MOBILE SERVICE CENTRE DELIVERING ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT SERVICES IN COOLAMON

Coolamon residents will have quick and easy access to essential Federal Government services when the Mobile Service Centre (MSC) known as Desert Rose rolls into town next week.

Desert Rose will be at Coolamon, near Sweet Briar Bed and Breakfast on Cowabbie Street, on Monday 28 September between 9am and 4pm.

Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack is encouraging Coolamon 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 Desert Rose 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 Desert Rose.

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

Desert Rose is one of two 20 tonne trucks run by Services Australia that have travelled more than 900,000 kilometres and been to more than 5,000 communities.

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

Minister for Government Services Stuart Robert said Desert Rose 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

Shane Manning