Media Release
Top awards for Centrelink’s young employees
8 April 2008
Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, today extended his congratulations to Centrelink’s National Youth Award winners, recognising the valuable contribution they make to the community.
“The Centrelink National Youth Awards highlight the outstanding achievements of young employees over the past year. Centrelink has around 1,800 employees aged under 25 years, so to be singled out for an award is a tremendous achievement,” said Senator Ludwig.
“Working for Centrelink is challenging, with staff sometimes working in difficult or extreme situations. These young award winners have taken on the challenge and have done a great job. They are inspirational role models to other Centrelink employees as well as the wider community.”
The Centrelink National Youth Awards, which coincide with National Youth Week (5-13 April), acknowledge the work of young employees who have shown an exceptional commitment to their work with Centrelink or with young people in their community.
The National Youth Awards also acknowledge Centrelink employees who have demonstrated excellence in their work with young people.
Senator Ludwig said, “National Youth Week recognises the contribution young people make in the community and provides Centrelink with the perfect opportunity to recognise the achievements of its young employees.”
“This year staff were nominated for their involvement in a wide range of work, including emergency response efforts the Northern Territory, and specialist work with youth and Indigenous people.”
“The nominations were of a very high standard and I’m pleased to say staff from every state and territory have been recognised with an award.”
“Award winners work in the true Australian spirit by helping to reinforce the strong commitment by Centrelink in providing support for people in need.”
“There are also many quiet achievers who continue to dedicate themselves to the community both inside and outside the office.”
“I also wish to take this opportunity to also thank these employees for their support and hard work,” Senator Ludwig said.
Centrelink will be hosting award presentation ceremonies across the country to celebrate the achievements of the National Youth Award winners.
The 2008 Centrelink National Youth Awards winners are:
Excellence in Call Centre Environment
- Jess Curnack, Centrelink Call Centre, Perth – Winner
- Jordan Lanigan, Centrelink Call Centre, Latrobe – Highly Commended
- Hayley Stone, Centrelink Call Centre, Tweed Heads – Highly Commended
- Lara Martin, Centrelink Call Centre, Illawarra – Commended
- Amanda Carriage, Centrelink Call Centre, Illawarra – Commended
- Natalie Heller, Centrelink Call Centre, Moorabbin – Commended
Excellence in Youth Servicing and Commitment
- Patrick Undy, Griffith Centrelink and Centrelink Indigenous Response Team – Winner
- Claire Golder, National Support Office, People Development and Training Branch – Highly Commended
- Bcentral, an innovative youth servicing arrangement within the Bendigo community – Highly Commended
- Danielle Joyce, Centrelink Call Centre, Port Macquarie – Highly Commended
- Brendon Cutmore, Batemans Bay Centrelink and Centrelink Indigenous Response Team – Highly Commended
- Julie Supple, Adelaide Centrelink SA – Highly Commended
- Ben Nowland, National Support Office, Working Age Participation Business Line – Highly Commended
- Karen Caspani, Students Team, Area North Queensland – Commended
- Angela Johnson, Centrelink Call Centre, Port Macquarie – Commended
- Monica Bacusi, Social Worker, Area Sydney West NSW – Commended
- Andrew Formann, Gunnedah Centrelink NSW– Commended
- Rob Kay, Palmerston Centrelink NT – Commended
- Yvonne Williams, Cowra Centrelink NSW – Commended
- Renee Kennett, Redfern and Maroubra Centrelink NSW – Commended
- Social Worker Team South Australia – Commended
- Patrick McInerheney, Marion Centrelink SA – Commended
- Melanie Whitehead, Seymour Centrelink VIC – Commended
- Hazel Carter, Area South and West QLD – Commended
- Mellissa Lustica, Team Leader, Tuggeranong Community Access ACT - Commended
Lesley Tannahill ‘Youthlink’ Memorial Award
- Jade Howard, Centrelink Call Centre, Newcastle – Winner
- Kim Verduyn Lunel, National Support Office, Online Deductions Services Branch – Highly Commended
- Katherine Webster, Box Hill Centrelink VIC – Highly Commended
- Michael Hughes, Toronto Centrelink NSW – Highly Commended
- David Kelly, Centrelink Indigenous Response Team NT – Commended
Media Contact: Barb Barrett—0448 469 787.