COVID-19 Information

This page features COVID-19 information and links to other websites that you may find useful. 

If English is not your first language, there are more resources available on the multicultural community COVID-19 information webpage

 

Free Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) kits are available from the Civic Centre at 20 Siding Avenue, Officer during opening hours. The program will run until 30 June 2023, or while stocks last.

  • Everyone can collect up to 2 packs of 5 RATs per person, and 2 packs per household member. You do not need a Medicare card.
  • If you have symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, please don’t collect RATs until you’re well.
  • If you have COVID-19 symptoms, you can collect RATs from testing sites. To view testing sites visit the Coronavirus Victoria website
  • This service is brought to you by the Victorian Government’s Community RAT Program.

More info: View the media release 

 

The current best source of information is the Coronavirus Victoria website

It has information on topics including: 

  • when to wear a face mask 
  • getting tested for COVID-19 
  • COVID-19 antiviral medicine 
  • how to report your positive RAT 
  • Payment plan options – everyone is encouraged to request a rates payment plan after receiving their rates.
  • Financial hardship – If you’re facing financial hardship and having difficulty making payments against your rates, we’re here to help. You can submit a financial hardship application form and we’ll be in touch to discuss your options. 

The Australian Government is providing a range of financial assistance and payments to support individuals and households.

Treasury – Supporting individuals and households

 

Getting the support you need

If you feel you are in immediate danger, call 000. 

It's normal to feel overwhelmed, stressed or anxious during a time like this. It’s important to remind yourself that this is a normal reaction.

These organisations can offer you support during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Organisation

HeadtoHelp  

Info 
  • A free mental health clinic in Officer. To connect with the service, call the number below.
  • A trained professional will take your call, provide advice and, if you need it, connect you to a HeadtoHelp hub or help you find the support that suits your needs.
  • No GP referral is needed. 

Contact

Ph: 1800 595 212 (free call) Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm
 

Links

HeadtoHelp - how we can help

Organisation

Lifeline

Contact

Ph: 13 11 44
Chat: Crisis support chat 
Text : 0477 131 114

Links

Mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak

Organisation

Suicide Call Back Service 

Contact

Ph: 1300 65 94 67
Website: Online counselling

Links

Physical, mental and financial support during COVID-19  

Organisation

Rainbow Door 

Info  Rainbow Door is a free specialist LGBTIQA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Gender Diverse, Intersex, Queer, Asexual, BrotherBoys, SisterGirls) helpline providing information, support, and referral to all LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their friends and family during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. 

Contact

Ph: 1800 729 367
Text: 0480 017 246
Email: support@rainbowdoor.org.au

Links

COVID-19 resources

Organisation

Department of Health

Links

Mental health resources during COVID-19

Organisation

Kids Helpline (for people aged 5 to 25) 

Contact

Ph: 1800 55 1800   
Email: counsellor@kidshelpline.com.au
Website: WebChat

Links

Are you worried about coronavirus? 

Organisation

Raising Children

Contact

Parentline Victoria
Ph: 132 289

Links

COVID-19: Information for parents and carers

Organisation

Headspace (for people 12 to 25) 

Contact

Website: Group chats
Connect with a clinician
e headspace online support and counselling

Links

Here for you during coronavirus (COVID-19)

Organisation

Reach Out (for under 25s) 

Contact

Website: Online forums

Links

Coping during coronavirus (COVID-19) 

Organisation

Beyond Blue 

Contact

Ph: 1300 22 4636
Website: Online forums and online form

Links

Coronavirus mental wellbeing support service 

Organisation

MensLine Australia

Contact

Ph: 1300 78 99 78
Website: Online chat and video chat counselling

Links

Physical, mental and financial support during COVID-19

Organisation

Dardi Munwurro - Aboriginal Men's Crisis Support Line

Contact

Ph: 1800 435 799
Email: intake@dardimunwurro.com.au
Website: Online form

Organisation

Black Dog Institute 

Links

Coronavirus: Resources for anxiety, stress and wellbeing

Organisation

Australian Psychological Society 

Links

Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for Australians

Organisation

Sane Australia

Contact

Ph: 1800 18 7263
Email: helpline@sane.org
Website: Lived Experience forum

In an emergency dial 000. 

Family violence frontline services, including crisis accommodation, police and courts continue to operate to support women, children and families during the coronavirus emergency.

Where to get assistance 

Safe Steps

The state-wide crisis service for those who need to leave a violent situation and access emergency crisis accommodation. 
Ph: 1800 015 188 for help, 24/7. 

WAYSS

20 Princes Highway, Dandenong

Ph: 9791 6111, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Email: info@wayss.org.au
Online form
After hours: 1800 015 188 

Berwick office currently closed.

View information about family violence support services

Victims of Crime Helpline 

1800 819 817 or text 0427 767 891 (8am to 11pm every day)

Sexual Assault Crisis Line  1800 806 292 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Men's Referral Service  1300 766 491 (8am to 9pm Monday to Friday; 9am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday)

For men using controlling behaviour. 

MensLine Australia Support for Australian men, anytime, anywhere, if you have family and relationship concerns. 
Ph: 1300 78 99 78 
Child FIRST

Each Child and Family Information, Referral and Support Team (Child FIRST) team provides a central referral point to a range of community-based family services and other supports within specific areas. 

Cardinia Shire ph: 9705 3939

Child Protection To assist children and young people at risk of harm or where families are unable or unwilling to protect them.
Ph: 1300 655 795 (South Division intake, which includes Cardinia Shire) 
(5pm to 9am Monday to Friday, 24 hours on weekends and public holidays)
Kids Helpline  1800 55 1800
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