What’s happening?
Services Australia’s Mobile Service Centre Desert Rose is visiting towns in Cairns, Townsville and North West Queensland in the coming weeks. The mobile service centre will offer the community easy access to Medicare and Centrelink services and can also provide information about the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Department of Veterans’ Affairs services.
Why it matters
The Desert Rose mobile service centre allows people living in regional and remote areas to access government services closer to home. It provides face-to-face support from Services Australia staff and helps community members manage their Centrelink and Medicare needs, as well as find information on NDIS and Veterans’ Affairs.
Local Impact
Residents across the Cairns, Townsville and North West Queensland regions will be able to visit the Desert Rose during its upcoming stops to get assistance with claims, payments, and service information. The visit makes it easier for people in smaller communities to confirm documents, update details, and register for Medicare.
By the Numbers
• 17 towns will be visited by Desert Rose between 8 October and 6 November.
• The mobile service centre will operate between 9:00am and 4:00pm, depending on location.
• Staff will assist with Centrelink claims, Medicare registrations, NDIS and Veterans’ Affairs services.
Zoom In
The Desert Rose will visit:
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Chillagoe – Wednesday 8 October, in front of the Information Centre, Queen Street (10:30am to 3:00pm)
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Malanda – Thursday 9 October, near Jack May Park, William Street (9:00am to 3:00pm)
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Mount Garnet – Tuesday 14 October, near the Information Centre, Kennedy Highway (10:00am to 4:00pm)
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Mount Surprise – Wednesday 15 October, near the hall, Gulf Developmental Road (10:00am to 4:00pm)
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Georgetown – Thursday 16 October, near the Terrestrial Visitor Information Centre, Low Street (9:30am to 3:30pm)
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Croydon – Friday 17 October, in front of the Heritage Buildings, Samwell Street (9:00am to 2:30pm)
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Karumba – Monday 20 October, near the Civic Centre, Walker Street (9:00am to 4:00pm)
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Camooweal – Wednesday 22 October, in the Williejuddurra Hall car park, Kennedy Street (10:30am to 3:00pm)
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Dajarra – Thursday 23 October, near Jimberella Community Hall, Matheson Street (10:30am to 3:00pm)
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Cloncurry – Tuesday 28 October, near Florence Clark Memorial Park, Scarr Street (10:00am to 3:30pm)
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Julia Creek – Wednesday 29 October, near Peter Dawes Park, Burke Street (9:00am to 3:00pm)
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Richmond – Thursday 30 October, in front of the library, Goldring Street (9:00am to 3:00pm)
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Pentland – Friday 31 October, near the Soldiers Memorial Hall, Gilmore Street (10:00am to 3:30pm)
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Hughenden – Monday 3 November, opposite the post office, Brodie Street (9:00am to 2:30pm)
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Boulia – Tuesday 4 November, in front of Boulia Town Hall, Herbert Street (1:00pm to 4:00pm)
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Boulia – Wednesday 5 November, in front of Boulia Town Hall, Herbert Street (9:00am to 12:00pm)
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Winton – Thursday 6 November, near the swimming pool, Elderslie Street (9:00am to 4:00pm)
Zoom Out
Mobile service centres are 20-tonne trucks operated by staff from Services Australia. They provide regional and rural Australians with friendly, face-to-face services and tailored support. Staff on board this trip can help with Centrelink claims, payment and service information, updating personal details, confirming documents and supporting information, accessing myGov services, social work support and referrals, and Medicare registrations. The Desert Rose also offers access to online services through a self-service terminal.
What to look for next
Residents are encouraged to visit the Desert Rose at their nearest stop to make use of the services available from Services Australia’s team.
