Welcome to our April Newsletter 🍂

Welcome to our April Newsletter 🍂

In March we celebrated Senior’s Week with a trip to the Seniors Expo at the ICC and a fantastic BBQ lunch at Ballast Point Park. Some lucky clients also received free tickets to the Premiers Gala Concert, and we received wonderful feedback about the day’s events.

March was also a time to celebrate Australia’s rich cultural diversity during Harmony Week. No matter where you’re from, or what language you speak, we are all a valued part of the Australian story—because Everyone Belongs.

In April we have more free tickets to give away for the Royal Easter Show, so book in early to be part of the draw for the 20 complimentary tickets.

Recently you should have all received a letter from me outlining our fee increase that will commence from 1 June 2026. We have not increased fees at Access Sydney since February 2024, and we have tried to keep these increases to a minimum. If you didn’t receive the letter there is information below and a link to the new fee schedule. If you want to speak with someone about the fees, please phone our wonderful Client Services Team on 8241 8000 or email us on customerservice@accesssydney.org.au

I am sure you are all be aware of the current fuel situation and this is obviously having an impact on our business both financially and logistically. We have written to both State and Federal Members of Parliament to seek assistance for Access Sydney as an essential community service. At this stage we have not made any changes to our services and will keep you informed if we need to do so.

Thank you all for your ongoing support and wonderful feedback.

I am blessed to work with an amazing team at Access Sydney and have such remarkable clients.

Wishing you a very happy and safe Easter! 

Michelle Newman

CEO Access Sydney Community Transport Ltd.

Holiday Closure Notice

The Access Sydney office will be closed for the Easter long weekend from 3 to 6 April (inclusive). Our office will reopen on 7 April. The State Government has also announced a public holiday for Anzac Day on Monday, 27 April.

Only essential services will be provided during these times.

Please note that the additional Anzac Day public holiday may affect some of our outing programs. We will call you directly if there are any changes to your booking.

Updated Fee Schedule and Client Contributions letter

In order to maintain the high standards of quality and reliable service that you expect from Access Sydney, it has become necessary for us to adjust our fees. Please be advised that our Client Contributions/Fees will be adjusted

from 1 June 2026. Please find the link to download.

Download Client Contributions Letter click

Download Fee Schedule Fee click 

Royal Easter Show 2026 & April Outings

Join us for an outing to the Royal Easter Show on 8 April. This year, we will do the lucky draw for free tickets on Monday 30th March and notify the winners after , good luck! For those who still want to go the Show but weren’t successful in the draw, the Senior’s Day is on Thursday 9th April and the ticket is $26pp (prepaid) which includes a free cuppa at the Senior’s Hub. We have limited spots available so book in fast! Register your interest today by calling us on 8241 8000.

In April, we have plenty of fun outings planned, including fruit picking at Pine Crest Orchard in Bilpin and a scenic tour of Catherine Hill Bay on the Central Coast. Check out the photos below from our outing to Catherine Hill Bay on 16 March. Call us now to book your spot and don’t miss out!

Download  Autumn Social Outing Calendar

National Bowel Cancer Screening Program – Request a free bowel test kit

Public Wi-Fi Safety Checklist

See the tips below from the Australian Government’s Act Now, Stay Secure initiative to help improve your Wi-Fi security. Learn how to use Wi-Fi safely and reduce risks when connecting to public hotspots, with practical advice to help protect yourself online.

Public Wi-Fi Safety Checklist

Public Wi-Fi in locations like cafés often lacks security, leaving your personal data vulnerable to hackers. For maximum safety, it is best to stick to trusted networks like your home Wi-Fi or a personal mobile hotspot. If you must use this public connection, be sure to follow this Public Wi-Fi Safety Checklist to ensure your data remains secure.
­

1. Verify the Connection
Before you connect at a café or airport, ask a staff member for the exact name of their Wi-Fi. Hackers often set up “twin” networks with similar names to trick you.

2. Look for the Padlock
Only visit websites that show a small padlock icon next to the web address. This means your information is scrambled and private. If you see a “Not Secure” warning, leave the site immediately.
­

3. No Banking or MyGovNever log into your bank, MyGov, or credit card accounts on public Wi-Fi. Wait until you are home on your own trusted connection or use your phone’s mobile data (4G/5G) instead.
­
4. “Forget” the Network
Once you are done, go to your settings and select “Forget This Network.” This stops your device from connecting to it automatically the next time you walk past.
­
Access Sydney received funding from the Australian Government for this Cyber Security Awareness communication.

Work Bonus helps you keep more of your pension – if you get income from working

The Australian Government encourages older Australians to stay in the workforce. If you’re an eligible working pensioner, the Work Bonus can help you keep more of your pension.

The Work Bonus reduces the amount of your employment income counted towards the pension income test. It’s not an extra payment, but an incentive that allows you to earn more without reducing your pension as much.

How it works
You’ll receive a $300 credit to your Work Bonus balance each fortnight, up to a maximum of $11,800. This credit is used to offset your employment income.

You don’t need to apply—if you’re eligible, it will be applied automatically. Simply declare your income, and you can check your balance through your Centrelink online account via myGov.

Watch the video below to learn more about how the Work Bonus works.

­Learn more about Work Bonus Click