For up-to-date Victorian health advice regarding COVID-19 visit www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
COVID Hotline - 1800 675 398
If you suspect you may have coronavirus (COVID-19) call the dedicated hotline – open 24 hours, 7 days. Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
Download the COVIDsafe app
From 11.59pm on Wednesday 16 September regional Victorian's are under Third Step COVID-19 restrictions.
Stay informed on what this means for you and your family.
www.gha2.net.au/bch
T: (03) 5671 3333
www.gshs.com.au
T: (03) 5667 5555
www.southgippslandhospital.com.au
(03) 5683 9777
www.basscoast.vic.gov.au
T: (03) 5671 2211
www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au
T: (03) 5662 9200
If you are experiencing loneliness or social disconnection due to COVID-19, the Australian Red Cross and local community organisations can provide you with support. Call the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398. Click here for more information.
COVID-19 Extreme Hardship Support Program
can provide financial relief to meet urgent needs of people who do not have access to Victorian & Commonwealth Government income support (including Job Seeker and Job Keeper), such as temporary and provisional visa holders and undocumented migrants.
COVID-19 worker support payment will provide a one-off $1,500 payment designed to financially support Victorian workers who, as of 20 June, have been instructed by the department to self-isolate or quarantine at home because they are either diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19) or are a close contact of a confirmed case.
COVID-19 Test Isolation Payment will provide a $450 payment to provide eligable Victorian workers financial support while they self-isolate to wait for the results of a coronavirus (COVID-19) test.
Those in mandatory self-isolation running short on food and unable to have any dropped-off by friends are eligible for a food and personal care package. To request a pack call Victoria’s dedicated Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398
The $1.7 billion economic survival and jobs package will help businesses and workers survive the impacts of the pandemic, including full payroll tax refunds, applications for commercial rent relief, paying outstanding supplier invoices and waiving liquor licensing fees.
The Government has announced a $130 billion JobKeeper payment to help keep more Australians in jobs and support businesses affected by the significant economic impact caused by the Coronavirus.
Around 6 million workers will receive a fortnightly payment of $1,500 (before tax) through their employer.
The payment ensures eligible employers remain connected to their workforce and will help businesses restart quickly when the crisis is over.
The Australian Government is supporting Australian businesses to manage cash flow challenges and retain employees. Assistance includes cash flow support to businesses and temporary measures to provide relief for financially distressed businesses.
Expansion of eligibility to income support payments and establishing a new, time-limited Coronavirus supplement to be paid at a rate of $550 per fortnight. To be paid to both existing and new recipients of JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance Jobseeker, Parenting Payment, Farm Household Allowance and Special Benefit.
The Government is allowing individuals affected by the Coronavirus to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation in 2019-20 and a further $10,000 in 2020-21.
Victoria Legal Aid can provide help over the phone 1300 792 387 (please note that there may have longer wait times). Advice can also be provided through a live webchat service here.
Job Watch has released a Q&A on employment rights in relation to COVID-19.
The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) has released fresh guidance of what organisations should do if they're struggling to hold regular board meetings of officially complete their Annual Information Statement.
An online peer support group on Facebook for people working in Australian not-for-profits has been established. You’re encouraged to ask questions of each other, share important information, and provide and receive guidance during this difficult time.
Evidence shows that COVID-19 poses a great risk to older people and those with existing chronic conditions. Keep informed on supporting our older people during this time.
Coronavirus is hard to explain to little ones. They can be confused, overwhelmed and anxious. Here are some resources to help navigate these discussions.
The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) are working hard to support Members and Aboriginal communities with daily and weekly update
NACCHO
VACCHO
Australian Government – indigenous.gov.au
Department of Health and Human Services – COVID-19 information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
COVID-19 translated information has been developed for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, health professionals and industry. Information includes factsheets and promotional materials.
Ethnolink – information about COVID-19 in 51 languages
Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) – News about COVID in 63 languages
Department of Health - Translated coronavirus (COVID-19) resources
Department of Health and Human Services - Translated coronavirus (COVID-19) resources
Enliven - Easy English Resources
Deaf Australia – COVID updates Blog
Expression Australia (former Victorian Deaf Society) - Auslan video updates
Vision Australia – news and assistance for the vision impaired
The COVID-19 pandemic, and the psychological, social and economic impacts of physical distancing and isolation measures, is having a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of us all.
The Victorian Government is funding a $59.4 million package of comprehensive measures to support the mental health, wellbeing and social connectedness of Victorians.
| Free 24/7 phone and webchat services across Victoria for people experiencing a crisis, including people at risk of suicide. |
13 11 14 |
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| Free professional counselling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to people at risk of suicide, anyone concerned about someone else’s risk of suicide and anyone bereaved by suicide. |
1300 651 251 |
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| Free 24/7 phone line, webchat and email service to help people to manage their own mental health and those they are supporting. |
1300 22 4636 |
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| Free 24/7 phone and online counselling services across Victoria for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years. |
1800 55 1800 |
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| Practical, online resources for parents, carers and teachers to use with children to alleviate anxiety, promote calm, build emotional wellbeing and promote positive mental health. |
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| Helpline, practical support and individual advocacy to carers experiencing carer fatigue and distress in a caring role for a person experiencing distress, poor psychosocial health or mental ill health. |
1800 314 325 |
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| A helpline and provision of practical support and group based activities for people experiencing distress, poor psychosocial health or mental ill health. |
(03) 9380 3915 |
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| Wellbeing coaching and support to people 16 years and over experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, worry or being overwhelmed which has lasted more than a few weeks and their usual coping strategies are not working. |
**1300 022 760 ** |
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| Telephone-based support for expecting and new parents who are struggling with their mental health and finding it difficult to engage with the range of support services they need. COVID-19 Digital Wellbeing Support Program: web-based response that provides digital or ‘virtual’ supports to partially replace the usual supports. |
1300 726 306 (Monday – Friday, 9am – 7.30pm AEST/AEDT) |
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| Helpline, webinars, wellbeing checks and emotional support and online supports groups for people with eating disorders. |
1300 550 236 |
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| Tailored support to people experiencing mild to severe anxiety, including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. |
Helpline 1300 269 438 or 9830 0533 (Monday to Friday 10am-8.30pm) |
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| Yarning Safe and Strong - Victorian Aboriginal Health Service/Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation |
Free state-wide helpline and supports for Aboriginal Victorians experiencing escalated anxiety, distress and mental ill health during the COVID-19 pandemic and post pandemic recovery period. |
1800 95 95 63 |
Black Dog Institute News
Black Dog Insitute Being well podcast series
BiteBack – for young Australians
myCompass
E-Mental Health in Practice - Managing Your Mental Health Online During COVID-19
This Way Up
Open Parachute - Online school wellbeing programs for Australian students, parents and teachers.
Being part of a community can have a positive effect on mental health and emotional wellbeing. Community involvement provides a sense of belonging and social connection. It can also offer extra meaning and purpose to everyday life. (head to health)
But what does this mean for the communities across Bass Coast and South Gippsland when we are required to socially distance ourselves, and for some of us to socially isolate?
Here are some tips to remain connected when your practicing social distancing or you are in quarantine:
Source: The Conversation
The following links provide advice on staying connected:
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.
Services are still operating to help women and children in family violence situations, including crisis accommodation.
If you feel unsafe or are concerned for someone’s safety, please call Police on 000
Safe Steps
T: 1800 015 188
1800 Respect (National Sexual Assault, Family Violence Counselling)
T: 1800 737 731
With Respect 1800LGBTIQ specialist LGBTIQ family violence service 1800 542 847
Other Key Contacts:
For up to date information and resources for Health Profesionals please visist Department of Health and Human Services.
Free Online infection Control Training for COVID-19 for workers across health, aged care, disability and childcare sectors.
The Department of Health and Human Services have an updated web page with information about coronavirus (COVID-19) including facts, updates, symptoms, resources and advice for the public, health professionals, education services and the media. Please click on the below links for information and advice on the coronavirus.
Information, updates and advice about the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
About coronavirus (COVID-19) - symptoms, travel and what to do to reduce the risk of infection
Coronavirus (COVID-19) interactive self-assessment tool
Coronavirus (COVID-19) promotional material
Department of Health and Human Services – Stakeholder Pack, Get Tested Campaign – translated materials
The Department of Health are providing daily updates and information, answering questions about the latest news, providing current facts and figures, travel advice, key contact and phone numbers. Click on the links below for information and advice on the Coronavirus.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) news, updates and advice
Coronavirus (COVID-19) frequently asked questions
Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources
The World Health Organisation is continuously monitoring and responding to the coronavirus outbreak.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters
The current situation is evolving rapidly, therefore the information published on our website is correct at the time of publishing. We will endeavour to update information as it comes to hand.
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