Maitland's new community officer gets to work
New South Wales media release
Wednesday, 3 March 2010
Centrelink support for homeless people in Maitland has just received a boost thanks to the new Community Engagement Officer Program.
This sees 90 specialist Centrelink staff, located across all capital cities and many regional centres, supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
That means homeless people in Maitland, and those at risk of homelessness, will have better access to income support and the many other services available through Centrelink.
Maitland-based Centrelink Community Engagement Officer, Brad Hagan, says the task of helping vulnerable local 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," Mr Hagan said.
"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.
"We get out from behind our desks to drug and alcohol rehabilitation services, mental health units, hostels, boarding houses, refuges and drop-in centres.
"For example, the other day I dropped into the Soul Cafe in Newcastle which is run by the Life Church. I joined in making and serving lunch and then shared a meal with some of the local people I’m supposed to be helping in this new job.
"We aim to work very closely with people to nurture individual abilities and overcome individual barriers, rather than just get them on a payment.
"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.