Cost of living help for residents of Dubbo and surrounds

The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON), in partnership with Financial Counselling Australia is hosting Bring Your Bills Days for residents and small businesses in Dubbo, Wellington, Trangie and Narromine from 6-8 February 2024. 

EWON is a free and fair dispute resolution service that assists customers when they can’t resolve issues with their energy or water provider. 

64% of all complaints to EWON from customers in the Far West and Orana region were about billing, including high or estimated bills or problems with rebates or concessions. Affordability complaints were the next biggest issue, with 10% about disconnection, payment difficulties or debt collection. There were 24 complaints per 10,000 people in the region – the fifth highest number of complaints by population out of all regions in NSW. 

Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW Janine Young is attending the events to assist locals with their energy and water bills and provide information on rebates and concessions for customers concerned about rising energy prices.   

“The region is regularly subject to extreme weather conditions, and over the past 12 months, cost of living pressures and increased energy prices. This could result in customers ending up with high energy debt.  We’re bringing our staff directly to locals, to offer advice about managing bills, saving energy and dealing with providers. We’re there to listen to your concerns, review your bills and work with you to resolve any issues you have – on the spot.”   

EWON will be joined by a range of community and government agencies including Rural Financial Counselling Service, Mob Strong Debt Help, CatholicCare, Salvation Army, Lifeline, Uniting Care, and Anti-Discrimination NSW.  Staff from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman and the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (financial services Ombudsman) will also attend; as well as staff from energy retailers including AGL, Origin Energy and Red Energy.  

Customers are encouraged to bring along current and past energy bills, letters from retailers, Centrelink Health Cards, and any other concession cards. 

Wellington - Tuesday 6 February, 10am to 1pm | Wellington Civic Centre 
Dubbo - Wednesday 7 February, 10am to 3pm | Dubbo Regional Theatre Convention Centre 
Trangie - Thursday 8 February, 9am to 12pm | Trangie United Services Memorial Club 
Narromine - Thursday 8 February, 1.30pm to 4.30pm | Narromine Sports and Fitness Centre 

Narromine Little Athletics sponsorship 

The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW is sponsoring the Narromine Little Athletics Club to ensure local kids can keep active. We invite media to attend the announcement and presentation and cover the exciting event.  

Thursday 8 February, 5:00pm to 7:00pm, Payten Park, Narromine. 

To request an interview with the Ombudsman, or if you would like to cover the event in person, please email Jacqui Heywood or call 0426822341.