If you are living on Newstart allowance, how hard is it to stretch your money to pay rent, bills, food and travelling costs?

Your stories of doing it tough and living on the dole are needed at a free forum held at Lismore Workers Club this Thursday, October 3, at 1pm.

The forum, looking at how we tackle inequality and disadvantage in Lismore and throughout NSW, is hosted by ACOSS (Australian Council of Social Service) and NCOSS (NSW Council of Social Service).

Pas Forgione from ACOSS said the forum is for people who are directly affected by living on a low income.

“The feedback ACOSS receives will be used to influence future campaigns to see the rate of unemployment benefits raised,” Pas said.

“From inadequate income support payments and unaffordable housing to expensive power bills and lack of assistance for those looking for work, much more must be done to support those doing it tough.

“We will bring together the experts and those directly affected by economic and social inequality, along with the rest of community, to discuss how we can address inequality and work together to achieve positive social change.”

Pas said people are doing their best to get by, and the main challenge is that there’s still not enough money to cover expenses.

“At the same time, the number of job vacancies is smaller than the number of people competing for the jobs,” he said.

“In Lismore, the local Council supports raising Newstart – and the Lismore Chamber of Commerce is the first one on Australia to back raising Newstart.

“Lismore is punching above its weight when it comes to having strong concerns about tackling poverty.

“Having these organisations of board shows the wonderful work happening there already.

“There’s also been local Lismore residents who have travelled to Canberra to talk about these issues in Parliament.”

If you wish to attend the forum, it is open to everyone and will be fully catered at Lismore Workers Club on Thursday, October 3, at 1pm.