For more than a decade, Margaret Betts has played a vital role on behalf of the Department of Human Services in Jabiru, in Kakadu National Park. She has linked the remote Indigenous community to government services, giving residents access to essential support.
She is one of the people working in the department’s 350 agents across Australia, to help people in remote and rural areas to connect with Centrelink and Medicare services.
Margaret has proudly supported her community in the Northern Territory. But after 13 years of helping others, she’s decided to hang up her hat and say goodbye.
“I’ve loved every minute,” Margaret said.
“When I first came to Jabiru there was no agent, just the Remote Servicing Team who periodically came to visit.
“I was working in an office where customers were coming in asking to have their Centrelink forms faxed off or for help understanding their letters.
“I thought that this would be something I’d love to be involved in and when I saw the agent position advertised through my employer, I jumped at the chance!”
“Some of the people here struggle with literacy and numeracy, so it’s been really satisfying to be able to help them understand their business.”
She said moving on from the role she’s loved was difficult, but a necessary choice to spend more time with her family and look after her grandchild with special needs.
“I just want to thank all the staff in the department’s offices that have helped me the past 13 years. They taught me so much about supporting customers,” Margaret said.
Working out of the West Arnhem Regional Council (WARC) office, Margaret has been a familiar face over the years, one the community is going to miss.
Mayor Matthew Ryan said over the years Margaret has supported a huge number of local Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents in Jabiru and surrounding areas.
“Margie’s dedication to helping others showed through her work each day and she will be sadly missed,” Matthew said.
“We wish Margie all the best in her future endeavours.”
There will continue to be an Agent in Jabiru supported by the WARC.
More information
- Read more about Agents and Access points
