MORE ESSENTIALS HELP FOR HARD-HIT VICTORIAN HOUSEHOLDS

Friday, 17 October 2008
Needy Victorian households have been urged to take advantage of a $16.2 million Brumby Government initiative to help them replace faulty essential home appliances.
Community Services Minister Lisa Neville marked Anti-Poverty Week (12-18 October) by urging hard-hit residents to apply for a Home Wise: Appliance and Infrastructure Grant.

“Extreme poverty is not prevalent in Australia but it is still estimated that more than one million Australians are struggling to cope.”

“The Brumby Government is taking action to help vulnerable Victorians and this program will provide more assistance to people struggling to repair or replace faulty essential appliances like refrigerators, hot water services, heaters and washing machines,” she said.

Ms Neville said the grants were available to eligible holders of pensioner concession cards, Centrelink Health Care Cards or Gold Cards.

“Previously known as the Capital Grant Scheme, Home Wise now allows eligible Victorians to receive an appliance every five years, or two at one time every 10 years, instead of once in a lifetime,” she said.

“Replacement appliances are selected on the basis of energy or water efficiency to enable a reduction in energy or water consumption for the applicant's household.”

“In addition, households with five or more occupants will now be able to apply for a grant to supply and install ceiling insulation batts.”

Home Wise grants through the Department of Human Services come on top of an $82.3 million Brumby Government support package for low-income Victorians, which includes targeted concessions for essential services such as water, energy and ambulances.

“This support package highlights our commitment to making Victoria the best place to live, work and raise a family,” Ms Neville said.

Application forms for the Homewise Grant are available directly from the Department of Human Services or can be obtained from a financial counsellor or welfare agency.

"For more information on concessions, contact the DHS Concessions Unit Information Line on 1800 658 521.