Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Improved services from community partnership

Centrelink recently opened its first office located in a remote Indigenous community in the Northern Territory.

With a population of 1,350 people and a further 780 living in outstations, Maningrida Council Inc. in West Arnhem Land covers an area of approximately 10,000 square kilometres.

Not accessible by road for at least five months of the year, its outstations are even more remote with limited service access for a large part of the year.

The community saw the new office as an important development with most town residents turning out to celebrate the opening.

"This is the culmination of considerable work," said Mark Wellington, Centrelink Area Manager for Area North Australia.

"Centrelink and the people of Maningrida have worked together to make this office a reality.

"This is a pilot, developed in partnership with the community, recognising the needs of the people."

The office will have the full processing capability of an urban Centrelink office. Centrelink will support the Maningrida office with training schedules and field visits. A four wheel drive vehicle will enable staff to service outstations on a regular basis.

"This is a first for a remote community," said Judy Dikstein, Maningrida's Council Clerk.

"Our community members now receive the same services as those living in larger towns, with benefits arriving on time and at the correct level of eligibility."

Previously, Council ran Centrelink services on an agency basis. However, funding for this did not always cover costs incurred or staff time involved.

"Centrelink carried out extensive consultation to ensure services matched local needs," Judy Dikstein said.

"The agreement includes Centrelink providing training for five community trainees."

She said that in the future it is envisaged that local people will both manage and staff the office.

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