Peacockes Solicitors

26/05/2026

Paying a bond in NSW? This one rule could save you money

NSW Fair Trading are actively checking bond lodgments to protect renters from being overcharged.

Before you pay your bond, remember to:
✅ Check that your bond isn’t more than 4 weeks rent
✅ If a paper bond lodgement form is used, make sure the weekly rent amount is included

Renting through a Community Housing Provider? They must follow the same bond rules as all landlords.

Before you hand over your bond, take a moment to check what’s allowed and protect your money: https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/renting-a-place-to-live/residential-rental-bonds/rental-bonds-online-for-tenants

22/05/2026

✨️Supporting our community to plan ahead✨️

Last week our Gilgandra Office Manager, Michelle Mathieson, and our new solicitor from Coonabarabran, Ashleigh Smith, had the pleasure of attending the PROBUS Gilgandra May meeting.

This year marks 50 years of PROBUS helping older Australians stay connected through friendship and community💛.

Michelle and Ashleigh spoke with members about the importance of getting key documents in place before they are needed:

✔️ Will
✔️ Enduring Power of Attorney
✔️ Appointment of Enduring Guardian.

They also shared practical tips on:

📂 Keeping important documents organised;
📝 Recording your funeral wishes and
🏡 Planning ahead for aged care.

The key message? Don't leave it too late - having the right people in place you trust makes all the difference.

We're incredibly grateful to PROBUS members for their warm welcome (and a lovely morning tea) and for recognising Michelle and Ashleigh with a Certificate of Appreciation🙏.

Our team can also attend your home, hospital, or aged care facility if you're unable to come into our office.

✍️ Ready to get your affairs in order?
Contact Peacockes Solicitors on (02) 6882 3133 to book an appointment with one of our solicitors.

19/05/2026

For a number of years, Peacockes Solicitors and Cancer Council have worked in partnership to assist patients affected by cancer to draft their succession planning documents on a no cost, pro bono basis.

Last week, our staff Andrew Cannon and Lacey Bennett caught up with Jenna Lennon and Natalie Gillies from the Cancer Council to say thanks.

We are proud to continue this valuable service to help those less fortunate in our local community that may be struggling with the hardships that a cancer diagnosis presents for patients and their families.

18/05/2026

18/05/2026

Your final pay MUST include:
- wages owed for the hours you’ve worked (including any penalty rates or allowances)
- unused annual leave (including leave loading if it would’ve been paid when you took leave).

If applicable, it also needs to include:
- payment in lieu of notice
- redundancy pay
- long service leave.

11/05/2026

Compassionate leave is a separate entitlement. It doesn’t come out of your sick and carer’s leave balance.

All employees (including casuals) can take 2 days of compassionate leave (also known as bereavement leave) each time they meet the criteria.

You can take this leave if 👇
- a member of your immediate family or household dies, or contracts or develops a life-threatening illness or injury
- a baby in your immediate family or household is stillborn
- you have a miscarriage, or
- your current spouse or de facto partner has a miscarriage.

Full-time and part-time employees get paid leave 💵
Casual employees get unpaid leave ❌

05/05/2026

Today, our page is turning purple for National Domestic Violence Remembrance Day 🎗️

We remember every victim, mourn with those left behind, and stand beside victim-survivors and all those impacted by domestic and family violence.

Share this post to help us spread the message 💜

05/05/2026

Before joining a gym, it’s important to understand your rights.

Things to check before you sign up:
• The contract terms, including any additional or ongoing fees.
• Promotional offers, which may have conditions or time limits.
• Direct debit arrangements, including how payments are made and how to cancel.
• Optional extras, to avoid paying for services you do not need.

Remember: unfair contract terms aren’t allowed. If a term heavily favours the gym and could cause you harm, it is not enforceable.

Taking time to think it over and understanding your rights can help you make an informed decision.

Learn more: https://www.nsw.gov.au/legal-and-justice/consumer-rights-and-protection/services/fitness-and-gyms

29/04/2026

Feel-good vibes AND a tax deduction? Yes please! 🙌

You can claim a tax deduction for donations to organisations that have a deductible gift recipient (DGR) status. But not all charities and organisations have this.

Here’s how to check if you can claim:

1. Search for and open the ABN Lookup tool
2. Type in the name of the organisation
3. Select the right organisation from the list (pro tip: if it’s not listed, you can’t claim a deduction)
4. Scroll down to the ‘Deductible gift recipient status’ heading.

✔️ If it shows a status – yes! You can claim
❌ If it says ‘Not entitled’ – no deal. You can’t claim a tax deduction.