WA Seniors Card holders who turn 100 will be presented with a new commemorative pin to mark their milestone birthday.
Member for Central Wheatbelt Hon Mia Davies MLA said with record numbers of West Australians reaching the age of 100 this year, the new pins were an opportunity to recognise the contributions of West Australian seniors.
“In Western Australia, there are currently more than 540 seniors over the age of 100, of which 220 reached or will reach their milestone birthday in 2016,” she said.
“These seniors have lived through some remarkable times over the past century and it is appropriate to mark such a momentous occasion as a token of our acknowledgement and appreciation.”
Addressing the needs of WA’s ageing population is a high priority for the State Government, with more than $1 million invested in 2015-16 through the Age Friendly Communities grants into programs and initiatives to promote seniors’ inclusion, participation and security.
Member for the Agricultural Region Hon Martin Aldridge MLC said the WA Seniors Card provided seniors with more than $1000 in concessions throughout the year, including rebates across a wide range of State Government services including the cost of vehicle registration.
“Western Australian seniors have access to the most generous suite of concessions in Australia and I urge seniors to maximise the use of their WA Seniors Card by taking advantage of these benefits,” Mr Aldridge said.
A list of some of the benefits of the WA Seniors Card is attached. For more information, visit http://www.seniorscard.wa.gov.au.
For media enquiries please contact Mia Davies on 08 9041 1702 (Merredin office), 08 9622 2871 (Northam office) or email mia.davies@mp.wa.gov.au.
STATE GOVERNMENT CONCESSIONS AND REBATES – WA SENIORS CARD
Cost of Living Rebate
Each July, the State Government makes a payment to registered WA Seniors Card members. For 2016, the Cost of Living Rebate is $85.35 for singles and $128 for couples. New WA Seniors Card members must apply by May 31 of each year to receive the rebate. Phone: WA Seniors Card Hotline – (08) 6551 8800 or 1800 671 233.
Local Government Rates, Emergency Services Levy and Water Rates
WA Seniors Card members can receive a rebate of up to 25 per cent of their rates. WA Seniors Card members with a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card can receive a rebate of up to 50 per cent. Conditions apply. The Water Corporation registers eligible pensioners and seniors for this rebate on behalf of local government. Phone: Water Corporation – 1300 659 951 Website:www.watercorporation.com.au.
Motoring
WA Seniors Card members can receive 50 per cent off their driver’s licence renewal fee. WA Senior Card members with a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card are exempt from a driver’s licence renewal fee and can receive 50 per cent off vehicle registration.
Phone: Department of Transport: 13 11 56 Website: www.transport.wa.gov.au/dvs.
Photo ID Card
WA Senior Card members can receive 50 per cent off their photo card fee. WA Senior Card members with a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card are exempt from a photo card fee. Phone: Department of Transport: 13 11 56
Website: www.transport.wa.gov.au/dvs.
Regional coach/ rail WA
Seniors Card members can receive 50 per cent off all regional point-to-point travel with a SmartRider card. Interstate Seniors Card holders also receive a concession.
Phone: TRANSWA – 1300 659 951 Website:www.transwa.wa.gov.au.
Spectacles
WA Seniors Card members can receive up to $53.32 off a pair of spectacles every two years. Claim form available from optometrists, optical dispensers and the Department of Health. Phone: Department of Health – 1300 367 398 (once answered, select option 3)
Website: www.health.wa.gov.au.
Photo: Member for Central Wheatbelt Mia Davies MLA with seniors at Northam.
