Dedicated to providing Australians with welfare, public aid and health care, as well as a variety of other social services, the Department of Human Services (DHS) sought to achieve increased flexibility and improve customer service with the introduction of technology.
The DHS Smart Centre, Garden Park Offices refurbishment was, in itself, not particularly complex. That the two-floor centre remained fully operational throughout the programme was the challenge. As was the accelerated programme. To minimise disruption, most works were completed out of hours. Full hoardings maintained public and staff access to the area while works continued. A Communications Board was also introduced to encourage understanding of what was happening to their office. This enabled full stakeholder transparency.
The predominately open plan workplace included meeting and board rooms, and an upgrade to the wet areas, all in line with Government specification. OPRA Projects were able to meet all Quality, Safety, Programming and Commercial requirements for the project while maintaining business continuity for the Centre.