Centrelink gives Taree Veterans their own service:

New South Wales Media Release
Thursday, 22 September 2005

Local veterans can enjoy all the benefits of having a Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) service right in the middle of Taree – and it's as close as their local Centrelink office.

Since opening its doors for business in July this year, Taree Centrelink has been providing veterans with a complete range of DVA services and advice.

Centrelink Taree Manager Julia Rankin said the Veterans Information Service allows the organisation to provide more services to older customers by offering additional support in one easy location.

"For a long time, DVA customers have had to travel the long 170 kilometres to Newcastle for assistance, which can be frustrating and expensive. Now, Centrelink can offer all the DVA services people need right here in town," said Julia.

"The Veterans Information Service is provided by our staff, but it's in a dedicated office space that's separate from the rest of Centrelink's business.

"It has its own entrance, which is clearly sign posted, as well as its own seated waiting area for customer convenience.

"It's a complete service. People can get information on DVA services and their entitlements, they can notify us of any changes to bank accounts, addresses etc, pick-up claim forms and information brochures as well as hand in their completed claim forms or other correspondence," Julia said.

To further enhance Department of Veteran Affairs services on the Mid-North Coast, Centrelink offers an added visiting service for DVA customers in Kempsey. The service operates on the first Tuesday of the month and is by appointment only. DVA customers need to call (02) 6583 8273 to make an appointment.

The Taree Centrelink Veterans Information Service is located at 184 –188 Victoria St, Taree and is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm weekdays.

For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink Media Contact.