By XAVIER SMERDON
POINT Cook has become the first suburb in Australia to host an innovative project that will give residents greater access to social services.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Minister for Human Services, Senator Jan McLucas, unveiled a new “Pop Up” outlet in the Point Cook Town Centre last week.
The town centre was chosen to trial the new service for a limited time as part of a new Department of Human Services initiative that aims to educate people about payments and services and help them to use self-service options.
The Pop Up hosts Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support online services.
“It’s about giving people more options so they can choose how to access services in a way that suits their needs,” Senator McLucas said.
Ms Gillard encouraged residents to stop by the outlet and give it a try.
“There are two experienced staff stationed at the outlet who can provide information and advice about the self service options available,” Ms Gillard said.
“We want people to walk away feeling confident they can use these online services and Express Plus apps to manage their business, when and where it suits them.”
Point Cook Town Centre Manager, Frank Pizi said he was pleased to house Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support online services in the centre.
“The outlet is a welcome addition to Point Cook Town Centre. Now the community can access more essential services in one location,” Mr Pizi said.
The Pop Up outlet is located opposite Harris Scarfe at the Point Cook Town Centre and is open from 9 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday.
