By KATRINA BRANDON
OMBUDSMAN Services organised a day at Morwell’s TAFE Gippsland campus for people to meet with local service providers and other state-based organisations.
Besides free lunch and goodies, local residents and TAFE students could speak to about 20 services for different needs, collecting brochures and merchandise.
The free event was also held in Barinsdale on September 11, with about 100 attendees across both locations.
“The day was designed for both community members and community organisations seeking information and/or assistance regarding financial and/or legal advice, help with various bills and utilities, infringements, and other health, hardship, and advocacy information and services,” Energy and Water Ombudsman Community Outreach Officer, Melanie Shirley said.
“It’s an opportunity for the community to connect with local, state-based and national organisations and to get the assistance and information they need all in one location.”
Services available throughout the day included Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria, Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, Victorian Ombudsman, Australian Financial Complaints Authority, Services Australia, Tenants Victoria and Consumer Affairs Victoria.
“It’s really important to bring all of these different services together to provide in-person support and advice to people in a friendly and positive way,” Ms Shirley said.
“We had almost 100 people attend at each location and received some wonderful feedback from the community. Several residents have already asked us about next year’s event.”
The Ombudsman aims to promote fairness, integrity, and respect for human rights in Victoria and hold the Victorian public sector accountable to the people of Victoria.
The group under the Ombudsman Act covers organisations such as state government departments or administrative offices, private and public groups, local councils and publicly found bodies.
