A request from BG...

I guess this is one side of the floods people don't think of, but the wonderful BG is at work today and finding things exceptionally hard.

Her request: If you can do any centrelink stuff online, do so. Only call the call centres if it's absolutely essential and can't be done through online services.

Centrelink has two call centres closed and a heap of others are only taking flood calls, so man power is down, calls are up and extremely upsetting and stressful for those on the phones.

And here's a shout out for BG and others working in similar areas - you are doing an amazing and fantastic job under the circumstances, hang in there. :hug:

BW

Big hugs BG

Very good point, everyone must benwprking so hard.

Huge hugs BG. :hug: And to all those involved in all sorts of ways. :hug:

There are lots of us doing what we can to help. Doesn't feel like enough when you hear the heartbreak. Have been abused for not understanding too. I know emotions are high so I have to suck it up. But I do get it. Our home was in the line of fire in 2009....

Hang in there, BG - you guys are doing a fantastic job. I have had friends call regarding the flood relief payments and they say the people answering their calls have been great, really understanding, kind and happy to help out however they can. You guys ARE making a huge difference to those in need, so big, big claps to you :) xx

Thanks Glam

This is going to be something that will impact centrelink and FAO response times immensely over the coming weeks. at least half the call centre staff nationally have been placed on call to take disaster relief calls. call centres are opening for extended hours and will be opening for disaster enquiries over the weekends as well until this all calms down. if the flood relief calls are slow, people will be able to take their "normal" calls again, but i can't see that happening for a little while

essentially, i'm suggesting people do all they can online - if you are not registered for online services, you CAN register yourself online. you will be asked to input details that match what c'link/fao already have for you. earnings reports, advances, payment enquiries, income estimates, child care benefit enquiries - these can all be done online. i'm not telling anyone NOT to ring, just giving the heads up that priority is going to be given to those impacted by this disaster, and the scope may well become broader as parts of NSW are under threat, as are parts of Victoria. this is going to be a long haul, so if you can do something online, it might save you a long wait in the queue. and if you DO call, and are waiting and frustrated - don't take it out on the person that answers - we're human, and we're just doing all we can to help everyone as quickly and efficiently as we can. This is going to be an even bigger response needed than what happened with black Saturday and it's going to take a lot of resources to effectively manage it

my heart goes out to everyone in QLD/NSW/Vic directly or indirectly impacted by this disaster.

I was actually going to do a shout out thread for you BG. You are such an amazing help through times like this. Thankyou for the advice you have given me and others in QLD during this difficult time. Alot of people don't realise that its not just the people who are losing things and experiencing the floods themselves that are effected. Its the SES workers, the police, ambulance and fire officers as well as people like Centrelink etc that are also effected. It certainly can't be easy on you guys either. I certainly hope that there are councellors and stuff like that available to people in your line of work because I imagine that it would be extremely difficult. Its hard enough going through the floods and dealing with our own devestation of our houses etc let alone dealing with THOUSANDS of peoples devestation. :hug: your doing a fantastic job.. thank you BG

i'm just doing my job babe - nothing special. yes, it is essential, and i remember from the fires what a difference it makes - but i don't feel like i'm doing anything special. there are lots of people right across australia doing everything within their power to help - i don't think any one is doing it for kudos, just cos it is what needs to be done and what feels right.

i will admit, after hearing so many desperately sad people today though, i wanted nothing more than a cuddle from my girl
i sat on the floor with her and just wrapped her in a big hug - i think she will be one very snuggled bubba over coming weeks

I know first hand what you guys are doing. Sending big hugs to you and all the other workers fielding these calls :hug:

Great Job BG and ALL C/L Staff.

I am back at work tomorrow and im not at all looking forward to it. Us insurance people have already copped a slagging on today tonight and all i could do it sit and cry. I also then saw one of my biggest clients fully submerged at Brisbane Markets.

Keep up the good work BG and your co workers. Also all the SES, Fire, Ambulance and Volunteers who are giving their time to care for the people directly affected.

I want to jump in and say a big thankyou to those staff who are working under pressure invisibly behind the scenes to give the help where it's needed as quickly as possible. It's probably a thankless task but so so valuable.

as a face-to-face office worker with C/L, I'd just like to add to BG's very good suggestion - if at all possible, please avoid coming to the office and doing as much as you can online or via the automated phone service. If you do need to come in, we're very happy to see you but be prepared for a long wait. My office alone usually has 35 staff and we're down to 10 this coming week - staff from all over the country have been relocated to flood affected areas. I have been at work all weekend and will be working 12 hour days this week to get through as much work as possible. BG - please take care of yourself at this stressful time (I was in CC during the bushfires and don't envy you taking those distressing calls) and to those of you affected by the disaster my thoughts are with you! xx

Brigsy - i'm sorry you've copped customer abuse during this floods emergency - people do weird things under stress (which i'm sure you realise, but it's still awful to be yelled at, esp when you're as compassionate as you are - and you really DO get it, having been thru the Vic Bushfire last year yourself.

Emerald's cuddles WILL get you through.

hugs