Media release (Queensland):
Mobile Office comes to Darling Downs
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
The Australian Government Mobile Office is rolling through 8 towns on the Darling Downs, plus Stanthorpe and Nanango, from November 10 to offer easy access to a wide range of government payments and services.
Since taking to the road late last year the Mobile Office – designed to improve access to government services for rural communities – has visited more than 300 towns and travelled nearly 60,000km with its staff seeing more than 16,000 customers.
Mobile Office Team Leader Kathy Sack said the mobile office is particularly useful for people who don’t have easy access to a Centrelink or Medicare Australia office, bringing together many payments and services.
“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,” Kathy said.
The Centrelink Rural Services Officers, Rural Social Workers and Medicare Australia staff on board can assist people 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.
Kathy said the Mobile Office is custom-built to provide flexibility and space to assist a broader range of customers at different stages of their lives.
“The vehicle has a small waiting area, 2 separate interview rooms, three 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 1 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 the area to take a look inside the Mobile Office. We’re in your community and here to help.”
Kathy said this Darling Downs trip would be followed by a 3-week tour to 14 towns further west.
Itineraries and more information about the Australian Government Mobile Office are available in the Australian Government Mobile Offices section, or by calling 13 2316.
For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink media contact.