General News
19 April, 2024
Services coming to C’down and surrounds
RESIDENTS in Skipton, Lismore and Camperdown are set to receive a visit from a mobile Services Australia office.
The mobile service, Blue Gum, has been travelling through south west Victoria since April 11.
Blue Gum provides access to Centrelink, Medicare, National Disability Insurance Scheme and Department of Veterans’ Affairs services.
Mobile service centre program manager Paul King said Services Australia staff have been travelling to help rural and regional towns access government services.
“Our team is really lucky to be able to enjoy the Great Ocean Road views and the spectacular Otway Ranges, plus we get to work alongside some local staff from our Geelong, Colac and Warrnambool service centres,” he said.
“No two days are ever the same on the truck, we travel to all different parts of the country. Some days we’re in the outback, some days we’re at the coast.
“We are bringing services to families all over Australia who may not be able to get into a service centre.”
The mobile services are 20 tonne trucks which have travelled over one million kilometres since its inception in 2006.
“Blue Gum has a waiting area, self-service area, three customer work stations, private interview room for social work support and wheelchair access,” Mr King said.
“There’s no need to book an appointment when visiting the truck, I encourage anyone who needs help with making a claim or has any questions to visit us when we’re in their area.”
Blue Gum will stop in Skipton on Wednesday, April 24, parking opposite the Skipton Hotel on Montgomery Street from 9.30am to 4pm.
Its next stop will be near the Lismore Post Office on High Street from 9.30am to 4pm on Monday, April 29.
Blue Gum will also make a stop near the Clock Tower in Manifold Street, Camperdown on Tuesday, April 30 from 9am to 4pm.