Your union has provided financial support to members who suffered losses in the bushfires of recent months, to help them in their recovery process.
More than $20,000 in ex-gratia payments and $5000 in membership fee relief have been made through the union’s Emergency Relief Fund to affected members.
Part-time TAFE teacher Gary Clark lost his home and belongings to a bushfire on 8 November and has received $1000 from the union.
“It has been a difficult time but the generosity and support provided by the union is greatly appreciated. My son and I are grateful for the assistance,” the conservation and land management teacher at Maclean TAFE said.
“I sense people out there actually care — it’s been a big help.”
Now staying with his mother, 40km away from his home, Gary said he has started to build a new collection of teaching and learning resources using the $1000 he received to replace his reference library ruined by fire. “It will take a few months to put together.”
Gary said his teacher colleagues have offered to help him with teaching resources.
Federation recently doubled the maximum ex-gratia payment from the fund to $1000 — backdated to September 2019 — to better assist members at this very difficult time in their lives.
The Emergency Relief Fund also provides assistance to financial members affected by other types of emergencies, such as flood, cyclones and storms.
If you think you may qualify, visit www.nswtf.org.au/forms/emergency-relief-fund.html.