Racing NSW hardships grants close

The Equine Influenza Hardship grants package administered by Racing NSW, which provided emergency grants of up to $1500 to horse industry employees such as strappers, stablehands and racecourse staff, is to be wound up. Final applications must be lodged by Thursday 24 January 2008. No applications will be accepted after this date.

After 24 January 2008, enquiries may only be taken on applications lodged on or before that date; for information, contact Racing NSW, during business hours, on 1800 670 051. All transactions and correspondence relating to the fund will be finalised on Thursday 31 January 2008, after which date the administration of the fund will be disbanded.

Other assistance

Note that the Australian Government assistance packages administered by Centrelink continue, with the cut-off date for applications being 8 February 2008. These packages are the Equine Workers Hardship Wage Supplement Payment and the Equine Influenza Business Assistance Grant.

Contact the National Equine Influenza Hotline on 1800 234 002 for more details, and see http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/emergency/equine_influenza.htm

Further information on the Commercial Horse Assistance Payment, administered by the state Equestrian Federation, can be found at http://www.efansw.com.au/ or by calling 1800 859 611 during business hours.