Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has joined Wollondilly Mayor Simon Landow and BP Picton owner Elie Chaghoury to launch the Mayoral Relief Fund for victims of the Picton storm event.

BP Picton has donated $5000 to the fund. Owner Elie Chaghoury said he wanted to make a contribution to show his support for fellow business people.

“We belong to this community. I am a small business owner as well and I understand their incredible suffering,” Mr Chaghoury said.

Thanking BP Picton, Wollondilly Mayor Simon Landow said all donations of $2.00 or more were tax deductible. Details of how to donate to the Mayoral Relief Fund are on the Wollondilly Shire Council homepage http://www.wollondilly.nsw.gov.au

“We are all rallying around our people and our businesses. This is one small way we can help and I thank the coordinators of several other relief funds that have also been established,” Cr Landow said.

Angus Taylor said he had been contacted by distressed business owners who were unclear about insurance cover.

“This is a difficult time and sorting out insurance will be another challenge for people already reeling from the physical impact of the storm,” Mr Taylor said. “I encourage insurers to be civic minded. Many people in Picton have lost their livelihoods.”

For further information on government assistance, residents can visit the websites www.disasterassist.gov.au and www.emergency.nsw.gov.au  For information on personal hardship assistance please contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444.   

Caption: Donating $5000 to launch the Mayoral Relief Fund, BP Picton owner Eli Chaghoury (centre) with Wollondilly Mayor Simon Landow, Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor and supporters of the Fund.