Media Release
Australia Day Achievement Awards for Centrelink Staff
25 January 2008
Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, today extended his congratulations to Centrelink’s Australia Day Achievement Award winners, recognising the valuable contribution they make to the community.
“The Centrelink Australia Day Achievement Awards highlight the outstanding achievements of individuals and groups over the past year. These award winners are inspirational role models to other Centrelink employees as well as the wider community,” Senator Ludwig said.
Staff were nominated for their involvement in a wide range of work, including emergency response efforts in the Victorian bushfires, and specialist work with youth and Indigenous people.
“The high standard and diversity of the nominations demonstrate the vast array of services and assistance which Centrelink delivers to the Australian community. The fact that there are winners in all states and territories also highlights Centrelink’s national presence.” Senator Ludwig said.
Senator Ludwig also thanked staff for generously giving their personal time and effort to help other people during times of crisis.
“Centrelink staff sometimes work in difficult or extreme circumstances. These award winners work in the true Australian spirit by helping to reinforce the strong commitment by Centrelink in providing support for people in need,” Senator Ludwig said.
“There are also many quiet achievers who continue to dedicate themselves to the community both inside and outside the office.
“I wish to take this opportunity to also thank these employees for their support and hard work.”
Centrelink will be hosting award presentation ceremonies across the country to celebrate the achievements of the Australia Day Achievement Award winners.
The 2008 Centrelink Australia Day Achievement Awards winners are:
Excellence in Centrelink Employment
Ashley Pierpoint, Beenleigh Centrelink
Young Yoo, Cannington Centrelink
Kirsty Beecroft and Wangaratta Centrelink
Joanna Mason, Port Macquarie Centrelink
Jenny Burnell, Area South Australia
Cherie Martin, National Support Office
Random Sample Survey Team, Area South West NSW
Robyn Lewis, Area Tasmania
Asset Taper Test Project, National Support Office
Drought Team, Area Central Northern Queensland
Business Integrity, Area Central Northern Queensland
Inspirational Role Model as a Centrelink Employee
Krisha Manapsal, National Support Office
Carin Wills, Campbeltown Centrelink
Jan Mackie, Dandenong Centrelink
Jordan Rant, Tweed Heads Centrelink
Janina Osman-Grela, Area South Australia
Caroline Duncan, Area Hunter
Information Technology Northern Territory Emergency Response Team, National Support Office
Significant Contribution to the Centrelink Community
Jeffrey McConnell, Tweed Heads Centrelink
Katrina Fanning, National Support Office
Barbara Causon, Area North Australia
Significant Contribution to the Community
Sale and Bairnsdale Centrelink, Area South East Victoria
George Ildes , Southport Centrelink
Maree Jennings, Mt Druitt Centrelink
Greg Campbell, Coffs Harbour Centrelink
Laurie Mercy, Lismore Centrelink
Centrelink Indigenous Response Team, Area North Australia
Area Hunter, NSW
Gillian Howie and Toronto Centre link
Lois Wedesweiler, Nelson Bay Centrelink
Jennifer Gardner, Port Macquarie Centrelink
Remote Servicing Team, Indigenous Business Services, Area Central Northern Queensland
Media Contact: Barb Barrett—0448 469 787.