Victorian residents who work in New South Wales, in particular, could be left in this situation after receiving a text message on Sunday morning suggesting an end to disaster relief payments.
Moama’s major clubs, along with businesses, tourism and accommodation operators, are back in business, but are all operating at limited capacity.
Workers at many of the clubs are only being given limited hours as most of them are only able to welcome back about 10 per cent of their membership.
Only regional NSW members of the clubs are able to patronise them as they remain off limits to Victorians and people outside of regional NSW.
During lockdown conditions workers from both sides of the border have been supported through the disaster payments, but that looks to have come to an end.
Moama’s three major clubs combined account for a strong percentage of the workforce that was reliant on the disaster payment program during the recent lockdown.
Now that the restrictions, or at least some of them, have been lifted there is the threat of these payments being taken away.
According to Moama Bowling Club's George Santos, speaking only from personal experience, there will be a smaller payment available to some workers who are not offered their “normal hours” because of the reduced operating capacity of the clubs.
He did say, however, that workers were excited to be back at work and it had given them hope of a way out of the situation with COVID-19.
The ongoing support payments would be something that the workers themselves would have to take up with either Service New South Wales or Centrelink.
Mr Santos, sales and marketing manager for the bowling club, said he had received a text on Sunday, relating to his disaster payment, advising him that he had received his last payment
“I live in Victoria and I received a text saying it was my last payment on Sunday,” he said.
“I’ve since heard second-hand that once the period that this payment covered has passed, people will be able to apply for a lesser amount.”
Mr Santos said, from his personal knowledge, negotiations were about to start in regard to investigating options to ensure cross-border workers were not out of pocket.
He said the levels of confusion were astounding and could understand the concern of workers who had received the text message.
“Even when you speak to someone who is supposed to be versed on the law, they are unsure,” Mr Santos said.
“There is so much uncertainty. People would love to be a bit busier.”
He said the levels of vaccination in the border community was a positive thing and getting people back to work was the main aim of the bowling club.
“Most of our team was away for a period of time - 15 of us had limited hours,” Mr Santos said.
“Just having their job back and something to do is a relief.”
Moama Bowling Club has about 75 per cent of its staff back on the premises.
“They are still relying on the disaster payments, because they are operating on limited hours,” he said.
“We are only servicing 10 per cent of our membership, being only open to NSW country members and guests.”
He did recommend people unsure of their status, and payments, make contact with the NSW or Victorian Disaster Payment authorities.
“One of our team couldn’t sort it out on the laptop and they called the number,” Mr Santos said.
“The person was able to assist them and logged them in for the next payment. And they live in Moama.”
Mr Santos said it was a difficult situation, but the club remained focused on doing its bit to ensure a safe return of all members to the club.
“Unfortunately Victorians cannot come over the club at the moment. We can’t wait until that changes,” he said.
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