HOPE Vale residents are reminded that they can connect to free Wi-Fi at their local Department of Human Services Agent as part of a trial that ends on January 31st.
Hope Vale is one of five sites in Queensland currently offering free Wi-Fi access to connect to Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support services, and nearly 1000 government and community websites.
Minister for Human Services Alan Tudge said the trial is about making it easier for people living in regional and remote areas to access online support services.
“We want to make it easier for residents to use the department’s digital services if they have limited local internet, or little or no access to mobile data due to cost barriers,” Minister Tudge said.
“Residents can connect to the free Wi-Fi on their mobile device 24-hours a day, seven-days a week without needing a password, as long as they are in or near the Agent with a Wi-Fi signal.
“The Wi-Fi can be used to access the department’s online services, including myGov and the Express Plus mobile apps, which allow residents to do their routine government business in just a few short clicks.
“Once connected, users can also visit around 1000 websites spanning government, job search, community support and education and training”.
Mr Entsch said local Agent staff are available during business hours to assist anyone wanting help to sign-up to and use the department’s online services.
“Staff at the Hope Vale Department of Human Services Agent can step people through how to use the digital services on offer if they’re unsure about how they work,” he said.
“Once they’re up and running, they’ll be amazed at the range of things they can self-manage – from submitting Medicare claims, to reporting income and checking next payment date.
“I’d encourage the community to give the trial service a go and to test out the department’s digital services if they haven’t done so.”
Hope Vale residents can access free Wi-Fi at the Department of Human Services Agent located at Hope Vale Business Precinct, 33-36 Muni Street. The Agent is open 8am-5pm Monday-Thursday (closed 12-12.30pm for lunch) and on Fridays from 8am-12pm.
The free Wi-Fi trial commenced on 1 August 2016 and ends on 31 January 2017.
