Rockingham residents will be able to access Centrelink and Medicare services under the one roof from Monday 18 May.
All staff and services from the current Medicare shopfront in the Rockingham City Shopping Centre will move into the Centrelink Service Centre at 18 Civic Boulevard, bringing together services into the one location.
Service Centre Manager Dean Keilty said Rockingham joins nearly 180 communities across the country that have co-located Centrelink and Medicare services.
“The Service Centre is surrounded by local medical services and specialists, so customers will find the move an easier way to access several services in one convenient location if needed,” Mr Keilty said.
Mr Keilty said customer traffic had fallen by more than half at the City Shopping Centre shop front over the past two years as customers take advantage of more convenient Medicare claiming options.
“There has been an increase in claiming at doctors’ surgeries in Rockingham. This is in line with the national trend, with more than 91 per cent of all patient-claimed GP services now being lodged at the point of service.
“Customers can also claim online and through the department’s Express Plus mobile apps, meaning fewer people need to visit a service centre to claim a rebate,” Mr Keilty said.
“We’re giving customers more control over their Centrelink and Medicare business by providing more options for how, when and where they interact with us.
“While many people are choosing alternative claiming options, staff at the new Rockingham one-stop shop will be available to provide face-to-face services to those who require more personalised or intensive support.”
From Monday 18 May the co-located Rockingham Service Centre at 18 Civic Boulevard will be open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
