Mobile Office comes to North Burnett

Queensland media release
Thursday, 10 June 2010

The new Australian Government Mobile Office will be offering easy access to a wide range of Government payments and services when it visits Gayndah (June 22), Mundubbera (June 23), Eidsvold (June 24), and Monto (June 25).

The Mobile Office initiative is designed to improve access to Government services for people living in rural communities by bringing together many services and payments offered through Centrelink and Medicare Australia.

Mobile Team Leader, Debra Inskip, said these mobile offices travel to small communities across Australia, particularly those that don’t have easy access to a Centrelink or Medicare Australia office.

"The friendly staff on board the Mobile Office live and work in rural communities and can provide information, assistance and support to seniors, students, families, farmers and farm-dependent small businesses," said Debra.

The Centrelink Rural Services Officers, Rural Social Workers and Psychologists, and Medicare Australia staff on board can assist with a wide range of services, including:

• new claims for a wide range of Centrelink payments
• updating Centrelink and Medicare Australia customer information
• confirming customer documents and supporting information
• information on how financial matters may impact on Centrelink payments
• payment and service options to suit individual circumstances
• drought assistance claims for farmers and small businesses that depend on agriculture for their livelihood
• non-cash Medicare Australia transactions such as arranging cheque or EFTPOS claim payments
• Medicare Australia enrolments
• social work support and referrals.

Debra said the Mobile Office is an extension of the successful Drought Bus program, which provided information and support to drought-affected farmers.

"We are still here for farmers, but the new Mobile Office has been custom-built to provide more flexibility and space to assist a broader range of customers at different stages of their lives," said Debra.

"The vehicle has a small waiting area, 2 separate interview rooms, 3 service desks, wireless technology that allows the laptops on board to access the Centrelink customer mainframe, and self-service facilities.

"The floor inside the Mobile Office is completely flat, even when the side is extended, and a special ramp at the rear of the vehicle means it’s wheelchair accessible.

"All communities all have different needs, and the Australian Government Mobile Office initiative recognises that a style of service delivery that works well in one area may not necessarily work well in another.

"The versatility of the Mobile Office means we can adapt the services we offer to suit the specific needs of the community and its people.

"I’d encourage people to come down and visit us when we are in their town, and take a look inside the Mobile Office. We’re in your community and here to help."

Itineraries for the Mobile Office are available on the Mobile Office pages under ‘M’ in the A to Z index, or by calling 13 2316.

For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink media contact.