The Benalla community will have a new way of accessing Medicare and Centrelink services with the opening of a new Services Australia Agent later this year.
Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen said an Agent service would replace the existing Benalla Visiting Service, which had operated from premises at 22 Church Street.
'Services Australia staff had been visiting Benalla four days a week but have been unable to do so since April 2020 due to COVID-related issues,' Mr Jongen said.
'After careful consideration we have decided that an Agent model, operating daily, will provide a more sustainable and reliable service option.
'As part of the transition we will host two digital learning events, to support locals who want to engage with us digitally.
'Specialist Agency staff will also make regular visits when the Agent first opens to ensure the community is well supported,' he said.
An Expression of Interest will be advertised on Wednesday April 7 to identify a host organisation to operate the Benalla Agent.
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 assist customers to register for and use digital self-serve channels, including myGov.
Agents receive extensive training and ongoing support to assist with access to self-service facilities, certifying Proof of Identity documents and accessing general information.
