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Centrelink relief hotline update:

Queensland Media Release
Monday, 27 March 2006

Centrelink spokesman, Bevan Hannan today announced changes to the availability of Centrelink’s Tropical Cyclone Larry Relief Hotline (180 2002).

"Over the past few days, Centrelink has received more than 5 000 calls to the hotline, however, we have not received any calls after 9pm," said Mr Hannan.

"As a result, people affected by Tropical Cyclone Larry will now be able to call the hotline during the hours of 7am and 9pm (QLD time).

"Centrelink staff have continued to work around the clock manning the hotline, processing ex-gratia applications and working in Innisfail and the surrounding area to deliver much needed assistance."

Centrelink currently has 320 staff working to support people in the cyclone-affected areas.

Centrelink offices in Far North Queensland will be open as normal tomorrow and the Innisfail Centrelink office will be open from 9am to 5pm. Centrelink staff will also be working in 13 community recovery centres in the cyclone-affected area.

Centrelink customers in Innisfail, Mareebra and the Atherton region who would normally have to come into a Centrelink office to lodge a form in order to receive their regular payment, can do so over phone through special phone lodgement facilities for the rest of the week. Phone lodgement and general enquires are encouraged on Centrelink’s regular call centre numbers.

For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink Media Contact.