Services Australia

‘Harper was the biggest spark in our lives, and now that spark lives on in others through her organ donations. ‘She used to give us a run for our money – fiercely independent and often stubborn! People would greet me as ‘Harper’s mum’ at pick up because everyone was enchanted by her. She loved craft and would say the funniest and sweetest things. ‘In December of 2016, our little floss, Harper had an accident, and she was one of 503 people who donated an organ that year to save a life. ‘In our darkest of days, when it became clear that Harper wasn’t going to be able to sustain life without support, we didn’t hesitate in donating her organs. ‘Harper’s kidneys saved the lives of a young adult male and a young adult female. Her heart valve was a precious gift to a one-year-old baby boy. ‘After losing our Harper I lived in a fog for a long time. All the little things became traumatic. Like only making one child’s school lunch, and I’d avoid writing cards to cope with signing them without her name. ‘You may not realise there’s a long wait for organ donation because the donor list isn’t long enough. ‘Have the conversation about organ donation, and let your loved ones know your wishes. Nobody thinks it will happen to them, until it does. In those harrowing moments when you’re faced with the decision, it’s hard to think straight. ‘Harper is forever five, but in her five short years she made an impact to last us a lifetime.’ -Lisa, mother of Harper and Service Officer at Services Australia #DonateLifeWeek2024 #DonateLife #OrganAndTissueDonation

Applications are now open for multiple roles in our Aurora Neuroinclusion Program in Adelaide. In partnership with Employ for Ability, the roles provide neurodivergent people with career opportunities in the Australian Public Service. Adelaide Software Test Engineer, Michael joined the program last year and has embraced his new career. 'Apply for the role and see where it takes you. There are plenty of opportunities to learn different skillsets with a lot of support,’ Michael said.  Applications close 18 August 2024.   For more information and to apply, go to https://lnkd.in/gKyYEhbi #APSCareers #AuroraProgram #AustralianPublicService Pictured: Michael sitting outdoors.

Spot the changes! We’ve updated over 100 of our service centres to improve your experience when you visit us. Service Centre Manager, Michelle has received lots of great customer feedback. ‘Many customers have commented on the colours and fit out - how it feels bright, airy and welcoming. They like the interview desks, which give them more privacy for their booked appointments.' And we’re not done yet! We’re transforming all our service centres so make sure you look out for these changes in your area soon.

Last week we held our annual NAIDOC Awards ceremony.   The awards acknowledge our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff who are excelling in their work, and those delivering services and creating positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customers and communities.  Indigenous Service Officer, Michael, was the winner of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employee Achievement award.  ‘What I try to do as an Indigenous Service Officer, is listen to the community,' Michael said.   Congratulations to Michael and to all our NAIDOC Award winners and finalists. #NAIDOC2024

This NAIDOC week, we want to share the journey of one of our staff members, Taungurung woman Lee-Anne Daffy, who started with us in 1990 when she joined Medicare. After stepping outside the agency, Lee-Anne rejoined us in 2011 as a social worker through our National Graduate Program. In a full circle moment, Lee-Anne has been completing her PhD which explores the significance entry-level programs have in changing the lives of First Nations women. As a The Sir Roland Wilson Foundation Pat Turner Scholar, Lee-Anne spoke to First Nations women about their experience - what works and what doesn’t, when it comes to supporting and retaining First Nations women in the Australian Public Service.  To mark over 4 years of work through Charles Darwin University, Lee-Anne held an exhibition of her research. She shared the journeys of participants through storytelling, painting, song, pictures and other recognised ways of telling.  Watch the video for more detail about Lee-Anne’s research and her recent exhibition at The Australian National University. #NAIDOC2024

Teara’s excited to be experiencing NAIDOC Week in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) for the first time.   Starting out with us as an Indigenous apprentice, she’s now living her dream working in community engagement. She’s been reflecting on how her work aligns with this year’s theme of ‘Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud’.   A proud Biripi and Gumbaynggirr woman, she loves that she’s making a difference to the lives of her fellow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.   ‘I just love this mob-centred work. We’re out there in community, servicing 2 town camps a day - I get to provide that end-to-end servicing for people that can’t get to a service centre themselves,’ Teara said.   ‘Working out in community, I sit down with customers and provide that education for them, show them what they need to do and how to get online to do their business.   ‘As an Aboriginal woman I can pick up on our social cues and hand gestures, because that’s how we communicate within our families.   ‘We're working to educate. We're working to empower our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customers and I love being part of that journey.’   #NAIDOC2024 #NAIDOCWeek #BlakLoudProud Image: Photo of an Aboriginal woman (Teara) wearing a blue shirt and smiling at the camera.

Every pair of shoes tell a story, and Reece helps to ensure some get to write a new chapter. He collected almost 200 pairs of old runners for his local community centre to help people affected by homelessness and family and domestic violence. When Reece isn’t leading his team who support some of our most vulnerable customers, he’s busy helping his local community in New South Wales. ‘I was so happy with the response from friends, colleagues and my local parkrun for old running shoes to donate,’ Reece said. ‘A good pair of shoes can do so much to help people on their journey.’ Image: Reece with some of the collected shoes.

Last week, we invited stakeholders from the community sector, industry and civil society groups into our agency as part of our mid-year report. It was a productive day, full of important consultation and feedback which will help us to ensure our services meet the needs of all Australians. As part of the event, our CEO David Hazlehurst updated stakeholders about where the agency is headed, key priorities for the year ahead and how we’ll work together. You can read a recap of the day here: https://lnkd.in/g23CtQ-k

If you work at an organisation supporting people to use Centrepay, you still have time to tell us your thoughts! Centrepay is a free and voluntary bill paying service for Centrelink customers. Customers can choose to make deductions from your Centrelink payment to pay for things like rent and power. We’ve extended the deadline for feedback on the program so we can get as many views as possible to help us make positive changes to the service. To make a submission, click on the link in our comments. Submissions close at 11:59pm 10 July.

Our mobile service centres (MSCs) really are as the photos suggest – a service centre on wheels! MSCs travel all around Australia, bringing our services to people in rural and regional communities. Staff on board help with things like new claims, updating details or providing information about our services. Kim, one of our MSC managers, was recently in Portland, Victoria where she snapped the aurora that lit up night skies. ‘Getting to travel around our incredible country and connect with Australians who otherwise might not have the opportunity to speak to our staff in person is so fulfilling,’ Kim said. ‘Sometimes we get treated to some pretty special moments while we’re on the road, like the aurora a couple of weeks ago. It’s one of the perks of the job!’ Travelling from countryside to coastline and everything in between, our MSC staff have captured some great photos while on the road – check them out. You can find a link in the comments to more information about our MSCs and where they’re visiting next. Image: Our MSC staff and vehicles pictured at various locations across regional Australia.