Federal Member for Page, Janelle Saffin MP, today announced that Centrelink has organised a special information and support session for staff from Lismore Private Hospital who recently lost their jobs.

Ms Saffin said specialists from Centrelink, other Government agencies and local employment providers will all be there to help.

"This is a very difficult time for workers and their families, and this event will give people information, advice and suppor"t, Ms Saffin said.

"It is really important that people do not self assess their own eligibility for payments.

"Centrelink can look at each person's personal circumstances to work out what assistance may be available to them.

"Existing payments people may already receive from Centrelink, like Family Tax Benefit, might also change as a result of sudden unemployment.

"I urge any Lismore Private Hospital staff who have lost their job to come along to the meeting this Thursday.

"Centrelink will be there with Family and Child Care specialists as well as Financial Information Service Officers who can give impartial advice,"?Ms Saffin said.

Support agencies attending the event include:

• Centrelink
• Medicare Australia
• Child Support Agency
• Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
• CRS Australia
• Local Job Services Australia employment providers

The free public information and support session is on in the Fountain Room at Lismore City Hall, 1 Bounty St, Lismore, from 10am-2pm on Thursday, 4 March.