Centrelink lends hand to Innisfail in wake of Cyclone Larry

Queensland Media Release
Tuesday, 21 March 2006

Centrelink is making every effort to restore normal services to Innisfail affected by Tropical Cyclone Larry.

"Unfortunately our Centrelink office in Innisfail has suffered some damage and will stay closed until we can make repairs," Area Manager, Peter Searston said today. "We aim to have the offices re-opened as quickly as possible."

Customers in Innisfail, Cairns, Atherton and Mareeba who are due to lodge forms today, can do so over the telephone.

Customers can call Centrelink on the following numbers:

• Youth and Students 13 2490
• Employment Services 13 2850
• Parenting payments 13 6150
• Multilingual call centre 13 1202

Centrelink will continue to assess the situation in conjunction with local authorities and will provide further advice if the arrangements are to be extended.

Local staff will be available at the Innisfail Community Recovery Centre, being set up at the Innisfail Courthouse.

"They'll be able to provide details on available assistance including the ex-gratia payment, announced yesterday by the Prime Minister," Mr Searston said.

Information about the ex-gratia payment is available by phoning 1802 002.

Mr Searston said Centrelink has also offered the services of social workers with up to a dozen on stand-by to fly into the affected region as soon as conditions allow.

For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink Media Contact.