COVID-19 Information Hub

Quick links

This website's jump-to menu is a good way to navigate around the information in this hub - or if you prefer, you can use these quick links. 

1. Changes to Council services
2. Changes to Council and community events
3. Information on COVID-19 that's easier to read 
4. If English is not your first language
5. Directory of local relief service providers
6. Coronavirus hotline (Victoria)
7. Government COVID-19 apps 
8. Current situation and case numbers
9. What you can and can't do - restrictions and shut down information
10. Connecting Cardinia - online connection space 
11. Australian Government assistance for individuals and households
12. Victorian Government assistance for individuals and households
13. Government assistance for businesses
14. Council's Community and Business Support Package 
15. Please complete our survey 
16. Symptoms and slowing the spread 
17. Getting tested and self quarantine
18. For older people and their families
19. For families with children
20. Internet connection support for low income families with home schooling needs 
21. Disability information and NDIS
22. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members
23. Mental health support
24. Family violence support
25. Youth Services Directory for COVID-19
26. Request a daily check-in phone call
27. Library home delivery service and lots of online resources
28. Paying bills if you're struggling financially 
29. Scams
30. Horses and agistment
31. Connecting Cardinia online space
32. Victoria Together
33. Ask a Council officer to contact you

Information on COVID-19 that's easier to read

Australian Government - Official government Easy Read coronavirus resources 

This link takes you to fact sheets including: 

• Coronavirus: What is it?
• Coronavirus: 5 things to do right now
• Coronavirus: What you need to know
• Coronavirus: Frequently Asked Questions
• Coronavirus: Social distancing
• Coronavirus: Staying at home

If English is not your first language

Visit the DHHS website for translated resources

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 organsiations.  
• 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. 

View the directory  View the flyer

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.

Government COVID-19 apps

These apps are available if you wish to download them: 

• Coronavirus Australia app
• COVIDSafe app

Current situation and case numbers

In Cardinia Shire 

DHHS − Case numbers and locations in Victoria (graphs and data in Power BI)

In Victoria

DHHS – Daily update 

In Australia 

Department of Health − Number of cases in Australia (by state and territory) 
Department of Health - infographic 

Across the world

World Health Organization - COVID-19 dashboard (includes number of cases and deaths worldwide)

What you can and can't do – restrictions and shut down information

Gradual easing of restrictions 

Following widespread COVID-19 testing in the community recently,  the Victorian Government is gradually easing restrictions. These new arrangements will come into effect at 11.59pm on Tuesday 12 May. 

Until this time, please continue to follow the latest directions from the Chief Health Officer on restricted activities, stay at home directions and restricted access to care facilities. 

From 11.59pm on Tuesday 12 May, the following activities will be allowed: 

• Having family and friends visit you at home – with up to 5 visitors being allowed into your home.
• Gatherings of people for the purposes of non-contact sport and recreation in public settings, such as national, state and public parks – with groups of up to 10 people being allowed to gather.
• Small gatherings of up to 10 people at some indoor facilities such as places of worship and community centres – along with those required to run the facilities.  The 4-square metre rule applies in these settings.

This link takes you to information on restrictions that will be in effect from Tuesday 12 May, 11.59pm. 

Stay at home restrictions 

• Who does this apply to, and when?
• Is this compulsory, or voluntary?
• Can I leave the house during the Stay at Home period?
• Are there limits on the time of day I can leave the house?
• Visiting friends, family and your partner
• Shopping for food and other necessary goods and services
• Work
• Study and education
• Exercise, and recreation activities
• Caring for others and animals
• Transport and travel
• Property and homes
• Accommodation including emergency accommodation

 as well as restrictions on: 

• shopping, retail and food
• travel
• sport, cultural and recreational activities. 

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 on: 

Income support for individuals

• Over the next 6 months, the government is temporarily expanding eligibility to income support payments and establishing a new, time-limited Coronavirus supplement to be paid at a rate of $550 per fortnight.
• This will be paid to both existing and new recipients of JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance Jobseeker, Parenting Payment, Farm Household Allowance and Special Benefit.

Fact sheet - Australian Government - Income support for individuals

Payments to support households

• The government is providing two separate $750 payments to social security, veteran and other income support recipients and eligible concession card holders.
• The first payment will be made from 31 March 2020 and the second payment will be made from 13 July 2020. Around half of those that benefit are pensioners. This payment will help to support confidence and domestic demand in the economy.
• The second payment will not be made to those eligible for the Coronavirus supplement.

Fact sheet - Australian Government - Payments to support households

Temporary early release of superannuation

• The government is allowing individuals affected by the Coronavirus situation to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation in 2019-20 and a further $10,000 in 2020-21.
• Individuals will not need to pay tax on amounts released and the money they withdraw will not affect Centrelink or Veterans’ Affairs payments.

Fact sheet - Australian Government - early access to superannuation

Temporarily reducing superannuation minimum drawdown rates

• The government is temporarily reducing superannuation minimum drawdown requirements for account-based pensions and similar products by 50% for 2019-20 and 2020-21.
• This measure will benefit retirees holding these products by reducing the need to sell investment assets to fund minimum drawdown requirements.

Fact sheet - Australian Government - Providing support for retirees

Reducing social security deeming rates

• On 12 March, a 0.5 percentage point reduction in both the upper and lower social security deeming rates was announced. These rates will now be reduced by another 0.25 percentage points.
• As of 1 May 2020, the upper deeming rate will be 2.25 per cent and the lower deeming rate will be 0.25 per cent. The reductions reflect the low interest rate environment and its impact on the income from savings. The change will benefit around 900,000 income support recipients, including around 565,000 Age Pensioners who will, on average receive around $324 more of the Age Pension in the first full year the reduced rates apply.

Fact sheet - Australian Government - Providing support for retirees

Victorian Government assistance for individuals and households

Emergency relief packages

Vulnerable Victorians who need to self-quarantine due to coronavirus (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.

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

Our Community and Business Support Package

This package has measures including: 

• rates relief options for ratepayers
• fast-tracking approvals so businesses caqn diversify
• rebates for some busienss fees and charges
• rent relief options for tenants in Council properties
• business concierge services

Find out more about the package

Government assistance and advice for businesses

Visit Support for businesses during Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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

Community survey

• Please help us better understand the needs of Cardinia Shire residents and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic by completing this survey. 
• The survey: 
  • is anonymous and will take around 15 minutes to complete
  • will be live for the duration of the pandemic.

Do the survey 

Symptoms and slowing the spread

Who is most at risk? 

• DHHS - Who is most at risk of getting Coronavirus?
• DHHS - Who is most at risk of getting very sick from Coronavirus?

Symptoms

Department of Health – Symptom online checker tool

The most common Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms are:

• fever
• breathing difficulties, breathlessness
• cough
• sore throat
• fatigue or tiredness.

Many people who contract Coronavirus (COVID–19) will suffer only mild symptoms.

Elderly people and those with pre-existing medical conditions may experience more severe symptoms.

Fact sheet Department of Health – symptoms

Protect yourself and others – slow the spread

• Keep a full arm-span (about 1.5 metres) between yourself and other people where possible
• Wash hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds. Dry with paper towel or hand dryer
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the tissue
• If you don’t have a tissue cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow
• Continue healthy habits: don’t smoke, exercise, drink water, get plenty of sleep
• Buy an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with over 60 per cent alcohol. 

Stay at home wherever possible – especially if you feel sick.

Department of Health - How to protect yourself and others from Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The link will take you to information on:

• how to slow the spread
• good hygiene (including washing your hands, covering your coughs and cleaning your home or workplace)
• social distancing
• limits on public gatherings

Do I need to wear a face mask? 

If you have COVID-19, wearing a surgical mask can help to prevent spreading it to others.

If you are well, you do not need to wear a surgical mask. There is little evidence that widespread use of surgical masks in healthy people prevents transmission in public.

Fact sheet Department of Health – Use of surgical masks

Testing for COVID-19 and self quarantine

Testing

• If you have any of the symptoms, however mild, call the 24-hour coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 or your general practitioner for advice on whether you should get tested. 
• The links below provide more information on testing. 

Local screening clinic (Monash Health) 

Pakenham Health Centre
Henty Way, Pakenham (view in Google Maps) 

• Children under 8 cannot be screened at this clinic. Testing for children is available at Monash Health clinics at Clayton, Berwick and Dandenong. 
• Open 8.30am to 4pm, 7 days a week. At this stage, the clinic will operate until Friday 15 May, 4pm. 
• No appointment needed. 
• If you are tested and don't have symptoms, you don't need to self isolate while waiting for results. 

DHHS - View all testing locations

Getting tested for Coronavirus (COVID-19)

This link will take you to information including:  

• Why are Victorians being encouraged to get tested?
• Should I get tested?
• What if I feel tired or fatigued?
• Why should I get tested?
• Do I have to pay to get tested?
• What does testing involve?
• Who can perform tests?
• What happens at the mobile testing site?
• What do I need to bring with me to get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19)?
• Can I take someone I care for to get tested?
• What should I do while I wait for the results?
• What happens if I test positive or negative?
• How long does it take to get the results? 

Self quarantine 

If you are diagnosed with Coronavirus, or come into contact with someone who has the virus, you must self quarantine until public health authorities tell you it is safe for you to return to your usual activities.

DHHS - Self quarantine information 
Fact sheet DHHS: Coronavirus (confirmed case) - What you need to know

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

Department of Health - Advice for older people

The link will take you to information on: 

• why this virus so dangerous for older people and people with chronic medical conditions
• assistance with food and meals (including prioritised online grocery ordering)

Visiting aged care facilities

Department of Health - Advice on visiting those in aged care facilities

The link will take you to information on: 

• residents
• visitors
• managers and staff
• preventing the spread of coronavirus   

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

Return to school - staged return 

The Victorian Government has advised that schools can begin a staged return to on-site schooling.

Stage 1 - Tuesday 26 May 

In the first stage, students in Prep, Grade 1 and Grade 2, senior secondary (Year 11 and 12 VCAL and VCE) students and all students in specialist schools will return to school from Tuesday 26 May.

• Year 10 students undertaking VCE studies, including VCE VET studies, should also attend school for those classes where practicable. If this is not possible for your child/children, our teachers will make sure the work provided to students attending at school is also provided to your child/children.
• To support all school staff to prepare for this transition, Monday 25 May is a pupil-free day.

Stage 2 - From Tuesday 9 June

In the second stage of our return to on-site schooling, all other year levels will return to on-site schooling from Tuesday 9 June.

For those students who cannot be supervised at home and vulnerable children, the existing model of on-site schooling will remain in place during the two-week period from Tuesday 26 May to Tuesday 9 June. The current process that we are using to enable parents and carers to indicate the days or part-days for which on-site schooling is required will continue for this two-week period.

All other students in these grades and year levels will continue learning from home until Tuesday 9 June.

Once a year level has returned, all students will be expected to attend school as normal. This means if you choose to keep your child/children home after their year level has returned to on-site schooling, we can no longer support their learning from home.

This does not apply to children who need to be absent for health or medical reasons. For those families, please contact us so we can make an appropriate plan.

This same approach is being taken by all government schools in Victoria.

Department of Education - Staged return to on-site schooling - advice for parents

Learning from home

To increase physical distancing across the population and prevent the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19), children in government schools will move to remote and flexible learning and care at the start of Term 2 (from Tuesday 14 April). 

Victorian Government - Department of Education and Training

The link above takes you to information including: 

• About learning from home in an early childhood service setting
• About learning from home in a school setting
• How to support your child
• Student responsibilities during remote learning
• Setting up a learning environment
• Establishing routines and expectations
• Communicating with your child
• Advice for parents of children with additional needs
• Resources and tips
• Managing screen time and online safety
• Resources for educators

Child care relief package 

The Australian Government's Early Childhood Education anf Care Relief Package will provide around 1 million families with free child care during the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Due to the impact of COVID-19, the early childhood sector has reported significant decreases in attendance and enrolments. These payments are intended to ensure services remain open, and families can access care. The payments are made in lieu of any Child Care Subsidy and Additional Child Care Subsidy. 

Australian Government - Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package

Helping children to cope with the COVID-19 situation 

• 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)

Internet connection support for low income families with home schooling needs

nbn is providing up to $50 million to assist phone and internet providers to support low-income family households with school-aged children who do not currently have an active nbn™ connection at home. 

This funding will help phone and internet providers create more affordable offers to connect eligible families during Term 2.  

More than 20 phone and internet providers have agreed to participate in this program. 

Am I eligible? 

Disability information and NDIS

Disability information

Local support 

Latrobe Community Health is available to support anyone with disability in our local community in relation to support, NDIS plans, etc.  
Ph: 1800 242 696

From the Australian Government 

Department of Social Services - COVID-19 information for people with disability and their supporters

This link will take you to information including: 

• the Disability Information Helpline (see more info below) 
• accessible resources about Coronavirus (COVID-19) 
• looking after yourself
• support for your situation
• helping others

Disability 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. 

Call the helpline on 1800 643 787 

• If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677
• If you require support in another language, you can use the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) free of charge by:
  • calling the Disability Information Helpline on 1800 643 787 and asking for an interpreter, or
  • calling TIS on 131 450 and ask to be connected to the Disability Information Helpline on 1800 643 787.
  • livechat: click on this livechat link, then on the button in the bottom right corner.

From the Victorian Government 

DHHS - Information for people with disability - COVID-19

This link takes you to information icnluding: 

• 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

Australian Government - Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and remote communities

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people living in remote communities are at greater risk from COVID-19.

The link above will take you to information including: 

• why remote communities are at risk
• protect your mob and stop the spread
• where you can get help
• keeping in touch with your community
• travel restrictions
• resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• learn more and connect

DHHS - Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for Aboriginal communities

Aboriginal peak organisations and leadership is 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.

The link above will take you to information including:  

• Message from Chair Koorie Caucus (PDF)
• Ensuring cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (Word)
• Business continuity tool and key departmental contacts (Word)
• Physical distancing - protecting yourself and your family (Word)
• Physical distancing activities and tips for families with children (Word)
• Access to food and essential supplies - supporting Aboriginal Victorians (Word)
• COVID-19 Testing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians (Word)
• COVID-19 Information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People - 10 ways to work well at home (Word)

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. 

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!

VicHealth has reviewed the best smartphone applications for healthy living

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. 

View the directory

Family violence support

In an emergency dial 000. 

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. 
• The Victorian Government is investing $40.2 million into more crisis accommodation and specialist services for people suffering or at risk of family violence during COVID-19. You can find out more in this media release. 

Where to get assistance 

Other resources

• DHHS - Family violence support and information. 
• 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.

Find out more about the Telecross service 

New library home delivery service and great online resources

In response to the closure of the libraries due to COVID-19, Casey Cardinia Libraries is offering some new services, and always has a great range of online resources. 

Casey Cardinia Libraries

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.

Paying bills if you're struggling financially

Gas and electricity bills 

Households facing economic hardship because of Coronavirus 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

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. 

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. 

Horses and agistment

Equestrian Victoria - COVID-19 FAQs

The link above will take you to information including: 

• Can I attend my agistment and feed my horse(s)?
• What if there are several people at my agistment?
• Can I exercise or ride where I agist my horse(s)?
• Can a professional trainer of horses still operate?

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.

Visit Victoria Together

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