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Six communities celebrate their new Rural Transaction Centres

Senator Ian Macdonald, Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government has congratulated six communities who celebrated the opening of their own Rural Transaction Centres (RTCs) at the close of 1999.

"With Federal Government funding, these communities have displayed the determination and leadership to make these centres a reality," the Minister said. "These six are the first stage of a $70 million Federal Government programme that will see the establishment of up to 500 RTCs across Australia.

"We have funds available for other communities with similar needs, and we can also help interested communities with the planning process to get their very own Rural Transaction Centre. "I would urge community groups to contact the RTC Secretariat to receive hands-on assistance to investigate an RTC for your community."

RTCs are now located in Eugowra, Urana, and Gresford in NSW; St Marys in Tasmania; Welshpool in Victoria; and Aramac in Queensland. The most recent Centres to be opened were in Gresford, population 1,150, on 10 December and in Aramac, population 786, on 15 December.

The Gresford RTC, located within a heritage listed building, includes retail banking services, Medicare Easyclaim, Dungog Shire Council information and services, community Internet access, office facilities, tourist information and an historical display.

The Aramac RTC provides the community with access to banking, Medicare Easyclaim, Centrelink information, postal services, computer access and general office facilities. It operates from an office adjoining the postal agency. Each RTC is tailored to serve its community.

The RTC Programme, a Federal Government initiative, is unique because the whole community can be involved in identifying gaps and needs for commercial and government services within their town.

For more details contact the RTC Secretariat on 1800 038 160, or information can also be found at the Department of Transport and Regional Services RTC Website: www.dotrs.gov.au/rtc/

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