A media statement released in August announced that the South Melbourne Centrelink office would close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations.

Hank Jongen, the General Manager of Services Australia, explained that they had exhausted the available lease extensions in South Melbourne and had conducted extensive searches in the surrounding areas. However, these efforts had yielded no suitable options.

'Services Australia actively explored alternative property solutions on 17 occasions since 2020. We advertised these opportunities through an open tender and explored the possibility of co-locating with other government agencies. Unfortunately, no suitable sites were identified or available,' Mr Jongen stated.

He added that they even considered areas neighbouring South Melbourne. However, the properties there either failed to meet their requirements and standards—such as accessibility—or were not offered by landlords.

The South Melbourne Centrelink office would close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations. Credit: Shutterstock.

Mr Jongen expressed regret over the closure of the service centre in South Melbourne. He emphasised that every possible effort had been made to retain the service centre, but no other suitable location could be found.

He further stated that although all avenues to identify a new site in and around South Melbourne had been exhausted for the time being, Services Australia is open to considering new opportunities that may arise in the future.

'Services Australia is committed to servicing the inner city Melbourne community and will continue to look at the mixture of services on offer and how the agency can improve connections with people in need.'

Senator Janet Rice described the impact this closure could have for constituents, saying: 'People on Centrelink payments are already doing it tough - and it's about to go from bad to worse.'

'Not only are income support payments far below the poverty line but now even accessing those inadequate payments is going to be that much tougher.'

'It places an unnecessary burden on people who are already facing financial hardship. We should be making it easier for them to access the support they need, not harder.'

Adding to these concerns is the fact that the affected area currently has nearly 10,000 people relying on Jobseeker payments. This situation has raised significant alarm within the South Melbourne community, especially in Macnamara, where the closure is taking place.

Kerrie, a local resident and a retired community worker, is one of many who will be affected by the Centrelink closure.

She pointed out that beyond herself, the closure will also massively impact the most marginalised and vulnerable members of their community, including homeless individuals, disabled people, some older residents, and others who either lack access to digital devices or find them challenging to use.

'People flock to the inner city due to the abundance of services,' she observed.

'When you're living in precarious circumstances but still have to report your earnings every fortnight to Centrelink, it can be a lot easier to just present at the local office than to find a working phone line or public computer.'

'Some people just can't afford to keep their phone or laptop in credit for the whole fortnight. Reporting in person is cheaper than buying a phone recharge voucher,' she explained.

According to Mr Jongen, Services Australia's specialist staff will continue supporting vulnerable community members in the inner city, operating at over 14 locations.

'Community Engagement Officers and Multicultural Service Officers will continue to visit 10 locations, including the Sacred Heart Mission, St Kilda Crisis Contact Centre, Melbourne City Mission and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre regularly,' he said.

He also pointed out that a Community Partnership Specialist Officer is stationed at the Salvation Army Project 614 daily, ensuring that the most vulnerable individuals can access Centrelink services at a place they already rely on for support.

The South Melbourne Service Centre will cease operations on Friday, 27 October 2023. According to Services Australia, there will be no job losses, as all staff will be relocated to nearby service centres.

Key Takeaways

• The South Melbourne Centrelink office will close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations.
• The closure will heavily impact residents in the area, nearly 10,000 of whom are on Jobseeker payments.
• The closure will also impact the most vulnerable and marginalised members of their community, including homeless individuals, disabled people, some older residents, and others who either lack access to digital devices or find them challenging to use.
• Despite the closure, Services Australia says it will continue supporting the inner-city Melbourne community through various means, including Community Engagement Officers and Multicultural Service Officers.

What are your thoughts on this story, members? Have any Centrelink branches in your vicinity also closed down? If they have, how has it impacted your community and those who depend on its services? Were you personally affected by these closures?

Feel free to share your experiences with us in the comments below! We're eager to read your thoughts.

 

[Countryjohn]

A media statement released in August announced that the South Melbourne Centrelink office would close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations.

Hank Jongen, the General Manager of Services Australia, explained that they had exhausted the available lease extensions in South Melbourne and had conducted extensive searches in the surrounding areas. However, these efforts had yielded no suitable options.

'Services Australia actively explored alternative property solutions on 17 occasions since 2020. We advertised these opportunities through an open tender and explored the possibility of co-locating with other government agencies. Unfortunately, no suitable sites were identified or available,' Mr Jongen stated.

He added that they even considered areas neighbouring South Melbourne. However, the properties there either failed to meet their requirements and standards—such as accessibility—or were not offered by landlords.

View attachment 29870

The South Melbourne Centrelink office would close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations. Credit: Shutterstock.

Mr Jongen expressed regret over the closure of the service centre in South Melbourne. He emphasised that every possible effort had been made to retain the service centre, but no other suitable location could be found.

He further stated that although all avenues to identify a new site in and around South Melbourne had been exhausted for the time being, Services Australia is open to considering new opportunities that may arise in the future.

'Services Australia is committed to servicing the inner city Melbourne community and will continue to look at the mixture of services on offer and how the agency can improve connections with people in need.'

Senator Janet Rice described the impact this closure could have for constituents, saying: 'People on Centrelink payments are already doing it tough - and it's about to go from bad to worse.'

'Not only are income support payments far below the poverty line but now even accessing those inadequate payments is going to be that much tougher.'

'It places an unnecessary burden on people who are already facing financial hardship. We should be making it easier for them to access the support they need, not harder.'

Adding to these concerns is the fact that the affected area currently has nearly 10,000 people relying on Jobseeker payments. This situation has raised significant alarm within the South Melbourne community, especially in Macnamara, where the closure is taking place.

Kerrie, a local resident and a retired community worker, is one of many who will be affected by the Centrelink closure.

She pointed out that beyond herself, the closure will also massively impact the most marginalised and vulnerable members of their community, including homeless individuals, disabled people, some older residents, and others who either lack access to digital devices or find them challenging to use.

'People flock to the inner city due to the abundance of services,' she observed.

'When you're living in precarious circumstances but still have to report your earnings every fortnight to Centrelink, it can be a lot easier to just present at the local office than to find a working phone line or public computer.'

'Some people just can't afford to keep their phone or laptop in credit for the whole fortnight. Reporting in person is cheaper than buying a phone recharge voucher,' she explained.

According to Mr Jongen, Services Australia's specialist staff will continue supporting vulnerable community members in the inner city, operating at over 14 locations.

'Community Engagement Officers and Multicultural Service Officers will continue to visit 10 locations, including the Sacred Heart Mission, St Kilda Crisis Contact Centre, Melbourne City Mission and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre regularly,' he said.

He also pointed out that a Community Partnership Specialist Officer is stationed at the Salvation Army Project 614 daily, ensuring that the most vulnerable individuals can access Centrelink services at a place they already rely on for support.

The South Melbourne Service Centre will cease operations on Friday, 27 October 2023. According to Services Australia, there will be no job losses, as all staff will be relocated to nearby service centres.

Key Takeaways

• The South Melbourne Centrelink office will close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations.
• The closure will heavily impact residents in the area, nearly 10,000 of whom are on Jobseeker payments.
• The closure will also impact the most vulnerable and marginalised members of their community, including homeless individuals, disabled people, some older residents, and others who either lack access to digital devices or find them challenging to use.
• Despite the closure, Services Australia says it will continue supporting the inner-city Melbourne community through various means, including Community Engagement Officers and Multicultural Service Officers.

What are your thoughts on this story, members? Have any Centrelink branches in your vicinity also closed down? If they have, how has it impacted your community and those who depend on its services? Were you personally affected by these closures?

Feel free to share your experiences with us in the comments below! We're eager to read your thoughts.

I’ma bit surprised they found the time to actually close it. People waiting 6 to 9 months for jobseeker and aged pension with a bit over a year for disability pension. I have been waiting for 5 months for urgent financial assistance.

 

[Zemo]

Don't tell me that they couldn't find a suitable site anywhere in the area that was not available for sale? Or is that known as "commercial in confidence" fodder for the mushroom people out there?

 

[GranniCaz]

A media statement released in August announced that the South Melbourne Centrelink office would close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations.

Hank Jongen, the General Manager of Services Australia, explained that they had exhausted the available lease extensions in South Melbourne and had conducted extensive searches in the surrounding areas. However, these efforts had yielded no suitable options.

'Services Australia actively explored alternative property solutions on 17 occasions since 2020. We advertised these opportunities through an open tender and explored the possibility of co-locating with other government agencies. Unfortunately, no suitable sites were identified or available,' Mr Jongen stated.

He added that they even considered areas neighbouring South Melbourne. However, the properties there either failed to meet their requirements and standards—such as accessibility—or were not offered by landlords.

View attachment 29870

The South Melbourne Centrelink office would close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations. Credit: Shutterstock.

Mr Jongen expressed regret over the closure of the service centre in South Melbourne. He emphasised that every possible effort had been made to retain the service centre, but no other suitable location could be found.

He further stated that although all avenues to identify a new site in and around South Melbourne had been exhausted for the time being, Services Australia is open to considering new opportunities that may arise in the future.

'Services Australia is committed to servicing the inner city Melbourne community and will continue to look at the mixture of services on offer and how the agency can improve connections with people in need.'

Senator Janet Rice described the impact this closure could have for constituents, saying: 'People on Centrelink payments are already doing it tough - and it's about to go from bad to worse.'

'Not only are income support payments far below the poverty line but now even accessing those inadequate payments is going to be that much tougher.'

'It places an unnecessary burden on people who are already facing financial hardship. We should be making it easier for them to access the support they need, not harder.'

Adding to these concerns is the fact that the affected area currently has nearly 10,000 people relying on Jobseeker payments. This situation has raised significant alarm within the South Melbourne community, especially in Macnamara, where the closure is taking place.

Kerrie, a local resident and a retired community worker, is one of many who will be affected by the Centrelink closure.

She pointed out that beyond herself, the closure will also massively impact the most marginalised and vulnerable members of their community, including homeless individuals, disabled people, some older residents, and others who either lack access to digital devices or find them challenging to use.

'People flock to the inner city due to the abundance of services,' she observed.

'When you're living in precarious circumstances but still have to report your earnings every fortnight to Centrelink, it can be a lot easier to just present at the local office than to find a working phone line or public computer.'

'Some people just can't afford to keep their phone or laptop in credit for the whole fortnight. Reporting in person is cheaper than buying a phone recharge voucher,' she explained.

According to Mr Jongen, Services Australia's specialist staff will continue supporting vulnerable community members in the inner city, operating at over 14 locations.

'Community Engagement Officers and Multicultural Service Officers will continue to visit 10 locations, including the Sacred Heart Mission, St Kilda Crisis Contact Centre, Melbourne City Mission and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre regularly,' he said.

He also pointed out that a Community Partnership Specialist Officer is stationed at the Salvation Army Project 614 daily, ensuring that the most vulnerable individuals can access Centrelink services at a place they already rely on for support.

The South Melbourne Service Centre will cease operations on Friday, 27 October 2023. According to Services Australia, there will be no job losses, as all staff will be relocated to nearby service centres.

Key Takeaways

• The South Melbourne Centrelink office will close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations.
• The closure will heavily impact residents in the area, nearly 10,000 of whom are on Jobseeker payments.
• The closure will also impact the most vulnerable and marginalised members of their community, including homeless individuals, disabled people, some older residents, and others who either lack access to digital devices or find them challenging to use.
• Despite the closure, Services Australia says it will continue supporting the inner-city Melbourne community through various means, including Community Engagement Officers and Multicultural Service Officers.

What are your thoughts on this story, members? Have any Centrelink branches in your vicinity also closed down? If they have, how has it impacted your community and those who depend on its services? Were you personally affected by these closures?

Feel free to share your experiences with us in the comments below! We're eager to read your thoughts.

Is the stated reason for the closure TRUE?? Given the number of vacant buildings in the area; has anyone FACT CHECKED?

 

[AlanQ]

Is the stated reason for the closure TRUE?? Given the number of vacant buildings in the area; has anyone FACT CHECKED?

sounds like you're putting your hand up to investigate. The size of a building to cater for the staff numbers means there are no building sufficiently large enough. The current building like so many other inner city large sites is destined to be an apartment building.

 

[AlanQ]

Didn't know they actually encouraged anyone to enter a centrelink building. All things are generally done on line including the medicare component of the building. If someone on the dole doesn't think they can go to the next service centre, that could also be a good indicator that they're not going to travel for a job. Not an unrealistic requirement for someone to make the journey. Guarantee the time travel to centrelink isn't time they would be using to look for work.

 

[Suzanne rose]

I'm telling you this is the first of many that will close. They want you to do everything on line.

I'm still waiting for DSP it's going on to 8 months

 

[siameezer]

Didn't know they actually encouraged anyone to enter a centrelink building. All things are generally done on line including the medicare component of the building. If someone on the dole doesn't think they can go to the next service centre, that could also be a good indicator that they're not going to travel for a job. Not an unrealistic requirement for someone to make the journey. Guarantee the time travel to centrelink isn't time they would be using to look for work.

What a judgemental response and one that shows your disrespect for people. I am gathering you understand that people accessing ALL Centrelink payments are affected and not just the unemployed (for whom you show such disdain)? Do you want people who are disabled and unable to use public transport to travel to another centre? Elderly folks who have a need for a closer centre? How about the homeless who have barriers to travelling far? Empathy and compassion are amazing traits and ones I am sure you would benefit from cultivating.

 

[IAN3005]

Is the stated reason for the closure TRUE?? Given the number of vacant buildings in the area; has anyone FACT CHECKED?

They are going to "squeeze" us into submission.... or die... one or the other.

 

[IAN3005]

What a judgemental response and one that shows your disrespect for people. I am gathering you understand that people accessing ALL Centrelink payments are affected and not just the unemployed (for whom you show such disdain)? Do you want people who are disabled and unable to use public transport to travel to another centre? Elderly folks who have a need for a closer centre? How about the homeless who have barriers to travelling far? Empathy and compassion are amazing traits and ones I am sure you would benefit from cultivating.

As if they give a toss about the man in the street..... we are dispensable.... never forget the fact...

 

[IAN3005]

I'm telling you this is the first of many that will close. They want you to do everything on line.

I'm still waiting for DSP it's going on to 8 months

Now you have hit the nail on the head.... you watch the next one fall... chapter to do it on line..... easier to catch you.... banks on line... medical on line... we are entering the dystopian world slowly but surely ....https://youtu.be/eViswN602_k

 

[Smithlou]

Why don't they have an equiped Cenrelink bus to travel to the locations most affected?

 

[Luckyus]

A media statement released in August announced that the South Melbourne Centrelink office would close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations.

Hank Jongen, the General Manager of Services Australia, explained that they had exhausted the available lease extensions in South Melbourne and had conducted extensive searches in the surrounding areas. However, these efforts had yielded no suitable options.

'Services Australia actively explored alternative property solutions on 17 occasions since 2020. We advertised these opportunities through an open tender and explored the possibility of co-locating with other government agencies. Unfortunately, no suitable sites were identified or available,' Mr Jongen stated.

He added that they even considered areas neighbouring South Melbourne. However, the properties there either failed to meet their requirements and standards—such as accessibility—or were not offered by landlords.

View attachment 29870

The South Melbourne Centrelink office would close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations. Credit: Shutterstock.

Mr Jongen expressed regret over the closure of the service centre in South Melbourne. He emphasised that every possible effort had been made to retain the service centre, but no other suitable location could be found.

He further stated that although all avenues to identify a new site in and around South Melbourne had been exhausted for the time being, Services Australia is open to considering new opportunities that may arise in the future.

'Services Australia is committed to servicing the inner city Melbourne community and will continue to look at the mixture of services on offer and how the agency can improve connections with people in need.'

Senator Janet Rice described the impact this closure could have for constituents, saying: 'People on Centrelink payments are already doing it tough - and it's about to go from bad to worse.'

'Not only are income support payments far below the poverty line but now even accessing those inadequate payments is going to be that much tougher.'

'It places an unnecessary burden on people who are already facing financial hardship. We should be making it easier for them to access the support they need, not harder.'

Adding to these concerns is the fact that the affected area currently has nearly 10,000 people relying on Jobseeker payments. This situation has raised significant alarm within the South Melbourne community, especially in Macnamara, where the closure is taking place.

Kerrie, a local resident and a retired community worker, is one of many who will be affected by the Centrelink closure.

She pointed out that beyond herself, the closure will also massively impact the most marginalised and vulnerable members of their community, including homeless individuals, disabled people, some older residents, and others who either lack access to digital devices or find them challenging to use.

'People flock to the inner city due to the abundance of services,' she observed.

'When you're living in precarious circumstances but still have to report your earnings every fortnight to Centrelink, it can be a lot easier to just present at the local office than to find a working phone line or public computer.'

'Some people just can't afford to keep their phone or laptop in credit for the whole fortnight. Reporting in person is cheaper than buying a phone recharge voucher,' she explained.

According to Mr Jongen, Services Australia's specialist staff will continue supporting vulnerable community members in the inner city, operating at over 14 locations.

'Community Engagement Officers and Multicultural Service Officers will continue to visit 10 locations, including the Sacred Heart Mission, St Kilda Crisis Contact Centre, Melbourne City Mission and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre regularly,' he said.

He also pointed out that a Community Partnership Specialist Officer is stationed at the Salvation Army Project 614 daily, ensuring that the most vulnerable individuals can access Centrelink services at a place they already rely on for support.

The South Melbourne Service Centre will cease operations on Friday, 27 October 2023. According to Services Australia, there will be no job losses, as all staff will be relocated to nearby service centres.

Key Takeaways

• The South Melbourne Centrelink office will close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations.
• The closure will heavily impact residents in the area, nearly 10,000 of whom are on Jobseeker payments.
• The closure will also impact the most vulnerable and marginalised members of their community, including homeless individuals, disabled people, some older residents, and others who either lack access to digital devices or find them challenging to use.
• Despite the closure, Services Australia says it will continue supporting the inner-city Melbourne community through various means, including Community Engagement Officers and Multicultural Service Officers.

What are your thoughts on this story, members? Have any Centrelink branches in your vicinity also closed down? If they have, how has it impacted your community and those who depend on its services? Were you personally affected by these closures?

Feel free to share your experiences with us in the comments below! We're eager to read your thoughts.

And so it begins!!!!!

 

[Luckyus]

A media statement released in August announced that the South Melbourne Centrelink office would close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations.

Hank Jongen, the General Manager of Services Australia, explained that they had exhausted the available lease extensions in South Melbourne and had conducted extensive searches in the surrounding areas. However, these efforts had yielded no suitable options.

'Services Australia actively explored alternative property solutions on 17 occasions since 2020. We advertised these opportunities through an open tender and explored the possibility of co-locating with other government agencies. Unfortunately, no suitable sites were identified or available,' Mr Jongen stated.

He added that they even considered areas neighbouring South Melbourne. However, the properties there either failed to meet their requirements and standards—such as accessibility—or were not offered by landlords.

View attachment 29870

The South Melbourne Centrelink office would close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations. Credit: Shutterstock.

Mr Jongen expressed regret over the closure of the service centre in South Melbourne. He emphasised that every possible effort had been made to retain the service centre, but no other suitable location could be found.

He further stated that although all avenues to identify a new site in and around South Melbourne had been exhausted for the time being, Services Australia is open to considering new opportunities that may arise in the future.

'Services Australia is committed to servicing the inner city Melbourne community and will continue to look at the mixture of services on offer and how the agency can improve connections with people in need.'

Senator Janet Rice described the impact this closure could have for constituents, saying: 'People on Centrelink payments are already doing it tough - and it's about to go from bad to worse.'

'Not only are income support payments far below the poverty line but now even accessing those inadequate payments is going to be that much tougher.'

'It places an unnecessary burden on people who are already facing financial hardship. We should be making it easier for them to access the support they need, not harder.'

Adding to these concerns is the fact that the affected area currently has nearly 10,000 people relying on Jobseeker payments. This situation has raised significant alarm within the South Melbourne community, especially in Macnamara, where the closure is taking place.

Kerrie, a local resident and a retired community worker, is one of many who will be affected by the Centrelink closure.

She pointed out that beyond herself, the closure will also massively impact the most marginalised and vulnerable members of their community, including homeless individuals, disabled people, some older residents, and others who either lack access to digital devices or find them challenging to use.

'People flock to the inner city due to the abundance of services,' she observed.

'When you're living in precarious circumstances but still have to report your earnings every fortnight to Centrelink, it can be a lot easier to just present at the local office than to find a working phone line or public computer.'

'Some people just can't afford to keep their phone or laptop in credit for the whole fortnight. Reporting in person is cheaper than buying a phone recharge voucher,' she explained.

According to Mr Jongen, Services Australia's specialist staff will continue supporting vulnerable community members in the inner city, operating at over 14 locations.

'Community Engagement Officers and Multicultural Service Officers will continue to visit 10 locations, including the Sacred Heart Mission, St Kilda Crisis Contact Centre, Melbourne City Mission and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre regularly,' he said.

He also pointed out that a Community Partnership Specialist Officer is stationed at the Salvation Army Project 614 daily, ensuring that the most vulnerable individuals can access Centrelink services at a place they already rely on for support.

The South Melbourne Service Centre will cease operations on Friday, 27 October 2023. According to Services Australia, there will be no job losses, as all staff will be relocated to nearby service centres.

Key Takeaways

• The South Melbourne Centrelink office will close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations.
• The closure will heavily impact residents in the area, nearly 10,000 of whom are on Jobseeker payments.
• The closure will also impact the most vulnerable and marginalised members of their community, including homeless individuals, disabled people, some older residents, and others who either lack access to digital devices or find them challenging to use.
• Despite the closure, Services Australia says it will continue supporting the inner-city Melbourne community through various means, including Community Engagement Officers and Multicultural Service Officers.

What are your thoughts on this story, members? Have any Centrelink branches in your vicinity also closed down? If they have, how has it impacted your community and those who depend on its services? Were you personally affected by these closures?

Feel free to share your experiences with us in the comments below! We're eager to read your thoughts.

And so it begins!!!!!!!

 

[Gsr]

Less rent to pay, hopefully they will use it to help in need. On a brighter note, my sister who has had so much trouble trying to help her son get youth allowance finally got a result. Only taken since February. After I suggested she ring her council member, state politician, federal politician and Centrelink aboriginal line and complain her son now has payments approved. This happened the day after she rang her local federal politician, who told her he would get it sorted. The payment is backdated to early August as his application was cancelled twice by Centrelink, due to them throwing up need this, need that over and over when it had been supplied. I’m guessing he would have a legitimate reason to lodge a complaint about how he has been treated. Anyway, they can now live less under the poverty line, but still won’t be enough to get them above it.

 

[Penny4]

Centrelink can be formidable when dealing with them. When my son was 21, he was getting treatment for cancer. He had to stop work, so he applied for unemployment benefits. Centrelink rejected him, because he had some money in his bank account from working. They said he needed a nil bank balance. At the time, he was living at home with us, which gave him support.

 

[MariaG]

A media statement released in August announced that the South Melbourne Centrelink office would close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations.

Hank Jongen, the General Manager of Services Australia, explained that they had exhausted the available lease extensions in South Melbourne and had conducted extensive searches in the surrounding areas. However, these efforts had yielded no suitable options.

'Services Australia actively explored alternative property solutions on 17 occasions since 2020. We advertised these opportunities through an open tender and explored the possibility of co-locating with other government agencies. Unfortunately, no suitable sites were identified or available,' Mr Jongen stated.

He added that they even considered areas neighbouring South Melbourne. However, the properties there either failed to meet their requirements and standards—such as accessibility—or were not offered by landlords.

View attachment 29870

The South Melbourne Centrelink office would close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations. Credit: Shutterstock.

Mr Jongen expressed regret over the closure of the service centre in South Melbourne. He emphasised that every possible effort had been made to retain the service centre, but no other suitable location could be found.

He further stated that although all avenues to identify a new site in and around South Melbourne had been exhausted for the time being, Services Australia is open to considering new opportunities that may arise in the future.

'Services Australia is committed to servicing the inner city Melbourne community and will continue to look at the mixture of services on offer and how the agency can improve connections with people in need.'

Senator Janet Rice described the impact this closure could have for constituents, saying: 'People on Centrelink payments are already doing it tough - and it's about to go from bad to worse.'

'Not only are income support payments far below the poverty line but now even accessing those inadequate payments is going to be that much tougher.'

'It places an unnecessary burden on people who are already facing financial hardship. We should be making it easier for them to access the support they need, not harder.'

Adding to these concerns is the fact that the affected area currently has nearly 10,000 people relying on Jobseeker payments. This situation has raised significant alarm within the South Melbourne community, especially in Macnamara, where the closure is taking place.

Kerrie, a local resident and a retired community worker, is one of many who will be affected by the Centrelink closure.

She pointed out that beyond herself, the closure will also massively impact the most marginalised and vulnerable members of their community, including homeless individuals, disabled people, some older residents, and others who either lack access to digital devices or find them challenging to use.

'People flock to the inner city due to the abundance of services,' she observed.

'When you're living in precarious circumstances but still have to report your earnings every fortnight to Centrelink, it can be a lot easier to just present at the local office than to find a working phone line or public computer.'

'Some people just can't afford to keep their phone or laptop in credit for the whole fortnight. Reporting in person is cheaper than buying a phone recharge voucher,' she explained.

According to Mr Jongen, Services Australia's specialist staff will continue supporting vulnerable community members in the inner city, operating at over 14 locations.

'Community Engagement Officers and Multicultural Service Officers will continue to visit 10 locations, including the Sacred Heart Mission, St Kilda Crisis Contact Centre, Melbourne City Mission and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre regularly,' he said.

He also pointed out that a Community Partnership Specialist Officer is stationed at the Salvation Army Project 614 daily, ensuring that the most vulnerable individuals can access Centrelink services at a place they already rely on for support.

The South Melbourne Service Centre will cease operations on Friday, 27 October 2023. According to Services Australia, there will be no job losses, as all staff will be relocated to nearby service centres.

Key Takeaways

• The South Melbourne Centrelink office will close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations.
• The closure will heavily impact residents in the area, nearly 10,000 of whom are on Jobseeker payments.
• The closure will also impact the most vulnerable and marginalised members of their community, including homeless individuals, disabled people, some older residents, and others who either lack access to digital devices or find them challenging to use.
• Despite the closure, Services Australia says it will continue supporting the inner-city Melbourne community through various means, including Community Engagement Officers and Multicultural Service Officers.

What are your thoughts on this story, members? Have any Centrelink branches in your vicinity also closed down? If they have, how has it impacted your community and those who depend on its services? Were you personally affected by these closures?

Feel free to share your experiences with us in the comments below! We're eager to read your thoughts.

What a load of cods wallopers. Couldn't find a site...blah, blah blah. Santa comes in December, maybe he can help.
It comes down to money. What they should be saying is they did not want to PAY for a site.
They want people to use the internet more. As mentioned in the article, there are a lot of people out there who just cannot do that.
I don't have issues with the internet, however, sometimes phone calls or visits to centres are necessary. Where is the human factor hiding? Is it living in Canberra?

 

[Gsr]

What a load of cods wallopers. Couldn't find a site...blah, blah blah. Santa comes in December, maybe he can help.
It comes down to money. What they should be saying is they did not want to PAY for a site.
They want people to use the internet more. As mentioned in the article, there are a lot of people out there who just cannot do that.
I don't have issues with the internet, however, sometimes phone calls or visits to centres are necessary. Where is the human factor hiding? Is it living in Canberra?

Not sure about that but there are a lot of non human politicians living in Canberra, at least pollies lacking any human decency.

 

[Macarj]

What a lot of crap the Government could build a purpose built centre it's not that difficult to find land in fact they probably have land in that area

 

[chrissy dame]

A media statement released in August announced that the South Melbourne Centrelink office would close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations.

Hank Jongen, the General Manager of Services Australia, explained that they had exhausted the available lease extensions in South Melbourne and had conducted extensive searches in the surrounding areas. However, these efforts had yielded no suitable options.

'Services Australia actively explored alternative property solutions on 17 occasions since 2020. We advertised these opportunities through an open tender and explored the possibility of co-locating with other government agencies. Unfortunately, no suitable sites were identified or available,' Mr Jongen stated.

He added that they even considered areas neighbouring South Melbourne. However, the properties there either failed to meet their requirements and standards—such as accessibility—or were not offered by landlords.

View attachment 29870

The South Melbourne Centrelink office would close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations. Credit: Shutterstock.

Mr Jongen expressed regret over the closure of the service centre in South Melbourne. He emphasised that every possible effort had been made to retain the service centre, but no other suitable location could be found.

He further stated that although all avenues to identify a new site in and around South Melbourne had been exhausted for the time being, Services Australia is open to considering new opportunities that may arise in the future.

'Services Australia is committed to servicing the inner city Melbourne community and will continue to look at the mixture of services on offer and how the agency can improve connections with people in need.'

Senator Janet Rice described the impact this closure could have for constituents, saying: 'People on Centrelink payments are already doing it tough - and it's about to go from bad to worse.'

'Not only are income support payments far below the poverty line but now even accessing those inadequate payments is going to be that much tougher.'

'It places an unnecessary burden on people who are already facing financial hardship. We should be making it easier for them to access the support they need, not harder.'

Adding to these concerns is the fact that the affected area currently has nearly 10,000 people relying on Jobseeker payments. This situation has raised significant alarm within the South Melbourne community, especially in Macnamara, where the closure is taking place.

Kerrie, a local resident and a retired community worker, is one of many who will be affected by the Centrelink closure.

She pointed out that beyond herself, the closure will also massively impact the most marginalised and vulnerable members of their community, including homeless individuals, disabled people, some older residents, and others who either lack access to digital devices or find them challenging to use.

'People flock to the inner city due to the abundance of services,' she observed.

'When you're living in precarious circumstances but still have to report your earnings every fortnight to Centrelink, it can be a lot easier to just present at the local office than to find a working phone line or public computer.'

'Some people just can't afford to keep their phone or laptop in credit for the whole fortnight. Reporting in person is cheaper than buying a phone recharge voucher,' she explained.

According to Mr Jongen, Services Australia's specialist staff will continue supporting vulnerable community members in the inner city, operating at over 14 locations.

'Community Engagement Officers and Multicultural Service Officers will continue to visit 10 locations, including the Sacred Heart Mission, St Kilda Crisis Contact Centre, Melbourne City Mission and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre regularly,' he said.

He also pointed out that a Community Partnership Specialist Officer is stationed at the Salvation Army Project 614 daily, ensuring that the most vulnerable individuals can access Centrelink services at a place they already rely on for support.

The South Melbourne Service Centre will cease operations on Friday, 27 October 2023. According to Services Australia, there will be no job losses, as all staff will be relocated to nearby service centres.

Key Takeaways

• The South Melbourne Centrelink office will close in October due to unsuccessful efforts to find alternative locations.
• The closure will heavily impact residents in the area, nearly 10,000 of whom are on Jobseeker payments.
• The closure will also impact the most vulnerable and marginalised members of their community, including homeless individuals, disabled people, some older residents, and others who either lack access to digital devices or find them challenging to use.
• Despite the closure, Services Australia says it will continue supporting the inner-city Melbourne community through various means, including Community Engagement Officers and Multicultural Service Officers.

What are your thoughts on this story, members? Have any Centrelink branches in your vicinity also closed down? If they have, how has it impacted your community and those who depend on its services? Were you personally affected by these closures?

Feel free to share your experiences with us in the comments below! We're eager to read your thoughts.

Nice to know that the staff have been relocated! Lol should stick them on benefits and they will quickly find a building then! Just an excuse to cut back government funding