New partnership to support the Central Coast

The program helping to break down barriers to accessing government payments and services for people experiencing homelessness has expanded to include more locations across Australia.

Minister for Government Services Bill Shorten, has announced 9 new partnerships, including in the Central Coast, bringing the total to 27 nationwide.

“I’m pleased to announce Coast Shelter has welcomed the opportunity to partner with Services Australia on the New South Wales Central Coast,” Minister Shorten said. 

“In this program, Services Australia Community Partnership Specialist Officers (CPSOs) works alongside community organisations to connect people to government payments and services.

“As Minister for Government Services one of my priorities is simplifying access to government support, and Community Partnerships do just that.

“Working alongside non-government organisations, learning from each other’s expertise, and listening and responding to the needs of people accessing these services, the partnerships have delivered real results.

“We are meeting people where they are, working with them individually to understand their circumstances and tailoring support to connect them to essential government services.”

Since Community Partnerships began as a then pilot in 2022, CPSOs have assisted customers on more than 33,642 occasions.

The majority of these customers had complex barriers to accessing government services, were homeless or experiencing housing instability and just under half were experiencing mental ill health.

Federal Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid says:

said the Community Partnership located at Gosford and Wyong will bolster the existing support available for individuals and families on the Central Coast.

“This is an important service that is making a huge difference to vulnerable people in need.”

Federal Member for Dobell Emma McBride says:

“Delivering support to people in need within their own communities is crucial.

“By continuing and extending this initiative, more people will be able to access government services, in their local community and get the support they need."