Council will have a stall at this year’s Positive Ageing Expo and staff will be armed with information about a range of subjects, from rates rebates to over-80s parking, kerbside recycling and civil defence.

The expo is being run by Age Concern at the Hotel Ashburton on Thursday 9 March and is about helping people stay healthy and active in their golden years. There will be information about a wide range of activities, services and agencies available in the district to older members of our community.

Council’s Customer Services team will have brochures about the rates rebate scheme, which helps low income households pay their rates.

Group Manager for People and Facilities Sarah Mosley said the maximum annual rebate had increased last year to $700 and the eligibility threshold had also been increased.

“That means that more people qualify for some sort of rates rebate and our team will be looking to have conversations with those at the expo to help spread the word. You can be receiving superannuation and have some interest from investments, and still qualify.”

The Rates Rebate Scheme is run by Government and provides a partial refund to ease rates bills for people on lower incomes who live in their own home or in a retirement village.

People in the Ashburton District have until the end of June to apply for a rebate for the 2022-23 financial year.

Some 764 people received a rebate in the previous year; people have to apply annually.

Council staff will also have information about rates postponement scheme, which allows homeowners aged 65 and over to postpone paying all or part of their rates and leave them to their estate to take care of.

Our Emergency Management team will also be on hand with helpful advice and information on how to prepare for an emergency, like what to pack in a grab and go bag.

There will also be information about the over-80s parking permits, which allows drivers over 80 years to park longer in free parking spaces around the town centre.

Staff will also have information about Council’s kerbside rubbish and recycling collection scheme, including calendars and educational material about what can and can’t be recycled.

Ms Mosley said the Positively Ageing Expo was a great way to engage with older people living in the district.

“Our people are really looking forward to getting out there and sharing useful information to all that attend the expo.”

The expo will be at the Hotel Ashburton on Thursday 9 March, from 10am-2.30pm. Gold coin entry.