Local Government

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If you are on Income Management, or have a BasicsCard, you can now choose to get the CDC. The CDC uses newer technology than the BasicsCard. It works and looks like a regular bank card. It can be used everywhere except to buy alcohol, gambling products or to withdraw cash.

The CDC works at over one million eftpos terminals across Australia, compared to the BasicsCard, with only around 17,000 shops. The CDC can be used to pay bills, make direct debits, shop online, book travel and transfer money between CDCs.

The CDC can make contactless payments and your account balance gains interest. There are no account fees and you can check your balance for free at most ATMs, online or through the CDC app.

If you choose to change to the CDC, your payment split won’t change. For example, if you have a 50/50 split on Income Management, this stays the same on the CDC. Centrepay and the Rent Deduction Scheme are still available to you. If you choose to stay on Income Management, nothing will change. You can also volunteer for the CDC if you get a Centrelink payment.

The Department of Social Services will visit your community in the coming months to talk about the CDC and answer questions. In the meantime, you can visit your local Centrelink office or call the CDC hotline on 1800 252 604. Visit this website for more information.

Centralians are being reminded that the 2021 Census date is fast approaching, falling on Tuesday August 10.

The Census is vital to our region as it gives a snapshot of Central Australia and can dictate funding levels from the Federal Government.

Filling out the Census is compulsory. Households can expect to begin receiving their Census instructions via mail in late July-early August and are required to fill out their forms on August 10.

Your instructions will provide you with a unique code to access the Census form online. Physical forms will also be available for those without access to the internet, with locations to be finalised shortly.

NT.GOV.AU

Love your town? If you’re considering becoming a local government representative for our town, and want to know a bit more about the role of Councillors, Alice Springs Town Council has you covered.

In partnership with the NT Electoral Commission, we are hosting four Councillor Information Sessions in July for potential candidates in the upcoming local government elections.

Sessions will give those considering a candidacy the information they need to know before nominating. This includes eligibility, expectations, time commitments as well as remuneration for the positions of Councillor and Mayor.

You don’t need prior experience in government to be an Elected Member, nor do you have to be a born and bred Territorian to serve on Alice Springs Town Council. All you need are good social skills and a positive mindset, keen listening and consultation skills, interest in local issues and a willingness to put your town first. All four 1-hour sessions will be held in the Andy McNeill Room, at midday and after regular work hours, so there’s good opportunities to come along.

Councillor Information Sessions – bookings not required

Andy McNeill Room, Civic Centre, 93 Todd Street, Alice Springs • Tuesday 6 July 12pm • Tuesday 6 July 5.30pm • Wednesday 7 July 1pm • Wednesday 7 July 5.30pm If you can’t make it to one of these Councillor Information Sessions, there’s more candidate information available at www.lgant.asn.au