"Call and check" trial about to kick off in WA
Australia Post have invited residents of Albany, Western Australia, to participate in a community service offering trial known as “Call and Check”.
The trial, being undertaken in consultation with the WA Branch and their local Union rep, involves posties knocking on the doors of vulnerable or isolated, however fairly independent, residents in the small country town south of Perth.
The checks will occur up to three times a week to check on the residents’ wellbeing.
Contact with the residents will be made to ask a small number of questions to identify any possible concerns and to confirm the “check in” with a contact pre-nominated by the resident.
WA Branch Secretary Barry McVee said the Union has approached the trial openly and was hopeful of its success.
“Albany is a small country town and, not unlike other rural areas around the country, full-time jobs can be difficult to find.
“Sensible proposals such as this that assist in restoring the community’s faith in Australia Post while keeping our members busy in the wake of continued mail decline have our full support.”
He said that consultation had been thorough and potential safety risks identified by the Union have been taken in to consideration in developing the trial program.
“Our members know times getting tougher and understand the need to embrace the possibility of engaging in reasonable alternative service offerings such as Call and Check.
“If it can be done safely, then let’s give it a go.” Said Mr McVee.
The trial will commence shortly with a number of interested Albany residents already signed up.
Consultation with the WA Branch and the Divisional National Office will continue regularly throughout the trial period.
