I have changed my address

Gumala gets a lot of mail returned, if you have changed your address, phone or any other details please let us know so that we can keep you up-to-date.

We need fuel to get to the AGM

The driver will be reimbursed for fuel after attenidng the meeting.
Please give us your current bank details so that the money will be deposited into your account.
Their is a fixed amount depending on where you are travelling from.

If you have funds left in your Health and Wellbeing account, you can apply to use it for fuel to get to the meeting -you will still be eligible to be reimbursed after the meeting.

Can we get bulk foods for the Lore ceremonies?

Greg Tucker, the GAC Lore and Culture Officer, has organized this for all communities with Lore ceremonies this year, and will administer the bulk foods.

My son is going through Lore this year. Can I get any help?

Yes, you can get help. Each family who has a boy going through Lore this year has been allocated a budget to help get things you may need to get during Lore, such as petrol or extra food. However, the Mother who is putting the boy through Lore is the only person who can get this on behalf of the family. The Mother can choose to let someone get fuel or something for the trip, but she needs to contact GAC herself and give GAC permission to let someone else get something. The Sub Committee will let GAC staff know who the Mother is, to help GAC make sure we get this right.

Who do I need to talk to about preparing Lore areas?

Firstly, you need to talk as a community to decide what you need. 

Our Lore and Culture Sub Committee can help with this. These men can also guide you in the processes you need to take.

Lore and Culture funding

This year, GAC is providing funding for Lore Activities, for families and for infrastructure at:

• Bellary Springs

• Cane River

• Wakathuni

• Wirrilimarra

• Youngaleena

We will help with Infrastructure and maintenance for these areas, within a budget approved by the Lore and Culture Sub Committee and the GAC Governing Committee. Member families with a Young Man attending Lore can also access funds to help them get items they may need during Lore time.

Can I get fuel to get to a funeral?

Generally GAC cannot fund travel to a funeral unless it is requested by the family and the funeral is a GAC funded funeral.

It’s up to the family concerned who receives fuel assistance. However we do realise that it is culturally important that you are able to attend funerals and if you have funds available in either your Health and Wellbeing or your Pensioner Health and Wellbeing Benefit GAC can help you out.

My child is in Year 8, can we get a laptop through Computer Support?

No. If your child is in Year 11 or 12 at High School or you are attending TAFE or other tertiary institution and enrolled for a period of at least 2 years you are eligible to apply for this program. Though conditions do apply. 

If I need dental work, who pays for my initial appointment?

If you need dental work or glasses for example, GAC will pay for your initial consultation. Your dentist will send GAC your treatment plan and when your application is also received further treatment will be approved. Your eye test should be covered by Medicare but your Optometrist will send GAC a quote for your glasses.

Health and Wellbeing: Can we go to any supplier?

Well, Yes and No. Your request will be processed more quickly if you use our preferred suppliers. If Gumala has an account with the shop we can just fax them a Purchase Order, otherwise we need to negotiate with the shop to pay by credit card or open an account and this can take quite some time.

Health and Wellbeing: When can I pick up my white goods or electrical goods?

If your application is within the guidelines and we have an account set up with your supplier requests for electrical items, kitchen appliances, fridges and washing machines etc can be processed within 7 days.

Health and Wellbeing: When will my bills be paid?

Payments which need to be made by credit card or B-Pay such as electricity bills are paid Tuesdays and Fridays.

Health and Wellbeing: When will my food voucher be ready?

Food vouchers are finalised in a batch around 4pm. Late requests, after 2.00pm may not be processed the same day, though urgent requests get special consideration.

Can I get cash assistance?

No. GAC is required assist members through a Third Party and this is why we use suppliers and pay for your goods or utilities.

• Members receiving their Christmas Bonus through the Pensioner Support Program will receive a sum of money and this will be deposited directly into their bank accounts.  

• This is the ONLY time this form of payment can be made,

What can I use my Health & Wellbeing funds for?

Health & Wellbeing Benefit is intended for the purchase of white goods; the payment of utilities, i.e. phone, power bills, water bills etc; motor vehicle repairs and fines (prior to the 14th April 2008), or monthly food vouchers.

I have just applied for membership, when will I know if it is approved?

Membership applications need to be approved at the monthly Governing Committee Meetings. Depending on when you submit your application and when the next meeting will be, it could take up to 6 weeks before you are formally notified. You will receive a letter within 10 days of the Committee’s decision. 

To apply for benefits through Health and Wellbeing you need to be registered as a Gumala Traditional Owner before 31 December, 2008. GAC will receive Health and Wellbeing  applications for 2 weeks into 2009 to give latecomers an opportunity to apply for these benefits.

What is the difference between Pensioner Health & Wellbeing and the other Health & Wellbeing Program

• Members who are listed as Elderly and Infirmed have provided proof (letter from Centrelink) that they are receiving the Age Pension or a Disability Pension can receive Pensioner Health and Wellbeing.

• Anyone who is over the age of 18 and a Registered Gumala Traditional Owner is eligible for Health and Wellbeing, one-off payment that will conclude on 31 December, 2008.

Is Health & Wellbeing happening next year?

You will be informed if a version of this program is to be run in 2009. Currently there are no plans to repeat Health and Wellbeing.

I belong to one of the three language groups, doesn’t that make me a Member of Gumala Aboriginal Corporation?

Not necessarily.  If you are over the age of 18 and you have direct links through a family member you can apply for Membership as a Registered Gumala Traditional Owner. Sometimes people think that because their Mother is a member or their Uncle is a member that they are automatically a member too. This is not the case. You must apply to be a member. Call GAC and ask for a Membership Application Form to be sent out to you. This will be put before the Governing Committee.

Is it too late to claim Health and Well Being funds for 2008?

Health and Wellbeing concludes on 31 December, 2008.
You will need to register as Gumala Traditional Owners before this date. GAC will receive applications for 2 weeks into 2009 to give latecomers an opportunity to apply for benefits through the Health and Wellbeing program.

When will I get my Christmas Bonus? Do I need an application form?

If you are registered as Elderly and Infirm you are eligible for the Christmas Bonus.
• You do not need to put in an application form, but please let GAC know if your bank account details have changed since last years payment. 

• In early December $2900 will be deposited into your bank account to assist with Christmas expenses so that you can have an enjoyable Christmas without the pressures of added expenses.

How do we contact the Gumala office?

FreeCall: 1300 304 013   -free from a landline only

Phone: 08 9188 1845   Fax: 08 9188 1846   Email: gac@gumala.com.au 

Mail: 

Gumala Aboriginal Corporation   

PO Box 61  

Stadium Road Rd  

Tom Price  WA  6751

OR call in at the Tom Price office behind the TAFE off Stadium Road Tom Price

OR ask a question on this BLOG, your question may be something that others were wondering about too!