Doorknocking brings extra relief for North Queensland residents

Queensland Media Release
Sunday, 9 April 2006

Centrelink staff will resume their Cyclone Larry relief operations tomorrow (April 10), doorknocking residents and business owners in Innisfail, Tully and Atherton.

Centrelink spokesman Ken Wilson says three weeks after the storm devastated the region, specialist staff are still finding people who are yet to lodge claims for assistance because they don’t think they’re eligible.

“Business owners especially think they won’t qualify for Business Assistance Fund or other Australian Government assistance,” says Mr Wilson.

“Others are proud and don’t want to take what they consider a ‘handout’, while some worry they may have to pay the money back.

“By doorknocking, our specialist staff are able to talk one-on-one with these people and reassure them that the payments are the Government’s way of helping the community to get back on its feet, and they don’t have to repay the money.”

To date, Centrelink has paid out in excess of $60 million in emergency assistance and received almost 26,000 calls to the Cyclone Larry Relief Hotline.

Meantime, Centrelink staff will be available tomorrow in the following Centrelink offices and community recovery centres:

Centrelink staff will be available tomorrow (Monday 10 April) in the following Centrelink offices and community recovery centres:

Special phone lodgement facilities will also continue for Centrelink customers in Innisfail, Mareeba 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. Phone lodgement and general enquires are encouraged on Centrelink's regular call centre numbers.

Centrelink's Tropical Cyclone Larry Relief Hotline (180 2002) remains open seven days a week between 7am and 9pm.

For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink Media Contact.