Holiday season hours and public holidays have an impact on many of our most-needed services. This year, Christmas Day and Boxing Day fall on a weekend, so Monday 27 December and Tuesday 28 December are being treated as holidays. This will have an impact on many services, such as banks, post offices, Centrelink, Medicare, government agencies, GPs and chemists.
Centrelink (Services Australia)
Visit the Centrelink website for information about changes to payment dates, reporting requirements and office hours, or call 132 300.
Banks
Check with your local bank about their Christmas hours. If you don’t have online banking or a credit or debit card, make sure you have access to enough money to last through the closure dates.
Australia Post
Information about postal deliveries and post office hours over the Christmas and New Year periods can be found on the Australia Post website by calling 137 678.
Emergency relief
Many charities, community meal services and financial support services close between Christmas and New Year. If you or somebody that you know might need support, check your options before Christmas so that you are not left without help. Your local Community Information Centre can provide you with the contact details for your nearest options.
COTA Victoria’s Information line will be unattended between 2.00 pm Wednesday 22 December and 9.00 am Thursday 6 January. When we reopen, we’ll respond as quickly as possible to any messages left.
