Can I get a visa from te consulate in Melbourne rather than the visa center?

I am taking a group of 20 students on cultural tour of china. Can I get the visa at the consul in Melbourne . If I go to the Visa centre they change an extra $38 for the service. This is nearly $800 dollars more than the visa fees. .

The visa is $40 but the service fee is $39.50 so nearly doubles the price for the students.