ASSIST is the front-facing customer service arm of the City of Port Phillip, set up to help residents and business owners navigate council services without getting lost in departments. Phone the ASSIST line and staff can help with rates enquiries, parking permit applications, planning and building questions, waste and recycling requests, and general local laws matters, all in one call. In South Melbourne, ASSIST has traditionally operated from the counter at South Melbourne Town Hall, the heritage building at 208-220 Bank Street that has served the area's civic needs since colonial days as the seat of the old City of South Melbourne. At the time of writing, this counter is closed to the public while building safety and repair works are carried out, with no confirmed reopening date. In the meantime, residents needing face-to-face help can visit the customer service counters at St Kilda Town Hall or Port Melbourne Town Hall, while the ASSIST phone line remains staffed Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm on 03 9209 6777. Many everyday tasks, including paying rates, renewing a parking permit or lodging a service request, can also be completed online through the council's My Port Phillip portal.