With Seniors Week celebrations kicking off across the state from 1 April, local seniors looking for inspiration in their retirement are encouraged to attend a free expo held by the Department of Human Services, in partnership with Wollongong City Council.
Department of Human Services General Manager Hank Jongen said the expo is a great opportunity for Wollongong’s seniors – or those thinking about retiring – to learn more about the options available during their later years.
“This expo will showcase the department’s free Financial Information Service (FIS) for those wanting to understand the impacts of financial decisions on their pension, or to learn more about their investments, superannuation, savings, or income and assets,” Mr Jongen said.
“FIS is a confidential service that helps you to make informed decisions about investment and financial issues for your current and future needs, particularly for those in receipt of a Centrelink payment.
“Our specialist FIS Officers can help you to actively plan for and get the most out of your retirement by explaining how to maximise your overall income, and take control of your finances.
“We’ll have a stall set up to offer information and answer questions about Centrelink payments and services, and there’ll be two presentations from one of our locally-based FIS Officers, Ashley Kemp on the Age Pension and accommodation options in retirement.”
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery OAM said the expo has been a popular event in Wollongong since it first started in 2011, and is an exciting resource for seniors in the city.
“Every year, our Seniors Festival celebrates and recognises the role that seniors play and the contributions they make to the local Wollongong community,” Councillor Bradbery said.
“This year, the Seniors Week expo theme is ‘Be Inspired’ and there’ll be 28 information stalls set up and presentations throughout the day, including a talk by local retirement champion, Maggie Sydenham, to inspire and motivate our local seniors.
“In addition to the Department of Human Services, organisations including NSW Fair Trading, Aged-care Rights Service, Uniting Care, Illawarra Radio Doctor and the Rotary Club will be running stalls to offer attendees assistance with a wide range of issues important to seniors. I’d encourage everyone to come along and see what is on offer.”
The Seniors Week Expo will be held on Friday 1 April at the Builders Club on Church St and will run from 10am to 2.30pm, with a welcome from Lord Mayor, Councillor Gordon Bradbery.
For more information about Centrelink Financial Information Service seminars in your area, visit humanservices.gov.au/fis.
Media contact: Mel Richardson, 02) 6133 0449
