Demand eases for Centrelink emergency help

Queensland Media Release
Friday, 7 April 2006

Demand for Centrelink services in cyclone-affected Queensland is beginning to ease, Centrelink will be closing its offices and community recovery centres this weekend (April 8 and 9) for the first time in almost three weeks.

“Centrelink has now paid out almost $58 million in Australian Government emergency assistance and taken around 26 000 calls for help through the Cyclone Larry Relief Hotline,” Centrelink spokesman Ken Wilson said.

“Our staff have seen thousands of people in the days since Cyclone Larry struck on March 20, but we’re now seeing a gradual reduction in the number of people needing emergency assistance.

“As a result, we’ve decided to give our staff a well-earned rest this weekend.

“Our Centrelink offices in Atherton, Cairns and Innisfail will reopen for normal business hours from Monday, and staff will continue to help affected residents next week at a limited number of recovery centres.

“We’ll continue to monitor the situation to ensure that people in need have access to local assistance.”

While offices will be closed this weekend, local residents needing assistance can still contact the Tropical Cyclone Larry Relief Hotline (180 2002) between 7am and 9pm, seven days a week.

More information and claim forms can be found on this website.

For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink Media Contact.