MOBILE SERVICE DELIVERS HELP WITH DROUGHT FORMS: McCORMACK

A MOBILE Service Centre visiting the Riverina and Central West this week and next can help drought-affected farmers complete the Farm Household Allowance claim form and assist with access to other Federal Government services, the Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack says.

Nick-named Golden Wattle, the bus provides critical information, assistance and support to rural and regional Australians.

“A Farm Household Case Officer will be on board the bus to assist with claims and answer any questions relating to the Farm Household Allowance,” Mr McCormack said.

“There will also be a social worker on board, so I encourage Riverina and Central West farmers and their families who need assistance to visit the bus for specialist support or advice.”

Golden Wattle staff can also help with Centrelink claims, Medicare registrations and online services.

Mobile Service Centres provide Australians living in remote and regional communities with face-to-face access to customer service agents who can help them apply for benefits or resolve any claim issues over the counter.

Introduced by the Howard Government a decade ago, Mobile Service Centres have helped more than 140,000 people and travelled more than 800,000 kilometres since they have been on the road.

Minister for Human Services Michael Keenan said Mobile Service Centres provided critical information, assistance and support to rural and regional Australians.

“The Mobile Service Centres reinforce our government’s commitment to deliver the best service possible to all Australians, regardless of where they live,” Mr Keenan said.

Information about Department of Veterans’ Affairs programs and support services for veterans and their families will also be available.

“This is a great opportunity for our community to meet face-to-face with specialist staff,” Mr McCormack said.

“You don’t need an appointment, and it’s a free service – so if you have a question or need assistance, make sure you come down and visit the team aboard Golden Wattle.”

Mobile Service Centre locations:

West Wyalong: Friday 19 October from 9am to 3pm near Church Street car park, Church Street

Ardlethan: Tuesday 23 October from 9:30am to 11:30am near the Ardlethan Bowling Club car park, Ariah Street

Ariah Park: Tuesday 23 October from 1:30pm to 4pm in front of the old Westpac Building, Coolamon Street

Temora: Wednesday 24 October from 9am to 4pm near the Community Centre, Hoskins Street

Grenfell: Thursday 25 October from 9:30am to 3:30pm opposite the library, Main Street

For more information visit humanservices.gov.au/mobile office or call 132 316