Stopping in Binalong at the Binalong Recreation Ground on May 10 between 9.30am and 4.30pm the Mobile Office will give residents easy access to a wide range of government payments and services.

Mobile Office team leader, Kathy Sack said the Mobile Office – designed to improve access to government services for rural communities – is particularly useful for people who don’t have easy access to a Centrelink or Medicare 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.

“We’re now visiting regions where the Exceptional Circumstances declaration ended at the end of March – we can talk to people about options for the future and the support that will still be available from Centrelink.”

The Centrelink Rural Services Officers, 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

• 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, two separate interview rooms, three service desks, wireless technology that allows the laptops on board to access the Centrelink customer mainframe, and self-service facilities,” she said.

“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 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.

“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.”