--- Good Afternoon to the Residents of our Beautiful Islands,

The Australian Government’s newest Mobile Service Centre ‘Desert Rose’ will make its maiden voyage through Moreton Bay, giving locals easy access to essential government payments and services. The Mobile Service Centre will visit: • Macleay Island on Thursday 29 September, from 9.30am to 2.30pm, located near the Community Centre, Southsea Terrace • Russell Island on Friday 30 September, from 10am to 2.30pm, located near the Community Centre, Jackson Road These Mobile Service Centres help bridge the gap between government and Australians living in rural and regional communities. Desert Rose has the same technology on board as any bricks and mortar service centre, and provides access to other services, such as free hearing checks. A staff member from the Australian Taxation Office will also be available to assist individuals and small business taxpayers with advice and information about tax and superannuation. Staff can help with: • new claims for a wide range of Centrelink payments • updating customer information • confirming customer documents and supporting information • information on how financial matters may impact on Centrelink payments • payment and service options to suit individual circumstances • rural payment entitlements for eligible farmers • non-cash Medicare transactions • Medicare registrations • information on Child Support payment and service options • specialist support and referrals • support with and access to self-service facilities • free hearing health checks • advice and information for individuals and small businesses about tax and superannuation. For itineraries and more information, visit www.humanservices.gov.au/mobileoffice or call 132 316. I encourage the residents of Macleay Island and Russell Island to come along and visit when Desert Rose is in town, and look forward to seeing many of you. Andrew Laming MP