From 23 to 25 June, we visited Geraldton to talk directly with a range of community organisations and agencies about how we can help with complaints in the Mid West. 

The team met with the Bundiyarra Aboriginal Corporation and Geraldton Streetwork Aboriginal Corporation (known locally as Streeties) at the Bundiyarra offices. We discussed the range of work the Ombudsman does and how we assist the community as the WA Ombudsman, Energy and Water Ombudsman, and Charitable Trusts Commission. 

By attending the Financial Counsellors Association of WA Forum held in Geraldton the same week, we were able to talk with financial counsellors in the region and put a strong focus on ways we can support communities in regional WA experiencing financial hardship. The Forum also provided insightful sessions for our team. One session that stood out was about the supports available for those entering prison to manage their finances, and where the justice system could work better to support prisoners and reintegration. 

We met with the Regional Alliance West and Legal Aid WA, and discussed how financial counsellors and community legal services can refer clients to us. Visiting Youth Justice Services, they discussed how we can assist young people with complaints. The team also went to Greenough Regional Prison to meet with the Superintendent, staff and Peer Support group.  

The outreach in Geraldton this month has part of our ongoing Regional Awareness and Accessibility Program. It’s important our staff hear directly from people in regional and remote communities about the problems they have with government services and energy and water providers, and raise awareness of our services for all Western Australians. 

You can keep up to date about where our staff will be next and what we’re doing each week on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.