The Department of Human Services has acknowledged its Remote Servicing Teams in the Northern Territory as part of National Reconciliation Week this week, highlighting off-road trekking in four-wheel drive vehicles as part of their day-to-day work.
In a statement the Department said that Indigenous and non-Indigenous remote servicing staff worked alongside each other, with teamwork recognised in this year’s theme for the Week: Grounded in Truth – Walk Together with Courage.
The Department highlighted Remote Service Officer Nyssa Pastrikos (pictured) who was based in Darwin and had been with the Department for over a decade.
“As an Indigenous woman, Nyssa has a real passion for supporting Indigenous customers,” the Department said.
Ms Pastrikos said her remote work was important because it meant she could help people face-to-face.
“When we travel, we’re always welcomed by the communities we visit, which sometimes can be hundreds of kilometres from the nearest town,” Ms Pastrikos said.
“You need to learn to be flexible and adapt when you’re working on the road.
“We certainly don’t have all the luxuries of an office — you might end up helping customers while sitting on a milk crate.”
Another Darwin-based Remote Service Officer, Tracey Prideaux, said she felt privileged to be able to connect some of Australia’s most vulnerable customers to essential services.
“It’s great to watch the communities I visit change and grow, and see how far they’ve come,” Ms Prideaux said.
“Once you get to know people they’re happy to share their stories. I love listening to the Elders in a community,” she said.
“I sometimes can’t believe I get to travel and see such beautiful parts of the country as part of my everyday job.”
The Department said its Remote Servicing Teams were located across Australia and travelled to remote and Indigenous communities to provide Centrelink and Medicare support.
