The mobile services make it easier for residents to access help with Centrelink and Medicare payments and services, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs programs.
Golden Wattle, one of three trucks in the mobile service centre fleet, started making its way across the region on Tuesday, January 18, continuing through to February 17.
It will stop at Numurkah, Cobram, Tatura, Kyabram, Tongala, Nagambie, Rushworth, Nathalia, Lockington, Elmore, Heathcote and Yarrawonga.
Federal Member for Nicholls Damian Drum said the versatility of the mobile service centres meant they could efficiently move across different regions and were often one of the first points of contacts for people following an emergency.
“The trucks have been involved in 28 emergency responses where crews have spent over 400 days in around 300 different communities,” Mr Drum said.
“Mobile service centre staff have assisted more than 20,000 people affected by natural disasters.”
Offering a wide range of services open to anyone who needs assistance, the centres provide support to regional communities, including families, older Australians, students, job seekers, people with disability, carers, farmers and self-employed people.
Staff from Services Australia travel with the centres and are readily available to assist with a range of queries, including:
- Registering and using the agency’s online services;
- New claims for Centrelink payments;
- Updating and confirming Centrelink and Medicare information;
- Information on how financial matters may impact on payments;
- Assistance with payment and service options;
- Rural payment entitlements for eligible farmers;
- Non-cash Medicare transactions;
- Enrolling for and issuing new Medicare cards; and
- Updating and re-issuing Medicare cards.
Wi-Fi is available at the mobile centres, and they are also accessible to those with a disability.
For more information on the mobile service centres and dates of visitations, visit www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/mobileoffice or the Services Australia Facebook page.
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