New Canberra community officer gets to work
Australian Capital Territory media release
Monday, 15 March 2010
Centrelink support for homeless people in Canberra has just received a boost thanks to the new Community Engagement Officer Program.
The program sees 90 specialist Centrelink staff, located across all capital cities and many regional centres, supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
This means homeless people in Canberra, and those at risk of homelessness, will have better access to income support and the many other services available through Centrelink.
Braddon-based Centrelink Community Engagement Officer, David Rothschild, says the task of helping vulnerable Canberra people most in need has begun in earnest.
"Our job is to offer extra support and assistance to particularly vulnerable customers and try to really help them change their lives," said Mr Rothschild.
"We help them understand, claim and maintain Centrelink income support payments.
"You don’t necessarily need a fixed address - we can still deliver services without one.
"We also refer people to other Government and non-Government support services, that can help put a roof over someone’s head - or help them find food.
"A big part of our role is conducting outreach visits to drug and alcohol rehabilitation services, mental health units, hostels, boarding houses, refuges and drop-in centres.
"For example, the other day I met with a person at a detox and withdrawal facility to assist them to complete a claim for an income support payment.
"They had been unable to attend a Centrelink office due to a mental health condition, and as a result they were experiencing severe financial hardship and other associated problems.
"Connecting someone with a payment is an important step towards overcoming financial barriers, and we also work closely with people to nurture individual abilities and overcome other obstacles.
"It’s a great job - because I know I can make a real difference in the lives of some of our community’s most vulnerable people."
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink media contact.