COVID-19 Information Hub
Welcome!
- This page features web links, fact sheets and videos on topics including support available for individuals, households and businesses, current statistics and case numbers, 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).
Easy-to-read information on COVID-19
Australian Government - Official government Easy Read coronavirus resources
If you don't speak English
Translated resources
DHHS - translated resources Department of Health - translated resources
COVID-19 information in your language
Department of Home Affairs website
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
Coronavirus hotline (Victoria)
- If you suspect you may have Coronavirus (COVID-19) call the dedicated hotline on 1800 675 398 – open 24 hours, 7 days.
- Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
Stage 4 restrictions in Victoria
Stage 4 restrictions are now in place across metropolitan Melbourne, which includes all of Cardinia Shire.
These Victorian Government restrictions took effect at 6pm on Sunday 2 August. A State Of Disaster has now been declared for Victoria. View the Premier's Statement here
Until Sunday 13 September, all current Stage 3 'stay at home' restrictions remain in place, PLUS:
- A night curfew from 8pm to 5am (except for work, medical care and essential caregiving).
- Exercise is limited to 1 hour per day, within 5 kilometres of your home. You can only exercise with 1 other person regardless of whether you live with them or not. (You can, however, take children who need supervision).
- Shopping for essential items is limited to 1 person per household per day, within 5 kilometres of your home. (You can, however, take children who need supervision). Of course, if your closest supermarket is more than 5 kilometres away, you can still shop there.
- The Night Network will be suspended, and public transport services will be reduced during curfew hours.
If you are aged 12 and over, wearing a face covering or mask is still compulsory when you leave home.
A number of Council services and facilities will be impacted by the new restrictions. We will update the Changes to Council services page with service and facility updates as more details are confirmed.
DHHS - Information on Stage 4 restrictions DHHS - Your questions answered
'Stay at Home' restrictions
From 11.59pm on Wednesday 8 July, if you live in Metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire, Stay at Home restrictions apply.
The 4 reasons that you can leave home
- Shopping for food or other essential items
- To provide care giving, for compassionate reasons or to seek medical treatment
- For exercise (applies to outdoor exercise, and with only one other person or members of your household)
- Work or study, if you cannot work or study from home.
Otherwise, you must stay home.
Face masks and coverings
- When leaving home for one of the 4 reasons, people 12 years and older must wear a face covering, unless an exemption applies.
- If you are in the car alone or with someone from your household, you do not need to wear a face covering. You should put your face covering on before you leave your car. If you are driving your car for work, such as deliveries, or with people from outside your household then you are required to wear a face covering.
- If you are doing strenuous physical exercise you do not need to wear a face covering but you must carry one with you. Strenuous exercise includes activities like jogging, running or cycling but not walking.
DHHS information - Face coverings and masks
Free face masks for eligible Cardinia Shire residents
- If you meet DHHS eligibility criteria, you may be able to access an allocation of free face masks. Eligibility criteria is below.
- Single-use face masks are available now at the local pharmacies and stores listed below. Reusable masks will be available soon.
- This Victorian Government initiative is designed to protect vulnerable community members during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and help reduce the spread of COVID-19 infection across the community.
- For more information on the Victorian Government direction about face masks and coverings visit the DHHS website
Am I eligible for free face masks?
Eligibility criteria is on the DHHS website, and also listed below for your convenience.
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.
- Reusable masks will also be available at these locations soon. We will update this web page to let you know when they are available.
|
Bayles |
Bayles General Store |
|---|---|
|
Beaconsfield |
Beaconsfield Guardian Pharmacy |
|
Beaconsfield |
Beaconsfield Neighbourhood Centre |
|
Bunyip |
Bunyip Pharmacy |
|
Cockatoo |
Cockatoo Pharmacy |
|
Emerald |
Emerald Village Pharmacy |
|
Garfield |
Garfield Pharmacy |
|
Gembrook |
Gembrook Post Office |
|
Kooweerup |
Direct Chemist Warehouse |
|
Kooweerup |
Discount Phamacy |
|
Lang Lang |
Lang Lang Pharmacy |
|
Maryknoll |
Maryknoll General Store |
|
Nar Nar Goon |
Nar Nar Goon Post Office |
|
Officer |
Chemist Discount Centre |
|
Pakenham |
Pakenham Discount Drug Store |
|
Pakenham |
Chemist Warehouse |
|
Pakenham |
Chemist Warehouse |
|
Pakenham |
Priceline |
|
Pakenham |
Lakeside Advantage Pharmacy |
|
Pakenham |
Good Neighbour Pharmacy |
|
Pakenham |
United Chemists |
|
Pakenham |
Cardinia Lakes Pharmacy |
|
Tynong |
Tynong Post Office |
|
Upper Beaconsfield |
Upper Beaconsfield Pharmacy |
How to wear a face mask
Disposing of face masks
- Please dispose of single-use face masks and gloves in your household rubbish bin. (And as always, please make sure any waste that goes in your rubbish bin is contained in a bin liner or garbage bag).
- Disposable face masks aren’t recyclable so please don’t put them in your recycling bin, or allow them to become litter in our streets and waterways.
COVID-19 symptoms and testing information
Symptoms
For information on COVID-19 symptoms visit the DHHS website or try the DHHS interactive self assessment tool
Getting tested
DHHS - Getting tested for COVID-19
The link above takes you to information including:
- where to get tested
- taking the test
- getting your results
- test isolation and worker support payments
- COVID-19 interactive self assessment
COVID-19 testing locations in Cardinia Shire
Emerald: Pop-up screening clinic (Hills Hub, 402 Belgrave-Gembrook Road) . Please call ahead before you go this location for testing on 1300 219 449
Koo Wee Rup: Drive-through testing site. Please call ahead before you go to this location for testing on 5997 9679
Pakenham: Drive-through testing site
For clinic locations and opening hours visit the testing sites map on the DHHS website
Quarantine and isolation
DHHS - Quarantine and isolation
The link above takes you to information including:
- the difference between quarantine and isolation
- what does isolation and quarantine at home involve?
- caring for people in isolation or quarantine
- extra help and support
Payments to support you while you self-isolate or quarantine
If either you or a child in your care aged under 16 have been instructed by DHHS to self-isolate or quarantine at home because you are either:
- diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19)
- are a close contact of a confirmed case
you may be eligible for the coronavirus (COVID-19) Worker Support Payment.
If required to self-isolate while you wait for the results of your test: You may be eligible for a one-off $300 payment
If instructed by DHHS to self-isolate or quarantine at home due to being diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19) or a close contact of a confirmed case: You may be eligible for a one-off $1500 payment
For more information, eligibility criteria and to enquire about the payments visit DHHS
Staying healthy
Department of Health - How to protect yourself and others from COVID-19
The link above will take you to information including:
- good hygiene (including washing your hands, covering your coughs and cleaning your home or workplace)
- how to slow the spread
- vaccination
- physical distancing
- caring for your health
- public gatherings
- isolation
- quarantine
More info: DHHS - Staying Safe
Current situation and case numbers
| Location | Who produced the resource | Link to resource |
|---|---|---|
| Cardinia Shire | DHHS | Case numbers in each local government area in Victoria (graphs and data in Power BI) |
| In Victoria | DHHS | Daily update |
| In Australia | Department of Health | |
| Worldwide | World Health Organisation | COVID-19 dashboard (includes number of cases and deaths worldwide) |
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 Coronavirus 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.
- We thank the community workers in Cardinia Shire network for helping to compile this directory.
- 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.
Report a breach of COVID-19 restrictions
To report a suspected breach of public health restrictions, such as:
- isolation
- mass gathering
- business breaches
contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or report online
Australian Government assistance for individuals and households
The Australian Government is providing financial assistance including income support payments, payments to support households and temporary early releases of superannuation.
Treasury – Supporting individuals and households
The link above will take you to information about topics including:
- JobKeeper payment
- increased income support
- HomeBuilder
- accessing superannuation
- support payments for households
- extra payments for pensioners
- retirees.
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.
DHHS – Emergency relief packages
The link will take you to information on these free packages.
- Packages will be available to Victorians in mandatory self-isolation who have no access to food and essential supplies, and no network of family and friends to help them.
- Each eligible household will receive 2-week supply of essential goods. Food packages will include items such as long-life milk, pasta, cereal, canned vegetables and sugar.
- Personal care packages will include soap, toothpaste and deodorant, and items such as nappies or baby formula if needed.
- The packages will be delivered door-to-door, with other distribution points to be established.
Worker support payments
- Workers who have been instructed to self-quarantine due to coronavirus (COVID-19) and have exhausted any sick leave entitlements may now be eligible for a $1,500 payment to assist with lost income.
- Workers who are waiting for COVID-19 test results and have exhausted any sick leave entitlements may now be eligible for a $300 payment.
DHHS – Worker support payments
Job matching assistance for Victorians who have lost their jobs
The Victorian Government is establishing a fund to help workers who have lost their jobs find new job opportunities that help the state's response to the pandemic, including cleaning public infrastructure or delivering food.
Potential employees will be matched with jobs across the public sector, local government, the not-for-profit sector and key private sector employers.
- To register your interest if you're looking for work: Visit Working for Victoria
- If you're a business looking for workers: Visit Business Victoria
Government assistance and advice for businesses
Help with accessing food
Finding Food in Casey, Cardinia and Greater Dandenong
The link above takes you to an information booklet that covers:
- alternatives to shopping at the supermarket
- emergency food relief
- growing your own food
- what to do with excess food.
- DHHS - Supermarket home delivery services - Information about accessing food if you can’t leave your home.
- DHHS - 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.
Support for community initiatives - Let's Stay Connected Fund
- Victorian-based incorporated community organisations, LGA’s, incorporated not-for-profits and industry groups can apply for grants through the Victorian Government's new Let's Stay Connected Fund.
- The fund provides grants between $5,000 and $200,000 to support community-led initiatives.
- The program will support innovative, community-led and community-based initiatives that build connection, reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation and can be implemented quickly. It will also support existing initiatives that can be rapidly scaled up to a local, regional or state level.
Let's Stay Connected Fund - More information and how to apply
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
Please complete our survey
For older people and their families
Free COVID-19 support line for Senior Australians
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
DHHS - 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?
- Is there limits on visits?
- Do I need to call the facility before I visit someone?
- What other conditions apply to visitors?
- Are there any other conditions placed on visits?
- What are the restrictions on workers?
- What if I don’t comply?
Advice for older people and seniors from the Victorian Government
DHHS - 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
- frequently asked questions
- contact phone numbers
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
If you have a My Aged Care Plan
Services
- The services you currently receive through your Home Care Package will continue.
- However, there may be some changes to the way service is delivered. Home care staff may change the way that personal care is done.
- You can make changes to your plan, such as arranging help to go to the shops or arranging your carer to shop on your behalf.
- If you would like to make changes to your services because of the COVID-19 pandemic, contact your provider.
- In emergency situations, if you have fully allocated your Home Care Package, you may access short term home support services like nursing, personal care and meals. Speak with your home care provider about this.
Food and meals
- Providers for food and meals, such as Meals on Wheels, can help you with access to regular food supplies and prepared meals.
- You can also arrange this directly with your provider.
- The department of health are working with grocery suppliers on priority access to their online and telephone shopping for older and vulnerable people including if you are registered with My Aged Care.
If you don't have a My Aged Care Plan
Services
- Older Australians can access short term home support services in an emergency without having had an aged care assessment.
- If you are in urgent need of support My Aged Care can refer you directly to services in your local area.
- Assessments can also be conducted using telehealth rather than face-to-face.
More information on My Aged Care services
- Contact your provider
- Visit the My Aged Care website
- Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422
Dementia patients
Fact sheet - Dementia Australia - Tips for carers, families and friends of people living with dementia during COVID-19
Fact sheet - Dementia Australia - Tips for people living with dementia during COVID-19
Resources
Fact sheet - Australian Government - Info on COVID-19 for older Australians
Fact sheet - Australian Government - Assistance with food and meals for older Australians impacted by COVID-19
For families with children - remote learning and mental health
Return to remote learning
Schools in metropolitan Melbourne (this includes Cardinia Shire) and Mitchell Shire will move to remote and flexible learning from Monday 20 July 2020 for all students except for Years 11 and 12, students in Year 10 doing VCE or VCAL study, and students enrolled in specialist schools.
Department of Education and Training - COVID-19 advice for parents, carers and guardians
The link above will take you to information including:
- use of face masks
- Term 3 arrangements in schools
- schools impacted by the return to Stage 3 restrictions
- learning from home
- support your child's learning
- supporting your child wiht additional needs
- screentime, health and wellbeing
- advice in your language
Fun at home website
The Victorian Government's Fun at Home website has lots of excellent learning activities for children. Most are tasks that kids can work through by themselves, and they can be adapted to suit all ages.
Helping children to cope with the COVID-19 situation
- Department of Education and Training - Talking to your child about COVID-19
- Emerging Minds – Supporting children during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
- UNICEF - How to talk to your children about Coronavirus
- Reach Out – How to talk to your teenagers about Coronavirus
- Physical distancing activities and tips for families with children (Word)
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 Coronavirus (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.
National Relay Service
If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can call the National Relay Service.
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
DHHS - 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 - Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and remote communities
DHHS - Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for Aboriginal communities
Financial assistance
Support payment so you can stay home if you test positive to COVID-19
If you can’t rely on sick leave to stay at home, the Victorian Government will provide you with a $1500 support payment to ensure there’s no financial reason to go to work instead of staying home.
Paying bills if you're struggling financially
Gas and electricity bills
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 in 2019.
- 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.
Victorian Government Premier's Department - Know your rights and keep your lights on
For help looking for cheaper energy deals, visit the Compare Energy website provided by the Victorian Government.
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.
Rates
If you are struggling to pay your rates, you can apply for a rates payment plan. To apply online visit the Community and Business Support Package page.
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
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.
|
Organisation |
|
|---|---|
|
Contact |
Ph: 13 11 44 |
|
Links |
|
Organisation |
|
|---|---|
|
Contact |
Ph: 1300 65 94 67 |
|
Links |
|
Organisation |
|
|---|---|
|
Links |
Mental health resources during COVID-19 This link will take you to information including: |
|
Organisation |
Kids Helpline (for people aged 5 to 25) |
|---|---|
|
Contact |
Ph: 1800 55 1800 |
|
Links |
|
Organisation |
|
|---|---|
|
Contact |
Parentline Victoria |
|
Links |
COVID-19: Information for parents and carers This link takes you to information including:
|
|
Organisation |
Headspace (for people 12 to 25) |
|---|---|
|
Contact |
Website: Group chats |
|
Links |
|
Organisation |
Reach Out (for under 25s) |
|---|---|
|
Contact |
Website: Online forums |
|
Links |
Coping during Coronavirus (COVID-19) This link will take you to information including: 10 ways to take care of yourself during Coronavirus |
|
Organisation |
|
|---|---|
|
Contact |
Ph: 1300 22 4636 |
|
Links |
Coronavirus mental wellbeing support service This link takes you to information including:
|
|
Organisation |
|
|---|---|
|
Contact |
Ph: 1300 78 99 78 |
|
Links |
|
Organisation |
|
|---|---|
|
Links |
|
Organisation |
|
|---|---|
|
Links |
Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for Australians This link takes you to information including:
|
|
Organisation |
|
|---|---|
|
Contact |
Ph: 1800 18 7263 |
Stay connected with others
- Make sure you reach out to the people you trust, like friends, family, neighbours and workmates via phone, e-mail, Facetime, Facebook video, WhatsApp video or other online services.
- Share how you feel and try linking with people who are in a similar situation as you. If possible, join an online forum, social media group or other online community to support others and yourself
Set up healthy daily routines
- A regular routine will help you feel happier and less bored. Your routine should include maintaining regular mealtimes, eating a healthy and balanced diet, getting enough sleep and keeping physically active around the house. Avoid excessive use of alcohol.
- If you continue to work during self-quarantine, try to stick to your normal work times. If you have spare time, consider doing tasks that give you a sense of achievement.
- If you smoke, consider quitting or at least reducing your smoking during this time, particularly if you are recovering from Coronavirus.
Stay active
Physical activity is a proven way to reduce the effects of stress. Look for online content that could help you exercise, do yoga or learn a new healthy pastime. Dust off your home exercise equipment, and use the downtime to improve your fitness!
Youth Services Directory for COVID-19
This new directory has information about services available to young people in Cardinia Shire during COVID-19, as well as links to useful information.
Family violence support
You are not alone. If you feel frightened or need advice, help and support, or a safe place to stay during COVID-19, there are organisations that can help you.
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.
- The DHHS website states that Victoria Police continue to address and prevent family violence as a priority. The police response remains unchanged.
- The DHHS website states that 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.
DHHS - Family violence crisis response and support during Coronavirus
Where to get assistance
|
The state-wide access point for those who need to leave a violent situation and access emergency crisis accommodation. |
|
|
Ph: 9791 6111, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (Dandenong office). Dandenong office open View information about Family violence support services |
|
|
1800 819 817 or text 0427 767 891 (8am to 11pm every day) |
|
| Sexual Assault Crisis Line | 1800 806 292 (24 hours a day, seven 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
- Fact sheet DHHS – Getting family violence support during Coronavirus
Daily check-in phone call if you need it
- Red Cross can provide you with a daily telephone call to check on your wellbeing through the Telecross service.
- This provides peace of mind if you are at risk of an accident or illness that may go unnoticed, such as falling and being unable to call for help.
- The volunteer will check to see that you are well and provide a friendly voice to wake up to each morning.
Library home delivery service and great online resources
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Casey Cardinia Libraries is offering some new services, and always has a great range of online resources.
This link will take you to information on:
- the new library home delivery service and how to request loans using the service
- online video content including Baby Time, Tinies Time, Storytime and Sid Explores.
- short story and poetry competitions
- free Ulverscroft e-Audiobooks until 31 July 2020
- free access for library members to online resources including (but not limited to):
- Kanopy streaming service
- Borrowbox (access to more than 6,000 e-Book and around 3,000 e-Audiobook titles across a range of genres for all ages.
- Busy Things (educational games for kids aged between 3 and 7
- Tumblebooks (animated talking picture books and educational games)
- Choice Online
- The Age library edition
- Storybox Library (for children to view stories being read aloud by mainly Australian and New Zealand storytellers)
- Gales Health and Wellness Resource Centre
- Find My Past and Ancestry library edition
- Literacy Planet
- Press Reader
- uTalk
- Lynda online learning.
Cleaning blitz across Cardinia Shire
In efforts to reduce the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), teams of cleaning workers hired by Citywide will be in Cardinia Shire over the coming weeks to do a deep cleaning blitz of frequently touched hard surfaces in public spaces, including:
- hand rails
- poles
- signs
- furniture
- bins.
This is a Working for Victoria program to help prepare communities across metropolitan Melbourne for a return to normal life, and to create meaningful work opportunities for tens of thousands of Victorians displaced from their regular jobs in other industries due to COVID-19.
More info: Victorian Government, Citywide
Government COVID-19 apps
Scams
Unfortunately, scammers are taking advantage of the spread of Coronavirus to exploit and play on the fears of Australian consumers.
Scammers are doing things such as falsely selling Coronavirus-related products online, and using fake emails or text messages to try and get personal data.
Other scams include phishing emails and phone calls impersonating the World Health Organisation, government authorities, and legitimate businesses – including travel agents and telecommunications companies.
You can report these scams and find information on where to get help on the Scamwatch website.
Keeping Victorians connected during COVID-19
Victoria Together is an online initiative to showcase some of the best music, entertainment, nature and art that Victoria has to offer.
To help keep Victorians connected – and help keep our creators creating – the Victorian Government has launched Victoria Together, a new online portal showcasing the best our state has to offer from live music and comedy, to the amazing animals at Melbourne Zoo.
Victoria Together will also be home to a new online series developed with Mushroom Group, State of Music (see video below), which will feature weekly performances from some of our best home-grown talent.
The portal includes:
- Recharge 2020 Festival and other music
- children
- sport and exercise
- older Victorians
- arts, exhibitions and design
plus lots more!
Creative industries employed around 260,000 people in Victoria — but the sector has been hit hard by coronavirus with artists, musicians and other creators losing their livelihoods as a result of the pandemic.
Ask a Council officer to contact you about information on this page
Having trouble finding the Coronavirus information you need, or understanding something on this page? Please fill in this online form (stating the information you need in the 'issue' field) and a Council officer will contact you.
If you prefer, call us on 1300 787 624