Hi bjkamp,
I have also applied for MAM casual but Sydney base. My AD was on 28.10.2011 and out of approx. 30 people only 12 of us made it to the panel interview.
I received a call from MAM on 8.11. asking for additional information regarding my references. My 2 references were checked within that week. Today is 4 weeks since my AD and I still haven't heard from MAM. I kept in contact with 2 girls who also made it to the panel. One of them received an email on 4.11. that she is unsuccessful and the other received an email on 16.11. that her application progressed to medical and security check. The waiting is frustrating. I will be sending MAM email on Monday asking for possible update or if they need any additional info. They told us that we should hear from them in 2-3 weeks. They also told us they need 250 Casuals national wide and already have 120 successful applicants.
Good Luck, hope you don't have to wait to long for their decision.