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Centrelink helping in long-term cyclone recovery:

Queensland Media Release
Monday, 3 April 2006

Centrelink will have a continued presence at the community cyclone recovery centres across North Queensland this week, as the focus of Cyclone Larry relief efforts switch to long-term recovery.

Spokesman Ken Wilson said Centrelink staff will remain on the ground in several communities to answer questions from farmers, residents and local businesses about Australian Government relief assistance and services.

“The dedication of our staff means we’ve now distributed more than $48 million in much-needed assistance to people affected by Cyclone Larry,” Mr Wilson said.

“There’s still a high demand in the community for business grants, fuel excise relief and income support payments, whereas the initial response largely focused on the one-off ex-gratia payments.”

Meantime, Centrelink will join with other Government agency staff and industry representatives at information sessions for farmers and businesses. Banana growers can attend the Tully Country Club from 9am, or the Warrina Lakes Reception at Innisfail from 2pm. There are also sessions for farmers and business owners tomorrow at the Innisfail and Babinda Canegrowers offices.

Centrelink staff will be available tomorrow (Tuesday 4 April) in the following Centrelink offices and community recovery centres:

Officers from the Child Support Agency are also offering assistance at the Innisfail Centrelink office to separated parents who may have been affected by Cyclone Larry.

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) has taken over 18 000 calls for assistance and remains open seven days a week between 7am and 9pm.

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.

Customers can also refer to the Centrelink website for more information at www.centrelink.gov.au

For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink Media Contact.