CENTRELINK EXPANDS ISLAND SERVICES

CENTRELINK EXPANDS ISLAND SERVICES TO FULL AGENCY WITH BAY ISLANDS COMMUNITY SERVICES

The Centrelink Kiosk managed by Bay Islands Community Services Inc. on Macleay Island, is now a Centrelink Agency.

Manager of Bay Islands Community Services, Angela Collins, was pleased to make the announcement as one of her first tasks at the new general manager of the busy island community service.

BICS operates outlets on both Russell and Macleay Islands and also manages the range of community services located at the Macleay Island Community Hall.

This is where the organisation provides help with Centrelink, Medicare, tourism and other government services.

• Now as a full agency BICS can help islanders conduct your business with Centrelink using free self-service facilities.

• Angela Collins explained: ‘As an agency we can provide 98% of what Centrelink Cleveland can do.”

• These services include the Centrelink Silver Service for complex Centrelink needs.

• Angela recommends and encourages islanders to use the Centrelink Agency on Macleay Island rather than attend Centrelink Cleveland.

• “Our island team are fully-trained Centrelink volunteer staff and I can assure that confidentiality is fully provided and maintained.

• At the Macleay Island Centrelink Agency you can access all of the following services:

  • use internet enabled computers and printers

  • access free Wi-Fi without a password

  • get brochures and fact sheets

  • call us using the phone provided

  • use the phone claiming service

  • get reply paid Medicare envelopes

  • scan, copy, print and upload documents

  • verify identity documents

  • get help to set up and access digital services

  • get help with general questions about our payments and services

  • get a referral to other services.

• It is important to note that the island Centrelink team are NOT Services Australia staff.

• They cannot:

  • make any payments or decisions about payments

  • review, assess or vary payments

  • issue Electronic Benefit Transfer and other cards.

Angela Collins told The Friendly Bay Islander that BICS was pleased to have upgraded this important service for Centrelink customers.

“It will save time and concern for many islanders knowing there is now a full Centrelink Agency here.

“It is a positive step in providing improved services for island residents,” Angela said.

• Centrelink trainer - David Horrigan, Centrelink trained volunteers, BICSI manager - Angela Collins, and Cleveland Centrelink manager - Alister Hanley.