The Meekatharra community now has improved ongoing access to Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support services, with the opening of a new Agent service.
Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen said Yulella Aboriginal Corporation is providing the Agent service, replacing the Meekatharra Service Centre.
"The Agent service is delivering a consistent face-to-face service to the Meekatharra community," Mr Jongen said.
"Visits to the Meekatharra Service Centre were declining, so we've adapted our servicing to suit the size and needs of the local community.
"Alongside the new Agent service, the community will also benefit from visits by Services Australia's Remote Servicing Teams that provide more targeted, supported assistance to local Indigenous customers.
"These teams provide support to individuals, families and communities to connect with our payments, services and programs."
Services Australia has a network of some 350 agents across rural and regional Australia that help people access the services they need.
Agents offer access to services such as phones, printing and free internet enabled computers, and staff to assist customers to register for and use digital self-serve channels, including myGov.
Mr Jongen pointed out that many people now prefer to conduct their Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support business online, at a time and place that suits them.
"myGov and Service Australia's Express Plus apps let people do their business online quickly and easily," Mr Jongen said.
"Anyone who needs help accessing these digital services can visit the Agent service and staff will help them get started."
Agents receive extensive training and ongoing support to assist with access to self-service facilities, certifying Proof of Identity documents and accessing general information.
For people who do not wish to go online, Agents can help them access phone self-service and can also connect those locals who have more complex enquiries directly to a Services Australia staff member using a dedicated phone line.
The Agent service will operate 9:00am - 3:30pm on Monday, and from 8:00am - 4:30pm on Tuesday to Thursday from the same location as the former Meekatharra Service Centre at 69 Main Street.
