Under the $10.4 billion Federal Government package, from December 8 single Orange pensioners will have an extra $1400 in their pockets as they head to the shops this Christmas, with pensioner couples to be given a lump sum payment of $2100.

Other big winners include carers, who will receive a $1000 payment for every person in their care, and families, who will receive a $1000 bonus per eligible child.

First home buyers will also be jumping for joy after the first home buyers grant was doubled to $14,000 and tripled to $21,000 for first home buyers building a new home between now and June 30, 2009.

The grants were announced as part of the Rudd Government’s Federal Government Economic Security Strategy to help stop the country from slipping into recession.

The government will no doubt be thrilled to hear Orange pensioner Flo Brooking will use the $1400 bonus to help with her Christmas spending.

“As far as I’m concerned it’s a great thing. I’ll definitely use it to buy some extra special Christmas presents for my great granddaughters,” she said yesterday.

For the 1000 or so carers that pass through the doors of the Orange Community Resource Organisation each year, a $1000 payment could mean much needed respite is now more affordable.

“It might assist a carer in obtaining additional respite to just have a break or to secure more aids and therapy for the person in their care,” OCRO chief executive officer Tim Curran said.

Century 21 Combined real estate agent Paul Cox said the massive increases to the first home buyers grant was “fantastic news” and predicted agents in Orange would be kept busy until June 30 with first home buyers taking advantage of the improved scheme.

Have your say: How will the $10.4 billion worth of handouts affect you? Email bevan.shields@ruralpress.com with your story.