COVID-19 Information Hub
Welcome!
- This page features web links, fact sheets and videos on topics including support available for individuals, households and businesses, getting tested, how to protect yourself and others, family violence support, and looking after your mental health.
- If you're having trouble finding the information you need, or understanding something on this page, please submit this online form and a Council officer will contact you.
TIP: To jump straight to information about a particular topic on this page, use the jump-to menu. (You'll find this at the top of your screen on a mobile device, or to your left on a desktop).
Current restrictions
COVID-19 restrictions
Information about current restrictions is available from the Department of Health.
Department of Health coronavirus website
Cardinia Shire Council operations
The majority of Council services are operating during current restrictions.
All essential workers who are employed with or contracted to Council are operating in line with Council’s COVID Safe Plan – which is designed to keep our community and workers safe.
Information on the delivery of Council services during this time
COVID-19 vaccine rollout
The rollout of Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine program has commenced.
The Australian Government is responsible for providing the vaccine to residents and workers in private sector aged care and disability care.
The Australian Government is responsible for purchasing the vaccine, ensuring it is safe, distribution and deciding on the priority populations.
The COVID-19 vaccine rollout is being managed by the Australian Government Department of Health and you can find out more about the rollout by visiting their website:
Australian Government Department of Health COVID-19 vaccine information
Access Australian Government COVID-19 vaccine information in your language
Phase 1b of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout starts on 22 March 2021. To see if you are eligible and find your local service to make an appointment, use the eligibility checker:
Australian Government Department of Health eligibility checker
You can also call the national COVID-19 vaccine help line:
The Victorian Government Department of Health also has information on the vaccine rollout:
Victorian Government Department of Health COVID-19 vaccination information
Face masks
Visit the Department of Health for the latest information on face masks.
Free face masks for eligible Cardinia Shire residents
- If you meet Department of Health eligibility criteria, you may be able to access an allocation of free face masks.
- Face masks are available from the local pharmacies and stores listed below.
- This Victorian Government initiative is designed to protect vulnerable community members during the COVID-19 pandemic and help reduce the spread of COVID-19 infection across the community.
Am I eligible for free face masks?
Community members eligible for free face masks through this program include:
- people who are being actively managed for the following chronic conditions:
- poor immunity
- heart disease, diabetes and stroke
- obesity
- chronic lung disease
- alcohol and drug dependency
- frailty
- people living in public housing, in crisis accommodation, or who are homeless
- people living in rooming houses and supported residential services
- people living with disability
- people experiencing mental health and their carers
- people with health and/or social issues that make them vulnerable, including people with alcohol and drug issues, including those attending primary and secondary needle and syringe programs
- people experiencing family violence
- people living in residential facilities
- young people living in mandatory facilities
- Aboriginal people
- Refugee and asylum seekers (including temporary visa holders).
Where to collect free face masks
- If you meet the eligibility criteria above, you can visit one of the local businesses listed below to collect your allocation of single-use masks.
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Bayles |
Bayles General Store |
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Beaconsfield |
Beaconsfield Guardian Pharmacy |
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Beaconsfield |
Beaconsfield Neighbourhood Centre |
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Bunyip |
Bunyip Pharmacy |
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Cockatoo |
Cockatoo Pharmacy |
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Emerald |
Emerald Village Pharmacy |
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Garfield |
Garfield Pharmacy |
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Gembrook |
Gembrook Post Office |
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Kooweerup |
Direct Chemist Warehouse |
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Kooweerup |
Discount Phamacy |
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Lang Lang |
Lang Lang Pharmacy |
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Maryknoll |
Maryknoll General Store |
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Nar Nar Goon |
Nar Nar Goon Post Office |
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Officer |
Chemist Discount Centre |
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Pakenham |
Pakenham Discount Drug Store |
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Pakenham |
Chemist Warehouse |
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Pakenham |
Chemist Warehouse |
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Pakenham |
Priceline |
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Pakenham |
Lakeside Advantage Pharmacy |
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Pakenham |
Good Neighbour Pharmacy |
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Pakenham |
United Chemists |
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Pakenham |
Cardinia Lakes Pharmacy |
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Tynong |
Tynong Post Office |
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Upper Beaconsfield |
Upper Beaconsfield Pharmacy |
COVID-19 symptoms and testing information
Getting tested
Visit the Department of Health website for information on:
Where to get tested for COVID-19
COVID-19 testing in Cardinia Shire
Emerald: Pop-up screening clinic, 348 Belgrave Gembrook Rd Emerald. Please contact EACH on 1300 219 449 for opening hours.
Koo Wee Rup: Drive-through testing site, Swimming pool, Kooweerup Regional Health Service, 228 Rossiter Road. Please call ahead before you go to this location for testing on 5997 9679
Pakenham: Drive-through testing site, IYU Recreation Reserve, 165 Henry Road, Pakenham, open Monday - Sunday, 9am-4pm
For testing locations, opening hours, wait times and testing site closures visit the Department of Health.
COVID-19 testing at home for vulnerable people
The Call-to-Test service is available to some of Victoria's most vulnerable community members, so they can get tested for COVID-19 at home.
For more information including eligibility criteria visit the Department of Health website.
Coronavirus hotline (Victoria)
1800 675 398 – open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
For enquiries about COVID-19 health concerns or current restrictions.
Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
If you don't speak English (translated resources)
COVID-19 information in your language
Department of Health - translated resources Beyond Blue - mental health translated resources
Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS)
If you need an interpreter, call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 to speak to an interpreter. Ask them to phone Cardinia Shire Council on 1300 787 624
COVID-19 Community Recovery Committee
In response to the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic across Cardinia Shire, a COVID-19 Community Recovery Committee has been formed to address increased mental health and social isolation issues as well as employment and financial insecurity.
Local relief service providers - full directory and flyer
This directory puts you in touch with local service providers and key organisations that can provide support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please note it is not an exhaustive listing.
- Community groups and organisations may find the shorter version also provided below (the flyer) useful. We are happy for this resource to be shared with other organisations.
- Please note organisations listed are not Cardinia Shire Council services. The information has been complied in good faith however Council accepts no responsibility for the service or information they provide.
Australian Government assistance for individuals and households
The Australian Government is providing a range of financial assistance and payments to support individuals and households.
Victorian Government assistance for individuals and households
Emergency relief packages
Vulnerable Victorians who need to self-quarantine due to COVID-19 and don’t have enough food to feed themselves or their families may be eligible to receive a relief package of basic supplies. Visit the Department of Health website for more information.
Find work or employees if you’ve been impacted by COVID-19
The Victorian Government has established a fund to help jobseekers find work and employers find workers. This includes people who have lost their jobs, or businesses who need more workers due to the impacts of COVID-19.
Victorian Government – Working for Victoria
Other support
Find out more about Victorian Government financial support for businesses and workers.
Government assistance and advice for businesses
Financial support
Extreme hardship support program
- The Extreme Hardship Support Program can provide financial assistance, information and referrals to people living in Victoria who are experiencing significant hardship as a result of COVID-19, and who are unable to access other forms of Victorian Government and Australian Government income support.
- The program provides support for temporary and provisional visa holders and undocumented migrants with little or no income, savings or community support.
Find out more about the Extreme Hardship Support Program (Word)
How we’re helping with rates
- Payment plan options – everyone is encouraged to request a rates payment plan after receiving their rates.
- Rates rebate – if you are an eligible Health Card Holder or receiving JobSeeker, you can apply for a $50 COVID-19 Health Care Card rebate.
- Interest waiver – interest on outstanding rates payments, and action to recover this year's rates, has been automatically suspended until 30 June 2021.
- Financial hardship – If you’re facing financial hardship and having difficulty making payments against your 2020-21 rates, we’re here to help. You can submit a financial hardship application form and we’ll be in touch to discuss your options. To further support ratepayers suffering serious financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ll also waive 2% of your 2020-21 rates (excluding fire services property levy and waste charges) upon approval of your financial hardship application.
Protecting your gas and electricity from getting disconnected
Households facing economic hardship because of COVID-19 are protected from having their gas or electricity disconnected, as a result of reforms put in place by the Victorian Government.
- Under the reforms, energy retailers must give assistance to any household that contacts them because they're having trouble paying their bills. The assistance could include a payment plan, putting account payments on hold while customers work towards paying for their usage, or extending bill due dates.
- If you are struggling financially, contact your service provider as you cannot be disconnected while participating in a hardship plan.
Help with your water bill
If you are struggling to pay your South East water bill, fill out this online form on the South East Water website and their team will contact you about payment solutions.
Get support and advice for taking control of your bills
You may be able to get help with a cheaper rate on your energy bill by contacting your service provider or comparing energy plans at the Compare Energy website, which is provided by the Victorian Government.
The Victorian Government has also provided funding to give support and advice, in partnership with community organisations, to households that are currently struggling to pay their energy bills:
- Brotherhood of St Laurence is helping eligible Victorians with free and independent advice on lowering energy costs. Register your interest by calling 1800 830 029 or submitting the online form.
- EnergyInfoHub is providing free webinars and information to help reduce energy costs using simple steps.
Relief grants for paying overdue energy or water bills
If you have experienced an unexpected financial hardship and need urgent help to pay your next electricity, gas, or water bill, you may be eligible for a utility relief grant of up to $650 from the Victorian Government.
To be eligible, you must:
- be a concession card holder, or on a very low income
- and meet the criteria for facing financial hardship.
Department of Health – Utility relief grant scheme (electriciy, gas and water)
Firewood and other non-mains energy sources
If you’re facing financial hardship
If you have experienced an unexpected financial hardship and need urgent help to pay your next bill for firewood, fuel, or other non-mains energy source that you rely on, you may be eligible for a non-mains energy grant of up to $650 from the Victorian Government.
To be eligible, you must:
- be a concession card holder, or on a very low income
- and meet the criteria for facing financial hardship.
Department of Health – utility relief grant scheme (non-mains)
Annual concessions
The Victorian Government also provides assistance to concession card holders who rely on firewood, fuel, or other non-mains energy sources, for heating, cooking or hot water.
Department of Health – non-mains energy concessions
National Debt Helpline
The helpline is a not-for-profit service that helps you tackle your debt problems. They are not a lender. Their professional financial counsellors offer a free, independent and confidential service to help you get back on track.
For advice visit the National Debt Helpline website or call 1800 007 007
Our Community and Business Support Package
This package has measures including:
- rates relief options for ratepayers
- fast-tracking approvals so businesses can diversify
- rebates for some business fees and charges
- rent relief options for tenants in Council properties
- business concierge services
Mental health support
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.
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Organisation |
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Contact |
Ph: 1800 595 212 (free call) Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm |
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Links |
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Organisation |
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Contact |
Ph: 13 11 44 |
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Links |
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Organisation |
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Contact |
Ph: 1300 65 94 67 |
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Links |
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Organisation |
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| 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. |
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Contact |
Ph: 1800 729 367 |
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Links |
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Organisation |
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Links |
Mental health resources during COVID-19 This link will take you to information including:
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Organisation |
Kids Helpline (for people aged 5 to 25) |
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Contact |
Ph: 1800 55 1800 |
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Links |
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Organisation |
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Contact |
Parentline Victoria |
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Links |
COVID-19: Information for parents and carers This link takes you to information including:
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Organisation |
Headspace (for people 12 to 25) |
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Contact |
Website: Group chats |
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Links |
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Organisation |
Reach Out (for under 25s) |
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Contact |
Website: Online forums |
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Links |
Coping during coronavirus (COVID-19) This link will take you to information including: 10 ways to take care of yourself during coronavirus |
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Organisation |
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Contact |
Ph: 1300 22 4636 |
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Links |
Coronavirus mental wellbeing support service This link takes you to information including:
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Organisation |
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Contact |
Ph: 1300 78 99 78 |
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Links |
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Organisation |
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Contact |
Ph: 1800 435 799 |
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Organisation |
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Links |
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Organisation |
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Links |
Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for Australians This link takes you to information including:
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Organisation |
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Contact |
Ph: 1800 18 7263 |
Family violence support
Family violence frontline services, including crisis accommodation, police and courts continue to operate to support women, children and families during the coronavirus emergency.
Safe Steps is Victoria’s 24/7 family violence response centre. When it’s safe to do so, contact or have someone you know contact Safe Steps 24/7 on 1800 015 188 or safesteps@safesteps.org.au so you can plan for your and your children’s safety – regardless of whether you want to stay in the relationship or leave.
- With more people staying at home to reduce the community spread of COVID-19, there may be an increased risk for victim survivors experiencing family violence.
- The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and self-isolation requirements may impact you or your family. There may be financial pressure, family tensions or a heightened sense of uncertainty and anxiety. No matter what the external stressors, violence should not be tolerated.
- Has the behaviour of your partner or family member/s made you feel threatened or unsafe? Family violence can include emotional abuse, financial abuse, physical or sexual violence, and coercive and controlling behaviour. This can include abusers restricting your movements, access to communication technology or isolating you from friends or family.
- It may be very difficult to reach out for assistance during the coronavirus emergency. Be assured that you have the right to feel safe, access medical support and maintain contact with friends and family. You also have the right to leave the house and won’t be fined if you do so.
- Victoria Police continue to address and prevent family violence as a priority. The police response remains unchanged.
- All Magistrates’ Courts are open. Family Violence matters – including Family Violence Intervention Orders – continue to be heard, with urgent and high-risk matters being prioritised.
Department of Health - Family violence crisis response and support during Coronavirus
Where to get assistance
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The state-wide crisis service for those who need to leave a violent situation and access emergency crisis accommodation. |
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20 Princes Highway, Dandenong Ph: 9791 6111, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Berwick office currently closed. View information about family violence support services |
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1800 819 817 or text 0427 767 891 (8am to 11pm every day) |
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| 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 |
Other resources
- Orange Door - has a range of family violence resources.
- Together We Can - family violence information flyer
- Department of Health fact sheet – Getting family violence support during Coronavirus
Accessing food
There are a variety of resources to help you access food and emergency relief packages.
- Department of Health - Emergency relief packages - Information about the Victorian Government's emergency relief package, which contains essential food and personal care items that are available to vulnerable Victorians who need to quarantine or self-isolate due to COVID-19.
- Cardinia Farm and Food Directory - This is a directory of local Cardinia Shire farms who sell their products direct to the public and to wholesale markets.
- Open Food Network interactive map - Search for diverse, independent, local shops in Cardinia Shire that sell seasonal food.
- Vic Country Market - An online farmer's market for regional Victoria.
- Emergency food relief - This is our directory of local relief service providers, which features emergency food relief providers.
- Finding Food in Casey, Cardinia and Dandenong is a resource put together by health charity Enliven that includes information on alternatives to shopping at the supermarket, emergency food relief, growing your own food and what to do with excess food.
For older people and their families
Free COVID-19 support line for seniors
Senior Australians, their families and carers can now call a dedicated free call support line aimed at supporting the mental health of those impacted by the spread of COVID-19.
Ph: 1800 171 866
Visiting aged care facilities
Department of Health - Visiting aged care facilities
The link will take you to information on:
- Current restrictions
- Which types of care facilities are covered by this restriction?
- Who can visit people in care facilities?
- Are there limits on visits?
- Do I need to call the facility before I visit someone?
- What other conditions apply?
Advice for older people and seniors from the Victorian Government
Department of Health - Information for older people and seniors
The link above will take you to information on topics including:
- staying safe
- keeping well
- staying connected
- getting support at home
- support for carers
Advice for older people from the Australian Government
Department of Health - Advice for older people
The link will take you to information on:
- people most at risk
- protecting yourself
- symptoms
- medical appointments and medicines
- assistance with food and meals
- wellbeing support
My Aged Care website - Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and support for older Australians
The link will take you to information including:
- Where do I find the most up-to-date information?
- Where do I find specific advice for older people?
- Why is this virus so dangerous for older people?
- Can I get help with food and shopping?
- Can I still have contact with friends and family?
- I’m feeling lonely and/or worried, what can I do?
- I need help using technology or the computer – can I get support?
Community Visitors Scheme
Through the Community Visitors Scheme, anyone receiving government-subsidised residential aged care or Home Care Packages can get visits, phone calls or video meets with volunteers, for friendship and companionship.
To refer someone or yourself to the CVS, or to become a volunteer contact the Victorian provider: Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre (SMRC)
Dementia patients
The Dementia Australia website has help sheets to help you during COVID-19, including:
- tips for people living with dementia
- tips for carers, families and friends of people living with dementia
- tips for residential care providers
- tips for home care providers
Dementia Australia website – Help sheets
National Dementia Helpline: 1800 100 500
For families with children
COVID-19 advice from Department of Education and Training
Department of Education and Training – COVID-19 advice
The link above will take you to information including:
- Use of face masks
- Advice in your language
- Talking to your child about COVID-19
- Management of COVID-19 in schools
- Advice on traineeships and apprentices
Disability information and NDIS
Disability information
Local support
Latrobe Community Health Service is available to support anyone with disability in our local community.
Ph: 1800 242 696
Disability Information Helpline
- Provides information and referrals for people with disability who need help because of COVID-19.
- Can help families, carers and support workers too.
- Free, private and fact-checked.
Open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 7pm. Closed on national public holidays. Ph: 1800 643 787
National Relay Service
If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can call the National Relay Service. Ph: 133 677
From the Australian Government
COVID-19 information for people with disability and their supporters
This link to the Department of Social Services website will take you to information including:
- Disability Information Helpline
- accessible resources about Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- looking after yourself
- support for your situation
- helping others
From the Victorian Government
Department of Health - Information for people with disability - COVID-19
This link takes you to information including:
- Information on COVID-19
- What to expect when you are receiving a disability service
- Assistance
- Mental health resources
- People with disability and their carers - General health and wellbeing for home isolation (Word)
- People with disability and their carers - General health and wellbeing for home isolation - Easy English (Word)
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): Changes to disability supports and services (Word)
- What to expect when you get disability services – Easy read information for people with disability (Word)
- Financial assistance for people with disability during coronavirus (COVID-19) (Word)
- Financial assistance for people with disability during coronavirus (COVID-19) – Easy read information for people with disability (Word)
- Information to help with your mental health during coronavirus (COVID-19) – Easy read information for people with disability (Word)
NDIS
NDIS COVID-19 information and support
This link takes you to information including:
- latest advice from the NDIS
- changes to NDIS
- using your budget
- price guides and pricing
- your plan
- finding support workers
- information for participants
- information for providers
- NDIS and education
- what happens when ...?
- priority access to home delivery services
- animations and Auslan videos
Contacting the NDIS
Call 1800 800 110, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm (local time). Select option 5 for plan enquiries related to COVID-19.
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people living in remote communities are at greater risk from COVID-19.
- Aboriginal peak organisations and leadership are working closely with state, local and federal governments to coordinate response plans and ensure they have the necessary resources, equipment, supplies and support for the Aboriginal community.
Australian Government - COVID-19 advice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and remote communities
Department of Health - COVID-19 information for Aboriginal communities