A new rural face for the South Burnett
Queensland Media Release
Monday, 1 March 2010
New Centrelink Rural Services Officer (RSO) for the South Burnett, Maria Bargenquast, is keen to let residents know how Centrelink can help their family.
Maria has been with Centrelink for 10 years and recently took on the role of RSO to help local regional and rural residents access all the Government entitlements they may be eligible for.
Maria has strong links with the bush having started in Centrelink’s Rural Call Centre in Maryborough.
"I’ve been with Centrelink for 10 years and have a good understanding of what rural life can be like" Maria said.
"I really enjoy getting out and about meeting people and talking to them about their needs and seeing what I can do to help.
"I can visit customers on their farm or at their business and discuss their needs on a friendly and confidential basis.
"My focus will be to strengthen community connections with Centrelink and raise awareness of Centrelink services and increase the agency’s presence within the community," she said.
Maria will be based at the Centrelink Customer Service Centre in Kingaroy.
Centrelink employs a network of RSOs across the country, who reach out to regional and rural communities with a range of services.
They can also provide referrals to other specialist Centrelink services such as Financial Information Service Officers or social workers and can connect remote residents with local community and social groups.
To contact an RSO, call 13 2316 or visit the Centrelink website at Rural services.
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink media contact.