COVID-19 Information Hub
Welcome!
IMPORTANT: Stage 3 'Stay at Home' restrictions will be in place again across metropolitan Melbourne (this includes Cardinia Shire) and Mitchell Shire from 11.59pm on Wednesday 8 July.
- 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.
Restrictions in Victoria
Based on the advice of the Chief Health Officer, Stage 3 'Stay at Home' restrictions will be in place again across metropolitan Melbourne (this includes Cardinia Shire) and Mitchell Shire from 11.59pm on Wednesday 8 July. You can view the Statement from the Premier here.
There will only be 4 reasons to leave home:
- Shopping for food and supplies
- Medical care and caregiving
- Exercise and recreation
- Study and work – if you can’t do it from home
Also:
- You cannot have visitors to your home except for caregiving or compassionate reasons or receiving services.
- You can no longer visit friends and family who live at another household, except to see your intimate partner, or for caregiving or compassionate reasons, or providing services.
DHHS website - information on updated restrictions
The link above takes you to information on restrictions on places and activities including:
- Restaurants and cafes
- Pubs, bars, clubs, nightclubs
- Beauty and personal care services
- Libraries and community venues
- Religious ceremonies and private worship
- Weddings and funerals
- Indoor sports centres including gyms, training facilities
- Community sport training and competition
- Galleries, museums, historic sites, zoos, outdoor amusement parks and arcades, play centres, indoor and drive-in cinemas, concert venues, theatres, auditoriums, arenas, stadiums, casinos and gaming venues
- Outdoor sport facilities, exercise and personal training
- Holiday accommodation and camping facilities
For information about Council services and access to facilities go to Changes to Council services due to COVID-19
Symptoms and getting tested
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 (including the location of the drive-through testing site at Pakenham)
- should I get tested?
- before the test
- during the test
- after the test
Suburban testing blitz
As part of the Victorian Government's COVID-19 testing blitz, a number of priority suburbs were identified. For more information on the testing blitz or community engagement campaign visit the DHHS website or call the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398 (24 hours).
Staying healthy
DHHS also issued new advice on 10 July regarding the use of surgical masks.
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
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) |
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
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.
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.
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
- 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 payment
Workers who have been instructed to self-quarantine due to coronavirus (COVID-19) from 20 June may now be eligible for a $1,500 payment to assist with lost income.
The link above will take you to information on this payment.
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
For information visit the DHHS website
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 busienss fees and charges
- rent relief options for tenants in Council properties
- business concierge services
Please complete our survey
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
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:
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:
- Schools impacted by the return to Stage 3 restrictions
- Learning from home
- Advice in your language
- Management of COVID-19 in schools
Read the statement from the Preier about the return to remote learning
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.
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Ph: 13 11 44 |
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Ph: 1300 65 94 67 |
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Mental health resources during COVID-19 This link will take you to information including: |
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Kids Helpline (for people aged 5 to 25) |
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Ph: 1800 55 1800 |
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Parentline Victoria |
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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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Website: Group chats |
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Organisation |
Reach Out (for under 25s) |
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Website: Online forums |
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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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Ph: 1300 22 4636 |
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Coronavirus mental wellbeing support service This link takes you to information including:
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Ph: 1300 78 99 78 |
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for Australians This link takes you to information including:
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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.
- 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
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The state-wide access point for those who need to leave a violent situation and access emergency crisis accommodation. |
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Ph: 9791 6111, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (Dandenong office). Dandenong office open 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, 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
- 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.
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.
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