From today, Bundaberg seniors and their families can access a new face-to-face service dedicated to supporting them to access and navigate the aged care system.

Senior Australians will be able to talk directly to a My Aged Care Specialist Officer at the Services Australia Bundaberg Service Centre.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the service will help senior Australians and their families connect to the aged care system and get access to the best personalised support and care available.

“The addition of face-to-face services in Bundaberg is great news for the local community,” Mr Pitt said.

“This new service is designed to work together with the government’s My Aged Care website and call centre and creates a one-stop-shop for information.

“More than 40,700 people – or 26.9 percent – of the Hinkler electorate are aged 65 and over. I wrote to Minister for Government Services Linda Reynolds when the announcement of this new service was made last year and requested that Hinkler be considered as a priority.

“I welcome the beginning of the service in Bundaberg as it will provide extra assistance to our seniors and their families.”

The Aged Care Specialist Officers can help with providing in-depth information about aged care services, offer financial information, registration and referral for aged care assessments, and connect senior Australians with local support services, social workers, interpreters and advocates.

Customers can call the Aged Care Line on 1800 227 475 if they need to:

• make an appointment to see an Aged Care Specialist Officer in their area
• talk about aged care costs or update their financial details.

For support to access Australian Government-funded aged care services, customers can:

• go to myagedcare.gov.au
• call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422
• visit a service centre in their area to speak with someone face-to-face.