The Australian Government’s Mobile Service Centre, Golden Wattle, is a purpose built office on wheels providing personalised access to government services and is heading to the Bass Coast and Gippsland in November.
After a decade on the road, travelling more than 700,000 kilometres, the Mobile Service Centres continue to deliver Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support services to rural Australians.
Federal Member for Flinders, Greg Hunt said staff on board offer Centrelink and Medicare payments and services, and a Social Worker from the department will also be available on board who can assist with offering short-term counselling and referrals to support services.
“We saw recently the expertise of these staff in response to the Frankston Service Centre fire and, whether it’s responding to an emergency or business as usual, they are an excellent source of information about Australian Government payments and services,” Mr Hunt said.
Minister for Human Services Alan Tudge said the Mobile Service Centres provide information, assistance and support to rural and regional Australians.
“We have two fully customised trucks in operation, capable of doing everything any bricks and mortar service centre does,” Minister Tudge said.
“The Mobile Service Centres offer Wi-Fi as well, so people can bring along their devices to access our apps and get help using them, or they can update their details themselves.”
Federal Member for McMillan Mr Russell Broadbent said this travelling outreach service shortens the distance between rural and regional communities and government services and is equipped with the latest technology.
“Golden Wattle is wheelchair accessible and has a soundproof room where staff can conduct free hearing health checks,” Mr Broadbent said.
“You don’t need an appointment, and it’s a free service – so if any member of our community has a question or needs any assistance, make sure you come down and visit the team aboard Golden Wattle while it’s in our part of the world.”
Grantville |
Wednesday, 8 November |
9.30am to 4pm |
Located at Grantville Transaction Centre car park, Bass Highway. |
Cowes |
Thursday, |
9am to 4pm |
Located near the Jetty Triangle, The Esplanade. |
Meeniyan |
Friday 10 November |
9.30am to 4pm |
Located opposite Moo’s Café, Whitelaw Street. |
Fish Creek |
Monday 13 November |
9am to 11am |
Located adjacent to Fish Creek Hotel, Meeniyan – Promontory Road. |
Welshpool |
Monday 13 November |
12.30 to 3.30pm |
Located near the Park Rotunda, Main Street. |