Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 20 April 2020
Published on 20 April 2020
Loddon Shire COVID-19 updates
Thank you to everyone who played their part in helping to slow the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home this Easter. This was hard for all of us and certainly very different to any other Easter we have known. The good news is that these measures are working, with no new cases reported in the Loddon Shire recently.
Remember, if you can stay home, you must stay home. There are only four reasons to leave your home: to shop for essential items, for medical or compassionate needs, to exercise while complying with public gathering requirements and to work and study if you can’t do that at home.
In last week’s Column I mentioned that Council has developed COVID-19 Financial Hardship Guidelines to assist those impacted by the pandemic. Details of this and ways in which Council is continuing to provide essential services may be found at the dedicated web page relating to our response to the pandemic: www.loddon.vic.gov.au/covid-19.
Community services
Many people in our community are required to spend time in mandatory quarantine or isolation. This may be because they have a confirmed case of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with a confirmed case. It may they are choosing to self-isolate due to compromised health or immunity or advanced age.
To assist these people, the government has increased access to telehealth to enable people to attend medical appointments remotely by phone or video. People are encouraged to contact their doctor or medical clinic to discuss the options to avoid having to physically attend the medical clinic.
The doctor can arrange for any prescriptions to be sent to the pharmacy of the patient’s choice to allow prescriptions to be filled and delivered.
Eligible members of the community can receive medication and other essential supplies (under 500 grams) through Australia Post’s Express Post network, once a month. Contact the pharmacy to discuss what options are available to avoid having to physically attend the outlet.
People in mandatory quarantine or isolation are encouraged to seek assistance from those around them, but not everyone has a strong support network to help them through these difficult times. For those people, the government has made an emergency relief package available which provides a two-week supply of a range of staple foods. This support is accessed by calling the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398.
If people want to know more about what supports are available, the best way to do this is to visit the DHHS website https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus or call the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398.
Older residents, and those under 65 with a disability who are not in receipt of an NDIS package, who require some additional assistance with getting groceries and other supplies at this time, are encouraged to contact Council’s Community Care Department on 5494 1201 to discuss how the Commonwealth Home Support Program or the Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACCPYP) may be able to assist.
We know that concern around the COVID-19 outbreak or dealing with self-isolation and the many changes in our work and social lives can impact on our mental health and wellbeing. It is understandable that during times like this, people may be feeling worried and anxious. A range of mental health and wellbeing supports are now available on the Loddon Healthy Minds Network https://www.loddonhealthyminds.com.au/covid-19
Federal Member for Mallee, Anne Webster MP
While travel through the electorate of Mallee is currently on hold for our local member Anne Webster MP, she is still available to speak to her constituents via other methods such as Facetime, Skype for Business, Zoom or telephone.
Residents can contact Anne’s office by email, anne.webster.mp@aph.gov.au or by phoning 5021 5987.
Digital Opportunities Roadshow
Small Business Victoria, in partnership with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is hosting free workshops across regional Victoria to help small businesses make the most of the digital economy as well as reduce their cybersecurity risks.
Now, more than ever, small businesses need to build digital skills across a range of areas to remain competitive and stay safe. Topics covered will include: developing an online presence, understanding and using digital tools and managing a cybersecurity and safety plan.
Workshops will now be delivered fully online via Zoom with a regional format. Sessions in our region include Inglewood (27 April), Kyabram (6 May), Maryborough (6 May) and Swan Hill (26 May).
Visit the website for a full list of workshops and booking information www.business.vic.gov.au/events-workshops-and-mentoring/digital-opportunities-roadshow. Bookings are essential. For questions contact VCCI customer service on (03) 8662 5333 or email hsw@victorianchamber.com.au.
Stay in touch with the library
All Goldfields Library branches and agencies are currently closed, but the organisation still has a vital role to play in community connectedness and wellbeing.
The eLibrary is always open and members can browse the extensive collection and use resources by logging in using their library card and PIN. Resources include ebooks and audio ebooks, magazines, family history resources, movies and music. New content is being added regularly. The library may be contacted by email for help with PIN numbers or memberships.
There are also fun and educational events for all ages online. These include author talks, expert workshops, activities for children and young adults and music performances. Most events are free and some require booking. Visit the library website for details https://goldfieldslibraries.com/.
Anzac Day
This year Anzac Day, as with Easter, will be very different to previous years.. All Anzac Day ceremonies have been cancelled, including those taking place in significant sites overseas.
Anzac Day is a significant day for all Australians and is a time to pause for private reflection. A revised ceremony will be held at the Australian War Memorial which will not be open to the public. Australians are encouraged to watch the service which will be televised by the ABC and streamed online.
Wreaths will be laid by representatives on behalf of veterans and the Australian people. This will allow a dignified commemoration without endangering the health of our veterans and the community.