amount
• Not getting the right amount of leave or entitlements
• Being threatened or discriminated against by your employer
Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW
• Receiving a higher than normal bill or estimated bill
• Not receiving your rebate or concession
• Being denied an extension or payment plan
• Being pressured to sign or agree to a contract
If you are unsure whether you should go to the ombudsman,
get some legal advice. Call LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529.
Old Trestle Rail Bridge near Narrandera
JUNE 2021 Public holiday School holiday
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
1 2 3 4 5 6
National
Reconciliation
Week ends / World
First Day of Winter Mabo Day Environment Day
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
World Refugee
World Elder Abuse Day / Refugee
Queen’s Birthday Awareness Day Week starts
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Refugee Week ends
28 29 30
Green Tip
Collect rainwater and use it to water your houseplants and garden
LEGAL ISSUES FOR OLDER ABORIGINAL
AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDERS
Civil Law Service for Aboriginal Communities (CLSAC)
Legal Aid NSW has lots of specialist legal services operating across NSW. These teams focus on one client group or legal issue to provide
the highest quality specialist legal advice and support.
The Civil Law Service for Aboriginal Communities (CLSAC) works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients with legal issues that
impact on everyday issues such as debts, unpaid fines, discrimination, tenancy issues, Centrelink disputes and more.
Reparations for Stolen Generations survivors Payments for sexual abuse survivors
The NSW Stolen Generations Reparation Scheme allows You can apply to the National Redress Scheme for counselling
for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to receive a payments (between $10,000 and $150,000) and an apology
recognition payment from the Government if, before 2 June if you are eligible. You can get this compensation in addition
1969, you: to any Stolen Generations payment you get.
• were removed by, or For more information on how to apply, call:
• came under the care of the Aborigines Protection or • The National Redress Scheme on 1800 737 377
Welfare Boards. • Knowmore on 1800 605 762
The Reparation Scheme finishes on 30 June 2022. It is
important to make an application before this date.
Contact CLSAC on 1800 793 017 to get help or advice about
making an application.
Funerals Money Issues
There are special services available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can get free help
Islander people to provide advice or assistance with funerals. at tax time from trained volunteers at the Australian Taxation
The NSW Aboriginal Land Council may be able to help Office (ATO), if you are on a low income. For help, call the
Aboriginal people in NSW with funeral costs. To find out if you ATO Indigenous Helpline on 13 10 30.
are eligible and obtain a claim form, call 1800 647 487 or visit The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has an
www.alc.org.au. Indigenous Outreach Program that can give Aboriginal and
Legal Aid NSW has a service for Aboriginal people – the Torres Strait Islander people information and take complaints
Civil Law Service for Aboriginal people – that can help about financial service providers, including funeral insurers.
with questions about funeral insurance and problems with Call 1300 365 957.
paying for funerals. To get advice, call 1800 793 017 or visit
www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au.
LEGAL ISSUES FOR OLDER ABORIGINAL
AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDERS
Community events Red Ochre Musical Festival
There are lots of exciting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Celebrating Wiradjuri culture, this festival takes place annually at Victoria Park
in Dubbo.
cultural events happening across NSW. Here are just a few events
that you can get involved in.
NAIDOC Week
Koori Knockout NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is celebrated by all Australians
The South Coast Black Cockatoos are dedicated to hosting the 50th NSW and is a great opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout Carnival at Bombaderry Sporting Complex Islander communities.
on October long weekend, 2021 after the event was cancelled in 2020 due to
COVID-19.
Aboriginal Elders Olympics
This annual cultural event involves Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders
(50 years and over) coming together to participate in friendly competitive sport
and promote healthy lifestyles and wellbeing.
Boomerang Festival 2–5 April 2021
Held at Byron Bay, this festival features dance, theatre, music, comedy, film and
visual arts, as well as cultural knowledge exchanges and talks, introducing the
First Nations Film Festival, panels and forums. The Three Sisters; Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo; towering above the Jamison Valley
Gai-mariagal Festival DID YOU KNOW?
Held during NAIDOC week, this festival aims to raise awareness of Aboriginal Transport for NSW has a Funeral Transport ‘Sorry Business’ project that can help
and Torres Strait Islander people living in the North Sydney region. It includes with transport for Aboriginal people in NSW to attend funerals of friends or
art exhibitions, films, environment walks, performances, workshops and talks in community members if you can’t get there any other way. Call 1300 361 787.
venues across Sydney.
JULY 2021 School holiday
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
1 2 3 4
NAIDOC Week starts
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
NAIDOC Week ends
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31AGE DISCRIMINATION
It is against the law for someone to be treated less favourably than
others because of their age in most areas of public life. This includes
employment, accommodation and when providing goods and services.
Discrimination can he hard to spot, but we know it happens to older
people. This case study is one example of how discrimination can happen.
CASE STUDY
Ken is 64 and works in retail. Ken was told the business was being
downsized due to COVID. Ken was told he wasn’t needed anymore. He
had worked there for nearly 10 years. Ken saw that none of the younger
staff, who had worked there for less time, had been let go. Off the record
his boss told him that the business was trying to attract a younger market
and that he just didn’t “fit” anymore. When Ken became upset, his
manager said, “you’re going to retire soon anyway”. Soon after Ken left,
he saw that the business was actually advertising for new staff.
What are Ken’s options?
Ken can make a complaint to:
• Australian Human Rights Commission
• Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW
• Fair Work Commission
Time limits apply – get legal advice if you think discrimination
has occurred.
Jacaranda trees over rural street in Victoria Park, Dubbo
AUGUST 2021 Public holiday
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
30 31 Green Tip 1
Store-bought cleaning products can be expensive and damaging on the
environment. Make your own environmentally friendly cleaning products using
ingredients like baking soda, soap flakes, lemon, corn-starch and vinegar.
Legacy Week begins
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
National
Aboriginal
and Torres
Strait Islander
Bank Holiday Children’s Day Dying to Know Day
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Muharram
(Islamic New Year)
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
International Day
of the World’s
Indigenous PeopleCENTRELINK
If you are receiving a government payment through Centrelink, you
need to make sure you tell them when your circumstances changes.
You should contact Centrelink within 14 days if:
• your personal circumstances change
• you change your address
• your or your partner’s income or assets change
• you loan or gift money or assets
• you go back to work
• you don’t have to lodge a tax return
• your care arrangements change
• you are leaving Australia
If you don’t tell Centrelink about changes in your life, they may
pay you too much and you will have to pay the money back. If you
deliberately don’t tell Centrelink about these changes, you could be
charged with fraud.
Aerial view of Lake Jindabyne
SEPTEMBER 2021 School holiday
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
1 2 3 4 5
First day of Spring Father’s Day
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Rosh Hashanah
starts (Jewish International
New Year) / Literacy Day /
Legacy Week ends Rosh Hashanah ends R U Ok? Day
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30
TOP TIP
If you have any doubts about reporting to Centrelink or are wondering
if something you are planning to do may affect your pension, you can
talk to a Financial Information Service (FIS) Officer at Centrelink.HELPING OUT YOUR FAMILY
We know that children or family members often ask older members
of the family for financial support. This usually happens with a Get legal advice before you:
promise or expectation that the family member will care for them in
• Give a family member money
the future. If this is happening in your family, we have some things
for you to think about. • Allow your home to be used as security for a loan
• Transfer your home to a family member
• Pay for an extension or granny flat on your child’s property
It’s really important to get independent legal advice to
protect yourself.
‘Independent’ means that you do not use the same
financial advisor or lawyer as your child.
What to look out for
• Your pension or tax can be affected
• You may not be able to pay for aged care in the future
• Your child may evict you, not pay back the loan, sell the
house, divorce or die
• Your child may not provide the care you need
• If you don’t have a written agreement, it can be hard to get
your money or home back
Historical courthouse in Wagga Wagga
OCTOBER 2021 Public holiday School holiday
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
1 2 3
Green Tip
Minimise packaging by picking loose fruit and vegetables and taking
your own reusable bags and containers to the shops.
International Day Daylight Saving
of Older Persons Time starts
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
World Mental
Labour Day Health Day
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
National
Grandparents DayYOUR HOME
Renting
Where to find information about renting:
1. The Residential Tenancies Agreement or lease
2. The NSW Fair Trading website (www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au) has
information on starting a tenancy, your rights and obligations
during a tenancy and ending a tenancy. It also has information for
residents of retirement villages and manufactured home parks.
3. The NSW FACS website has information on social housing:
www.facs.nsw.gov.au
4. Tenants NSW and NSW Fair Trading can also offer you advice and
advocacy services.
If you have a dispute, you can lodge a complaint in the NSW Civil
and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). It’s a good idea to get some
legal advice before you do so.
Reverse Mortgages
A reverse mortgage allows you to use some of the equity in your
home by borrowing money from the bank. It is usually only offered if
you own your home outright.
The reverse mortgage is paid back when your house is sold – when
you downsize, move into residential aged care or die.
There are risks involved and you should get independent financial
and legal advice first. Japanese Gardens in Cowra
NOVEMBER 2021
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Diwali (Hindu
festival of lights)
All Saints’ Day All Souls’ Day starts
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Diwali ends Remembrance Day
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
International Day
of Tolerance
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
International Day
for the Elimination
of Violence
Against Women
29 30
Green Tip
Replacing cotton wool in the bathroom is a great way to reduce waste and minimise water
First day of consumption. For instance, start removing make-up by using a terry-cotton flannel with cleanser.
HanukkahON THE ROAD
We know that diving can be an important way to stay mobile and
independent. Here are some tips for staying safe on the road.
Licences for older drivers
The type of licence you can get will depend on your age.
75yrs + You will need to have a yearly medical examination
85yrs + You can get a modified licence (driving under certain
conditions, like only in your local area) or an unrestricted
licence (pass a practical driving assessment every 2 years).
Car Accidents For information on what to do if you have had
a car accident, you can refer to the LawAccess NSW website or
call on 1300 888 529
Driving offences and fines The LawAccess NSW
website has useful and easy to use ‘Guided Pathways’ to help
you, just look under ‘Motor Vehicle Accidents’.
DID YOU KNOW?
If you decide to stop driving, you can hand in your licence to a
Service NSW centre and get a NSW Photo Card for free, if you get it
at the same time.
Sunrise view from Caves Beach in Lake Macquarie
DECEMBER 2021 Public holiday School holiday
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
1 2 3 4 5
International Day
First day of Summer of Persons with
/ World AIDS Day Disabilities
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Last day of
Hanukkah Human Rights Day
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
International
Migrants Day
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
December Solstice Christmas Eve Christmas Day Boxing Day
27 28 29 30 31
New Years EveAGED CARE
Residential Aged Care
Support to stay at home If it is not possible to stay at home, you can stay in aged care homes for
To find out if you are eligible for support to stay at home call short periods of respite or for permanent care.
1800 200 422. You can get help with:
• housework and meals
• personal care like bathing and dressing
• staying physically active
• social support and activities
• transport
• nursing care
• physiotherapy
• home maintenance and modification
• equipment
• community visitor
Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)
To get support from this program you need to be assessed by the
Regional Assessment Service.
Home Care Packages
If you have more complex needs, a Home Care Package can give you
co-ordinated services tailored to your needs. A rural road near Lithgow
JANUARY 2022 Public holiday School holiday
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
31 1 2
Green Tip
Buy an inexpensive reusable water bottle, and stop buying plastic disposable bottles.
New Year’s Day
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Orthodox
Christmas Day
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Orthodox New Year
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
World Religion Day
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
International Yabun Festival /
Day of Education Australia DayA-Z COMMUNITY DIRECTORY
Available services How they can help For more information
Aboriginal Affairs Can provide information and assistance with lodging a claim under the NSW Stolen Generations 1800 019 998
Reparation Scheme
Aboriginal Legal Service Provides information, referrals, legal advice and court representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait 1800 765 767 (criminal law)
Islander people in criminal and family law and children’s care and protection matters 1800 733 233 (family law
or care and protection)
Ageing and Disability Provide information, practical support and referrals for abused or disabled older people across New 1800 628 221
Abuse Helpline South Wales.
Anti-Discrimination Board Resolve enquiries and complaints, raise awareness about discrimination and its impacts, and take action 02 9268 5544 or
of NSW to influence change. 1800 670 812
Arts Law’s Artists in the Delivers targeted legal services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists nationally, including 1800 221 457
Black program information, advice or assistance regarding the control of where an artist’s art, copyright, money and
other assets go when they pass away.
Australian Competition and Offers advice to consumers about how to resolve problems or make a complaint about purchased goods 1300 302 502
Consumer Commission (ACCC) or services. This includes information regarding your consumer rights to a repair, replacement or refund.
Australian Financial Complaints Offer free, fair and flexible solutions for resolving complaints about financial products or services 1800 931 678
Authority (AFCA) including errors in everyday banking transactions, difficulty repaying loans or credit cards, denial of an
insurance claim or inappropriate investment advice.
Australian Funeral Directors Provides information on preparing funeral arrangements and a list of funeral directors by area. 1300 888 188
Association
Australian Human Rights Manages enquiries and complaints regarding age discrimination. 1300 369 711
Commission
Australian Taxation Office Provide information, advice and assistance with complaints relating to superannuation contributions. 13 10 20
Australian Unity Provide specialised and culturally appropriate home care services to Aboriginal people with a disability 1300 160 170
and older Aboriginal people (45 or over) to help them stay independent in their own home.
Available services How they can help For more information
Carer Gateway Provide practical information and resources for carers, including a service finder that assists carers 1800 422 737
connect to local support services.
Carers NSW Provide information, support and counselling for carers. It has an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Carer 1800 242 636
Program, and information to help carers better understand the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Council on the Ageing NSW Prepare Wills, Enduring Power of Attorney and Guardianship documents for people on the age pension. 1800 449 102
Coroners Court Provide information to help families and friends of someone whose death was unexpected, sudden or (02) 8584 7777
suspicious and is being investigated by the Coroner.
Department of Communities Provide information and resources for carers. (02) 9377 6000
and Justice (DCJ)
Department of Veterans Affairs Offer pensions, education schemes, mental health support services and payments to support eligible 1800 838 372
family members of veterans. They also provide information about support services available to veterans
and eligible family members that are in crisis.
Elder Abuse Service Is a specialist service at the Legal Aid NSW Gosford office that focuses on older people at risk of or (02) 4323 5611
experiencing elder abuse. To be eligible for this service, clients must live in the central coast, be 65
years or older and be at risk of or experiencing elder abuse.
Energy Accounts Payment Help people who have trouble paying their electricity or gas bill because of a short-time financial crisis 13 77 88
Assistance Scheme (EAPA) or emergency, such as unexpected medical bills.
Energy and Water Ombudsman Provide information and assistance to electricity and water customers in NSW. Also investigate 1800 246 545
(EWON) complaints from all electricity and gas customers, and some water customers to reach a fair resolution.
Fair Work Commission Assist with unfair dismissal, anti-bullying, general protections and unlawful termination claims, as well 1300 799 675
as promoting cooperative and productive workplace relations and preventing disputes.
Family Violence Prevention Provides specialist, culturally safe legal services and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Forbes – 1800 700 218
Legal Services victims-survivors of family violence and sexual assault and their partners and carers in rural and remote Kempsey – (02) 6562 5856
places in NSW. or (02) 6562 4856
Bourke, Walgett and Moree
– (02) 6751 1400 or
(02) 6752 1188Available services How they can help For more information
Financial Counselling Australia Provide information and advice to people who are in debt or are not able to meet their ongoing expenses. 0402 923 750
Financial Rights Legal Centre Specialise in the areas of consumer credit, banking, debt recovery and insurance. Also offers advice and 1800 007 007
advocacy for people in financial distress.
Health Care Complaints Protect public health and safety by resolving, investigating and prosecuting complaints about health care. 1800 043 159
Commission
LawAccess NSW Provide free legal information and assist with referral to the closest Legal Aid NSW office or other local 1300 888 529
Community Legal Centre.
Law Society of NSW Provide referral details of private lawyers who specialise in a particular area of law, such as workers (02) 9926 0300
compensation or will and estates, either through the Solicitor Referral Service or the Pro Bono Scheme.
Local Councils May provide community care services and other activities that help older people stay in their own To find your local council,
homes and stay active within the community. call 02 4428 4100
My Aged Care Provide information about available aged care services, assessment and access to services and what to 1800 200 422
do if you have concerns about aged care issues. Also, has information about government-funded aged
care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 50 and older.
National Dementia Helpline Provide advice and information, as well as referral to counselling, support and other services. 1800 100 500
National Redress Scheme Provide compensation and support to some people who were sexually assaulted as children in 1800 737 377
orphanages, Children’s Homes, schools, churches and other religious organisations, sports clubs,
hospitals, foster care and other institutions.
No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) Provide low interest loans to Centrelink recipients and low-income earners who need to pay for essential 13 64 57
goods and services – such as fridges, washing machines or car repairs.
NSW Civil and Administrative Provide specialist tribunal services to help you resolve an issue or dispute fairly and according to the 1300 006 228
Tribunal (NCAT) law. This includes disputes about tenancy agreements, general consumer complaints, guardianship
orders or enduring guardianship.
NSW Fair Trading Provide information and hear complaints regarding unresolved problems with businesses or trade, 13 32 20
housing and property and the purchase of goods and services.
Available services How they can help For more information
NSW Industrial Relations Provide information about conditions of employment including superannuation entitlements, pay, leave, 13 16 28
workplace flexibility and starting or leaving work early.
NSW Trustee and Guardian Offer a range of trustee services including will preparation, Will Safe Storage, Deceased Estate 1300 364 103
Administration, Powers of Attorney, Enduring Guardianship appointments and Trust Administration.
They can also be appointed as a person’s financial manager or guardian by a court or tribunal.
Older Women’s Network NSW Promotes the rights, dignity and wellbeing of older women. (02) 9519 8044
Public Guardian NSW Promotes the rights and interests of people with disabilities in New South Wales through the practice (02) 8688 2650
of guardianship, advocacy and education.
Relationships Australia NSW Dedicated to supporting, repairing and fostering positive family relationships, through providing 1300 364 277
counselling and training services.
Retirement Village Residents Represents retirement village residents’ interest in NSW. 1300 787 213
Association
Revenue NSW Has information for older drivers about fines, driving and fines management including payment plans 13 22 13
and the Work and Development Order Scheme.
Services Australia (‘Centrelink’) Have a special service called the ‘Grandparent advisors’ who can help grandparents who have full-time 1800 245 965
caring responsibilities for their grandchildren access payments and services.
Seniors Rights Service Provide free and confidential legal advice, advocacy and education about elder abuse. 1800 424 079
Telecommunications Industry Provide free dispute resolution services for small business and residential customers who have a 1800 062 058
Ombudsman complaint about their telephone or internet service.
Welfare Rights Centre Provide free legal advice and assistance on pension issues. 1800 226 028
Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Provide free legal assistance for Aboriginal in the areas of family violence, sexual assault, victims 1800 686 587
Women's Legal Centre NSW compensation, care and protection and family law.
Women's Domestic Violence Provide help with Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs), accommodation, financial 1800 938 227
Court Advocacy Services assistance, counselling and legal issuesYou can order other Legal Aid NSW
resources from our website
www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/publications/order-a-publication
Elder Abuse Elder Abuse Adult Children
Service Brochure Service Poster living at home
Every older person This brochure
has rights. This explains what you
resource has can do if you are
information about an older person
the Legal Aid NSW who is sharing
Elder Abuse Service your home with
for older people on an adult child,
the Central Coast. and you want
them to leave.
Who gets my Moving in with Getting help
stuff when I die? the family after a disaster
Why wills are This brochure This brochure
important for explains what explains what
Aboriginal and you should think to do after a
Torres Strait about to protect bushfire, flood or
Islander people. your interests storm including
before you enter how to look after
into a ‘granny flat your wellbeing,
arrangement’. your finances and
your home.You can also read
