Funeral Fund

As part of its commitment to the Aboriginal people of NSW and to fulfill its legislative commitments to provide community benefits to members of Local Aboriginal Land Councils and the wider Aboriginal community, the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council offers land council members, and Aboriginal people resident in New South Wales the ability to seek limited financial grants under a Funeral Benefits Scheme.

A Funeral Fund was established in 1991-1992 and membership of the fund was opened up to all NSW Aboriginal people. Members were required to pay an annual membership fee. Membership of the Funeral Fund was closed in February 1994. As members of the fund had paid membership fees in the expectation that they would be given assistance with funeral expenses, NSWALC determined that persons who were financial members when the Funeral Fund closed are entitled to a funeral grant of up to $5000.

NSWALC has also determined that any NSW Aboriginal person who was not a member of a Funeral Fund is entitled to a funeral grant of up to $1000 to assist with covering the funeral costs. Grants are paid directly to funeral service providers under this community benefits scheme. This grant scheme is operated under strict criteria.

 

Aboriginal Funeral Transport “Sorry Business”

About the Initiative

The Aboriginal Funeral Transport “Sorry Business” initiative provides assistance with transport for isolated and disadvantaged Aboriginal communities throughout New South Wales, including metropolitan Sydney, to attend funerals.

Please note: This initiative is not intended to be the primary source of funds for the transport provided but rather a source of funds to enable transport to be undertaken where, despite all efforts, there are insufficient resources to undertake the travel and the travel is not local.

Who is MTS?

Chandler Macleod Managed Training Services (MTS) is working in partnership with Transport for NSW to provide the Aboriginal communities with a service to allow them to enquire and apply for funding to attend funerals.  Aboriginal Funeral Transport (AFT) applicants can be assured that their interaction with MTS will be efficient and will be dealt with respect.  MTS is available from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and can be contacted on 1300 361 787.

How can you get help?

Transport for NSW will support 100% of the cost of return tickets for individuals and groups travelling to a funeral using an existing public service e.g. NSW Trains

Generally, private transport will only be provided for groups of eight (8) or more people travelling in the same vehicle at which Transport for NSW will fund no more than 50% of the overall cost.  Volunteer drivers and buses provided at no cost are valued and taken into consideration when processing an applicant’s claim. The cost of accommodation and meals will not be considered when claiming transport costs.

Fuel assistance can also be accessed at no more than 50% of the cost. Applications for fuel are managed on a case by case basis and will need to be approved by Transport for NSW.  Please contact MTS to see if you are eligible to access this service.

Please note: If you wish to submit an application, you will be asked to provide evidence of the funeral you will be attending so please assist MTS in providing this information so the application can be completed in a timely manner.

If your application is approved, this assistance will only be provided to you twice (2) per calendar year.

Hotline Number: For any Aboriginal person wishing to seek assistance or make any bookings, please contact MTS on 1300 361 787 – Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.

If you are an Aboriginal Organisation wishing to help a client access this service, please contact MTS at mts@chandlermacleod.com for assistance.

For further details of eligibility under the scheme, please contact NSWALC
on (02) 9689 4470,
Toll Free on: 1800 647 487