Health & Education Support
Centennial Coal provides annual funding of as much as $160,000 to the WNAC to support the health and education of the Wonnarua people. Members of the WNAC can apply for health and education grants. The applications are assessed by the WNAC Aboriginal Health and Aboriginal Education subcommittees.
Members – please note: for a period of time now Centennial Coal’s funding has been reduced by half as the mine has been in a care and maintenance phase only. Therefore both the Education and Health policies needed to be reviewed and adjusted as funds held are low. The WNAC Board approved changes 28 April 2018 to the extent of the scope of cover for both health and education grants. These changes are effective immediately from that date regardless of when the member incurred the expense(s).
If you would like to apply for health or education support please complete and submit the relevant forms below.
If you would like to apply for assistance you can download the Health Claim form, complete and mail to PO Box 889, The Junction NSW 2291. Original receipts must accompany your claim form.
Under the WNAC Health policy, payment will be considered for a range of treatments and support, these are broadly defined as:
- Dental/orthodontic work, excluding teeth whitening and cosmetic dental work
- Glasses/Contact Lenses
- Hearing aids
- Doctor’s visits (after Medicare rebate)
- Physiotherapy/chiropractic costs, excluding massage
- Out of pocket expenses while in hospital
- Hospital admission excess payment (for private health insurers)
- Mobility equipment like walking frame/scooter/circulation boosters (Doctor’s confirmation required that this would be beneficial to health and well being)
- Hydrotherapy and aerobic classes to assist with arthritis (Doctor’s confirmation required that this would be beneficial to health and well being)
As of May 2018 prescription medicine/pharmaceutical costs are no longer covered.
Payments will only be made in respect of the balance owing after claim on Medicare and private health insurance if applicable. In some circumstances there will be no Medicare support available and a claim for the full expense can be made for consideration. The assessment panel may also consider claims outside of these areas.
Health Expenditure
Over $300,000 has been paid from the fund to help reimburse medical expenses for Wonnarua People. If you are a member, there may be funds available to assist if you have medical expenses that fit the above criteria. Download the Health Claim Form above and submit it to: PO Box 889, The Junction NSW 2291 to apply.
Supported By: Centennial Coal
Through the Newstan Master DeedSupported By: Centennial Coal
Through the Newstan Master DeedIf you would like to apply for assistance you can download the Education Claim form, complete and mail to PO Box 889, The Junction, NSW 2291. Receipts must accompany your claim form.
Under the WNAC Education Policy payment will be considered for a range of study related costs for primary, secondary, certificate, diploma, graduate, undergraduate, postgraduate or higher degree courses and professional development courses. These are broadly defined as:
- Institutional fees, cost of text books, stationery and compulsory excursions, excluding uniforms, shoes, backpacks, pencil cases and the like which are not funded;
- Cost of sporting equipment up to $300 per year for secondary students;
- Cost of tutoring – the tutor must be pre-approved by the Assessment Committee;
- Assistance towards cost of Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS)
NOTE: WNAC Members should not purchase computer equipment assuming that the expenditure will automatically be reimbursed, as there are a clear set of conditions that must be met. Where the conditions of the WNAC Education Policy have not been met, reimbursement will not be made. For this reason it is important to apply for funding before any purchases are made.
Payments will only be made on presentation of a valid receipt. In some circumstances the Assessment Committee will consider pre-payment to an approved tutor. In addition reimbursement of half of the approved expenditure at the beginning of the year may be considered with the other half to be paid at the end of the sponsorship year on presentation of a record of final academic results establishing satisfactory completion of subjects studied.
Education Expenditure
The Education fund has paid out over $95,000 to help WNAC Members who were undertaking study pay for education related expenses. Read the criteria above to see if you are eligible, then download and submit the claim form.
Supported By: Centennial Coal
Through the Newstan Master DeedSupported By: Centennial Coal
Through the Newstan Master DeedThe Assessment Committee, at its discretion, may:
- Approve the granting of $1500 for each bereavement of a Wonnarua person as a legitimate payment under the health fund as a consequence of loss of well being,
- Pay the $1500 to the immediate family, or the funeral home, on application of a completed claim form. Please attach evidence of death by way of a copy of the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, Death Certificate or a copy of the tax invoice from the funeral director.
To apply for the WNAC Funeral Support Grant or the NSW Aboriginal Land Council Funeral Grant, please click on the links below.