BackResidents of Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast now have greater access to the services of the Victorian Ombudsman, with the organisation opening up a hub in Geelong one day per week, on a pilot basis.
Ombudsman Deborah Glass said she was conscious of the need to ensure all Victorians have good access to her office.
“I am the Ombudsman for Victoria, not only for Melbourne, so my office needs to get out to regions like Geelong and make it easier for people to meet with us,” Ms Glass said.
“While people outside Melbourne can always contact us by phone, mail or online, we know they often prefer to sit down and discuss an issue face to face,” she said.
“Starting this pilot in Geelong will allow us to better understand the needs of regional Victoria.”
Ms Glass and her staff look into complaints about the actions and decisions of more than 1,000 government bodies including:
- local councils
- State Government departments (eg Department of Health and Human
- Services, Department of Justice and Community Safety)
- Statutory authorities (eg WorkSafe, VicRoads)
- Universities and government schools.
From this Thursday (28 February) onwards, members of the public can meet with Ombudsman staff:
Where: Eastern Hub (285a McKillop Street, East Geelong)
When: Every Thursday, between 10am and 3.30pm.
Appointments are recommended. To make a free appointment: call (03) 9613 6222 or 1800 806 314.
Media contact: Ainslie Gowan | Tel 03 9613 6235 | Mob 0409 936 235 | ainslie.gowan@ombudsman.vic.gov.au
Source: Victorian Ombudsman, Australia
