Shellharbour residents will benefit from having more government services under the one roof when Medicare services move in alongside Centrelink services to form a one-stop shop from Monday 25 May.
Department of Human Services General Manager Hank Jongen said Shellharbour will join almost 180 communities around the country that are already benefitting from one-stop shops.
“All staff and Medicare services currently located on ground level at Shop 109, Stockland Shopping Centre will move directly above to level one at Shop 110C on Monday 25 May,” Mr Jongen said.
Mr Jongen said the move to bring services together is reflective of community expectations for greater convenience when dealing with government services.
“A decrease in the number of customers coming into our Medicare service centre, combined with its lease ending, has contributed to the decision to consolidate our services into the one-stop shop in Stockland Shellharbour,” Mr Jongen said.
“Customers are increasingly taking advantage of online services and digital claiming options, meaning for many there is no need to visit a service centre on a regular basis.
“Nationally, more than 91 per cent of all patient-claimed GP services are now being claimed electronically at the point of service.
“While the most convenient way to claim your Medicare rebate is at your doctor’s surgery, customers can also use the range of digital services available through myGov and the Department of Human Services Express Plus apps.
“Staff at the Shellharbour Service Centre can set you up with a myGov account or show you how to download the apps, and they can also guide you through how to use these digital options.
“Staff will continue to provide face-to-face services to those who require more personalised or intensive support.”
The Shellharbour Service Centre will open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
