The second stage of the VRS increased hours is almost here.
Stage 2 will go live on Saturday 5 September. From this date, VRS will also be available on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 am to midnight.
This is a positive step forward in our staged move to a 24/7 service. It will improve access for Auslan users and supports greater equity.
Access to emergency services in Auslan will also grow as VRS hours expand. Emergency services in Auslan will be available during VRS operating hours.
At this stage, the platform cannot identify or prioritise emergency calls. As service hours increase in each stage, access to emergency services in Auslan will also increase.
Once Video Relay Service is fully available 24/7, VRS users will be able to contact emergency services in Auslan at any time, day or night.
If you have questions about the new hours or need support, you can contact the Helpdesk.
The Helpdesk is open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm (AEST). If you contact the Helpdesk outside these hours, you can leave a message. A Helpdesk staff member will get back to you to help with your query.
Information about how to contact the Helpdesk is available here:
https://www.accesshub.gov.au/about-the-nrs/nrs-helpdesk.
The video below has no sound. It provides an Auslan translation of this information.