Peter Gillies

PETER Gillies joins Centrelink as area manager, taking charge of area services from Albury to Bourke, the NSW south coast, Queanbeyan and the ACT.Having progressed from the filing room to the executive level of the organisation, Peter brings with him more than 33 years ...

Centrelink Area South West Manager, Peter Gillies has taken charge of the services Centrelink delivers in an area that stretches from Albury and the Riverina to the Central West and north to Bourke. It also covers the south coast of NSW from Batemans Bay to Bega as well as Queanbeyan and the ACT.

Having progressed from the filing room to the executive level of the organisation, Peter brings with him more than 33 years experience in public service. Now, he's looking forward to the challenge of improving services to people in the region.

"As a team, we'll be building on a number of key service delivery areas, such as assisting people move into work and away from welfare dependency," he said.

"The south-west region as a whole has one of the highest rates of customer participation and connections to the Job Network and I would like to see this positive trend extend to our long term unemployed, mature age, parents and disability customers.

"I believe many people who are capable of working actually do want to work and contribute to their local communities," Peter said. "Having a job can make such a difference to someone's life, and my role is about making sure people get all the help they need from Centrelink."

Incorporating 27 Centrelink Customer Service Centres, including seven in the ACT, Peter said the south-west region has a diverse range of Centrelink outlets in regional, rural and metropolitan areas.

"Centrelink has just refurbished its Tuggeranong office in the ACT, making it one of just five prototype sites across the country. More offices in the region, including Belconnen and Queanbeyan will also get a makeover, to ensure our customers have access to the most modern and efficient services possible," Peter said.

Centrelink area manager Peter Gillies said he was proud of the new look customer service centre that was typical of the new face of Centrelink with an open-plan design, modern facilities and the latest technology.

"It offers customers a variety of options in accessing government payments and services, including self-service facilities," he said.

Area manager, Peter Gillies, information about the help Centrelink can provide for carers is on the website, www.centrelink.gov.au or phone 13 2717.

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Centrelink Area South West Manager, Peter Gillies has taken charge of the services Centrelink delivers in an area that stretches from Albury and the Riverina to the Central West and north to Bourke.It also covers the south coast of NSW from Batemans Bay to Bega as well as Queanbeyan and the ACT.

"As a team, we'll be building on a number of key service delivery areas, such as assisting people move into work and away from welfare dependency as well providing assistance to drought affected families," he said.

"The Central West region as a whole has one of the highest rates of customer participation and connections to the Job Network and I would like to see this positive trend extend to our long term unemployed, mature age, parents and disability customers.

"I believe many people who are capable of working do want to work and contribute to their local communities," Peter said."Having a job can make such a difference to someone's life, and my role is about making sure people get all the help they need from Centrelink.

"With the recent closure of the Cowra Abattoir, staff at Cowra Centrelink was involved in assisting the abattoir workers.The Cowra office was open until 7.30 pm during the time of the closure to accommodate the affected workers," Peter said."Centrelink staff then liaised closely on behalf of the workers with Central West Recruitment and Burrangong Meat Processors about employment opportunities.They also liaised closely with Cowra TAFE regarding courses on offer that would assist the affected workers with their jobseeking.

"This community focused approach to employment issues in the region helps get processes in place to help displaced workers back into the workforce ASAP after closures, redundancies etc," Peter said.

Incorporating 27 Centrelink Customer Service Centres, including Cowra and five others in the Central West, Peter said the region has a diverse range of Centrelink outlets in regional, rural and metropolitan areas.