Peninsula residents are set to benefit from a new era of government service delivery as the Services Australia service centre in Woy Woy undergoes a transformation to a new offering, specially tailored to provide state-of-the-art government services to Australians requiring additional support.
Minister for Government Services Stuart Robert today announced the Woy Woy Service Centre would be the first location on the east coast and only second location nationally to enjoy such a transformation.
'Following strong advocacy from the local Federal MP for Robertson, Lucy Wicks, I can confirm Woy Woy will provide state-of-the-art government services for residents on the Peninsula, which includes upgraded self-service facilities and digital support, appointment based services, and connections to specialist services including tailored assistance for older Australians,' Minister Robert said.
Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks welcomed the improvements to the Woy Woy Service Centre and said building works at the site will commence shortly, with the full suite of new and improved services becoming available from 15 February 2021.
'I have fought hard to ensure the Central Coast-in particular the Peninsula-is one of the first regions in the country to enjoy Services Australia's transformed government services delivery a new, greater offering,' Ms Wicks said.
Minister Robert said the transformation of the Woy Woy Service Centre coincides with the requirement of Services Australia to vacate the Ettalong Service Centre as the landholder has received approval to redevelop the current site for other purposes.
'Services and staff from the Ettalong Service Centre will be consolidated with the Woy Woy Service Centre so that we maintain the highest levels of government services and supports are not diminished for Peninsula residents,' Minister Robert said.
'Services Australia has been searching for a suitable alternate property in Ettalong or surrounding suburbs for around two years but no alternative sites were identified.
'Services Australia will be advertising an Expression of Interest to establish an Agent service in Ettalong to continue services to the Ettalong community.'
Ms Wicks said the development approval for the site where the Ettalong Service Centre is located is well understood by the local community and she had secured assurances that Services Australia would continue a high level of government services for Peninsula residents.
The Woy Woy Service Centre at 87-89 Blackwall Road is in a central location, well serviced by public transport and will continue serving the community from Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 4.30pm whilst transformation works are completed.
The current Ettalong Service Centre's last day of trade will be Friday, 12 February 2021.
