MOBILE SERVICE CENTRE DELIVERING ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT SERVICES

Several Riverina towns will have quick and easy access to essential Federal Government services when the Mobile Service Centre (MSC) known as Golden Wattle visits over the next two weeks.

Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said Golden Wattle would roll into Cootamundra, Temora, Grenfell, Boorowa and Harden between 26 October and 5 November.

Mr McCormack is encouraging residents to take advantage of this opportunity to obtain tailored support and information about Government services.

“Mobile Service Centres are a great opportunity for people in our community to meet face-to-face with staff if they require more personalised or intensive support,” Mr McCormack said.

“Staff on board Golden Wattle can help locals with Centrelink claims, Medicare registrations and online services.

“You can still do most of your Centrelink and all of your Medicare business online, and staff can support locals to make sure they’re confident in completing their business online.

“You don’t need an appointment, and it’s free – so anyone who needs help or has a question should visit the team aboard Golden Wattle.

“All services will be offered with strict COVID-19 safety precautions in place.”

Golden Wattle is one of two 20-tonne trucks run by Services Australia which have travelled more than 900,000 kilometres and been to more than 5,000 communities.

Golden Wattle staff have delivered Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support services to almost 160,000 customers since 2006.

Minister for Government Services Stuart Robert said Golden Wattle provided tailored support and information to people in rural communities.

“Mobile Service Centres reinforce the Australian Government’s commitment to delivering the best services to all Australians, regardless of where they live,” Minister Robert said.

“These trucks are purpose-built to replicate a service centre, complete with the latest technology.

“During the Black Summer bushfires that devastated parts of this region, our Mobile Service Centre staff were on the ground to deliver critical support to people living in isolated bushfire-affected communities.

“Visiting this region again will ensure communities can continue to access the services they need, in what has been a very difficult year for many Australians.”

For more information about the Mobile Service Centres and the upcoming stopping locations, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/mobileoffice

Mobile Service Centre locations

Week 1

• Cootamundra on Tuesday 27 October, from 10 am to 4 pm and Wednesday 28 October, from 9am to 4pm, located in front of the town hall on Wallendoon Street;

• Temora on Thursday 29 October and Friday 30 October, from 9am to 4pm, located near the community centre on Hoskins Street.

Week 2

• Grenfell on Monday 2 November, from 10am to 4pm and Tuesday 3 November, from 9am to 4pm, located opposite the library on Main Street;

• Boorowa on Wednesday 4 November, from 9am to 4pm, located adjacent to the court house on Queen Street;

• Harden on Thursday 5 November, from 9am to 2pm, located near the tennis courts on East Street.

Shane Manning