Have a list (of life admin)? And checked it twice? Plan ahead and get it ticked off, as Access Canberra, the ACT Government shopfront, will change opening hours this festive season.

From 3pm Friday 22 December, Access Canberra Service Centres at Gungahlin, Tuggeranong, Woden, and Belconnen, and Specialised Service Centres in Dickson, Mitchell, and Hume, will be closed.

• The Belconnen, Gungahlin, Woden and Tuggeranong Service Centres will reopen at 9am Tuesday 2 January 2024.
• The Hume Motor Vehicle Inspection Station will reopen 8am Tuesday 2 January 2024.
• The Mitchell Land, Planning and Building Services Specialised Centre will reopen 8.30am Tuesday 2 January 2024.
• The Dickson Specialised Service Centre will reopen for bookable appointments only from 9am Monday 8 January 2024.

The Access Canberra Contact Centre (13 22 81) will also change its arrangements, such as on the public holidays. More information is on the Access Canberra website (www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au).

Emily Springett, Access Canberra’s executive branch manager, said that while Service Centres might close over the festive period, Canberrans could still complete most services and transactions online.

“Most services and transactions can be completed on our website 365 days a year and 24/7 – even on Christmas Day,” Ms Springett said.

“There are only a handful of transactions that need to be completed at a Service Centre. Examples include applying for a new driver’s licence, establishing proof of identity, and collecting number plates.

“However, if your preference is to attend the Service Centres, please make sure you plan ahead and don’t leave your visit too late – we anticipate we will be very busy in the lead up to Christmas.

“With many ACT Government services closed or on reduced hours during the holiday period, there has never been a better time to complete your transactions online.”

She reminded Canberrans to be kind to each other this holiday season.

“If you are intending on visiting a Service Centre in-person or calling 13 22 81, please embrace the festive spirit and be kind to our teams,” Ms Springett said.

“2023 has been a big year for everyone, and it is important we all show kindness and respect.”

Access Canberra Wrapped

In 2023, more than 260,000 Canberrans visited an Access Canberra Service Centre, and completed more than 400,000 transactions.

The average wait time for a Service Centre visit was six minutes and 40 seconds. September had the shortest wait time: customers were served in under four minutes.

Bookable appointments were expanded to all Service Centres in 2023, so Canberrans could select the day and time to attend a Centre and receive prioritised service. More than 5,000 appointments were made this year.

The Access Canberra Contact Centre received more than 300,000 calls in 2023, and had an average wait time of just over two minutes.

The Contact Centre Team supported the community and State Emergency Service throughout the year, including the recent rain events.

The new Access Canberra website launched in November, and was viewed more than 625,000 times during its first month.

“Access Canberra looks forward to continuing to support Canberrans with their services and transactions in 2024, and we wish the community a safe and enjoyable festive season,” Ms Springett said.

For more information on government services, including Access Canberra, during Christmas and New Year, visit: www.act.gov.au/xmasopeninghours.