Working together to support our community through COVID-19
Published on 04 June 2020
In Loddon Shire, local Government, health and social services and community groups are working together to strengthen and coordinate our response to the COVID-19 virus.
We understand that the COVID-19 virus is causing hardship, disruption and anxiety in our community. Our “We’re in this together Loddon – stay safe” initiative is all about coming together to support community wellbeing.
The Loddon Shire community is well known for being a strong community. We have faced challenges before such as drought and flood and we are good at helping others. We acknowledge and thank the many businesses, community groups and residents who are working hard to support and serve the community. We invite you to share examples of kindness from your neighbourhood using the hashtag #wereinthistogetherloddon.
To communicate the good work that is going on, and where you can go for help, partner agencies from the Bendigo Loddon Primary Care Partnership (PCP) have compiled a list of community support services and resources. This has been sent in the mail to all homes in the Loddon Shire and can also be found at https://www.blpcp.com.au/loddon-resources on the PCP website. We encourage you to use the list if you are in need of assistance or if you would like to connect with a program.
During these times of physical distancing it is important to consider other ways to remain connected to others. Some ideas include regular phone or video conversations to reach out to family and friends or dropping a note in your neighbour’s letterbox to offer your support, should they need it. In the coming weeks, we will continue to share wellbeing tips via social media. There are also several helplines that you can access immediately, which are listed below.
As we come into winter, we encourage you to get vaccinated against the flu (influenza) at your GP, community health service or local pharmacy. This will help to reduce the impact of the flu season on our health services, older and vulnerable community members and the wider community.
For general information, or if you suspect you may have the COVID-19 virus, you can call the dedicated hotline 1800 675 398. You can ask for an interpreter in your language.
If you are unwell, and suspect it might be COVID-19, it is important you call ahead before presenting to your GP or health service.
Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
We thank everyone for their efforts so far in combating the spread of the COVID-19 virus, it is really making a difference, but we still have a way to go. It is important that we continue to work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Everyone has a role to play, including keeping a distance of 1.5m between yourself and others; practicing good hand hygiene; and covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough with a tissue or elbow. Importantly, if you're sick you should limit your contact with others, including not going to work or notifying services that would normally visit your home, to minimise the potential of spreading the infection.
We encourage you to remain up to date with government information and advice, which is available on the dedicated COVID-19 website: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
Thank you for your support as we look to new and innovative ways of delivering services and programs for our community. We’re in this together Loddon – stay safe.
COVID-19 information and testing
National help lines
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
- Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
- Victoria's Emergency Relief hotline: 1800 675 398
- safe steps Family Violence Response: 1800 015 188 (24 hrs)