The Federation offers its support to teachers and schools in the areas affected by the devastating bushfires in Tathra. The NSW Teachers Federation is aware that a number of teachers live in the area and may have lost their homes and/or suffered damage to property as a result of the bushfires.
Events such as these have a devastating impact on communities and many individuals, including teachers and the students they teach. The Federation offers its support to affected members. Individual members and Federation Representatives in need of further advice should contact the Professional Support on 1300 654 369 (toll free) or their Organiser.
Through the Federation’s Disaster Emergency Relief Fund, we are able to offer affected members the following financial assistance to those directly affected by the bush fires:
- Members suffering financial hardship can apply for an exemption of up to six months from their contributions to the union. Written applications would need to be made by the individual member, explaining their circumstances.
- In addition, on application, individual members can apply for an ex-gratia payment of up to $1000 to cover those teaching resources lost in the fire not covered by other forms of general insurance. This too is by individual application to the Federation.
- Information on accessing this support will be communicated to members in the area in the coming days. If individual members need urgent assistance, they should contact Professional Support on 1300 654 369 (toll free).
The Federation has been in contact with other Teacher Services Organisations such as Teachers Federation Health and Teachers Mutual Bank and offers the following information about the financial assistance being offered by these organisations:
Teachers Federation Health
In unity with NSW Teachers Federation, Teachers Health has announced an assistance package to support members who have been directly impacted by the bushfires on the NSW Far South Coast.
Teachers Health members who have been adversely and directly impacted by the bushfires may be eligible to receive up to six months contribution relief on their health fund membership.
For more information, or to determine your eligibility for assistance, please email Jane Stower – [email protected].
Teachers Mutual Bank
Teachers Mutual Bank is aware that there may be a number of public school teachers affected by the current bushfire crisis. A significant number of our membership resides in the impacted areas and we are committed to supporting our members in these areas as well as the wider education sector.
More information can be obtained directly from Teachers Mutual Bank on 131221.