Victorian Government’s Community RAT Program
Key points
- Residents can collect free rapid antigen tests (RATs) from Cardinia Shire Council’s Civic Centre, 20 Siding Avenue Officer, during open hours.
- The service is made possible through the Victorian Government’s Community RAT Program to help with the early detection and treatment of COVID.
- If you have COVID-19 symptoms, please do not go to the Civic Centre to collect your free RATs. Instead, please collect free RATs at testing sites which you can find through the Coronavirus website.
About
Residents can collect free rapid antigen tests (RATs) from Cardinia Shire Council’s Civic Centre during open hours.
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.
You can collect RATs as many times as you need. If you run out of RATs, you are welcome to collect more to make sure you are prepared.
Free RATs are also available at select community health organisations and private pathology centres.
The Community RAT Program is available through Council until 30 June 2023 or until stock runs out.
For more details, visit Get a COVID test
Frequently asked questions
Who can collect free RATs?
All Victorians are eligible to collect free rapid antigen tests through participating local councils. It’s a good idea to plan ahead and keep some at home for when you get COVID.
How many free RATs can I collect?
Each person is eligible to collect up to two packs of rapid antigen tests, and up to two packs per member of their household. People with a disability and their carers can get 20 free tests.
You can collect RATs as many times as you need. If you run out of RATs, you are welcome to collect more to make sure you are prepared.
Do I need a Medicare card to collect free RATs?
You are not required to have a Medicare card.
Do I need to be a resident to collect free RATs?
You do not need to be a resident in the council area in which you are collecting RATs.
What if I have symptoms or I am a contact of a COVID-19 case?
If you have COVID-19 symptoms, do not go to a council location to collect your free RATs.
Instead, please collect free RATs at testing sites which you can find through the Coronavirus website.
Where can I get more information on the use of RATs?
For more information about getting tested and reporting a positive RAT result, visit the Department of Health website.
Alternatively, you can call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 675 398.