Wangaratta’s Whole of Government Centre

Consumer Affairs Victoria’s (CAV) relocation to Wangaratta’s Whole of Government Centre will allow staff greater access to the region’s most vulnerable consumers, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Daniel Andrews said today.

Consumer Affairs staff were officially welcomed to the building today by Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor, Cr Don Joyce and Chief Executive Officer, Doug Sharp.

Mr Andrews said the relocation was a great move as it allowed CAV to work closely with local councils and Department for Victorian Communities on projects improving services to local residents.

“CAV is especially keen to work closely with council staff providing services to elderly and vulnerable residents as these are the people usually targeted by dodgy traders, telemarketers and scammers,” Mr Andrews said.

“In the past 18 months, the office has assisted almost 2500 people with consumer related enquiries. Over half of those enquiries were dealt with face-to-face. The office also assisted with 1164 telephone enquiries, conciliated 398 complaints and visited 196 regional traders,” he said.

Mr Andrews said it was excellent to see the Wangaratta shop front being frequently accessed by residents and businesses wanting advice and assistance on a range of tenancy and consumer issues and queries.

“I’m sure the new location will ensure CAV assists even more people needing advice as well as protecting consumers from scams,” Mr Andrews said.

Wangaratta is one of seven offices across regional Victoria operated by the Bracks Government as part of its commitment to provide consumer advice and services to all Victorians, no matter where they live.

Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development and Member for Northern Victoria, Kaye Darveniza said Consumer Affairs’ Indigenous Consumers Unit and Multicultural Consumers Unit also formed part of the Regional Network to ensure diversity in the regions is recognised.

“The Wangaratta office also operates a mobile service across the region to improve accessibility, particularly for vulnerable and disadvantaged consumers located in smaller, more remote towns,” Ms Darveniza said.

The mobile service regularly visits the towns of Alexandra, Benalla, Cobram, Corryong, Euroa, Mansfield, Mrytleford, Rutherglen, Seymour, Shepparton and Wodonga.

Victorians can contact CAV on 1300 55 81 81 or www.consumer.vic.gov.au . Wangaratta’s Whole of Government Centre is located on the municipal offices site at 62-68 Ovens Street.