[Edited and compiled from public addresses]
Topics
- VIC | State of Emergency Update
- VIC | Coronavirus (COVID-19) roadmap to reopening
- VIC | Community Activation and Social Isolation Initiative (CASI) Translated Fact Sheets
- VIC | Coronavirus (COVID-19) Extreme Hardship Support Program
- VIC | Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment
- VIC | Financial assistance for utilities for Victorians
- VIC | New business support to aid lockdown recovery
- VIC | WORKING | Youth Employment for Victoria
- VIC | BOOSTING | Mental Health and AOD Services and Their Workers
- VIC | UPGRADING | More than 50 Public Aged Care Facilities
- VIC | GRANTS | Hospitality Business Grant Program
- VIC | GRANTS | Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund | Open, closing 16 October 2020
- VIC | GRANTS | Supporting Connection Among LGBTIQ Victorians | Open, until 23 October 2020
- VIC | PAUSING | Evictions Ban Extended and Extra Renter Protections introduced (residential and commercial) | until 31 December 2020
- VIC | RESTORATIVE | Youth Justice Trial to Boost Safety and Reduce Reoffending
- VIC | SUPPORTING | Farmers Get The Workers They Need This Season
- VIC | REHABILITATING | More Bushfire Appeal Funds to Help Communities and Families
- VIC | TRAINING | Extra Funding To Keep Apprentices Learning
- MELB | STUDYING | Workshops for VCE students
- MELB | MARKING | Tunnelling Hits Halfway With TBM Breakthroughs
- VIC | VMC | Nominate a diversity hero today | Nominations close Sunday 11 October 2020
- VIC | MAV | Shelter Commissions Program
- VIC | ABC | Victorian Voices: COVID-19 livestream
- VIC | CCOEI | Virtual Music Concerts
- VIC | SAFE STEPS | Escaping harm - even during curfew hours is OK
- VIC | WIRE | PROVIDING | free generalist information, support and referral service for women, non-binary and gender-diverse people
- VIC | VMC | Community Ambassador videos
- VIC | OPAN | Older Persons Advocacy Network | supporting over 51 different languages
- VIC | ECCV | Policy Issues Briefs: Impacts of COVID-19 on mental health, employment, social cohesion and ethnic seniors' clubs
- VIC | INQUIRING | Have Your Say Over The Future Of The Gig Economy
- NZ | Talking to Kids about Coronavirus
- AUST | Coronavirus hotline
- AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way
- Acknowledgment to Sources
- Bye bye to Essentialists
- Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound
1. VIC | State of Emergency Update
The Victorian Government has announced Sunday 27/9 that Metropolitan Melbourne will move to the Roadmap Second Step from midnight Sunday 27 September.This Step will see the curfew lift in Metropolitan Melbourne from 5am on Monday 28 September. There will be higher on the spot fines for breaching rules about visitors to your home and outdoor gatherings.
There are still only 4 reasons to leave your home:
- shopping for food and essential items
- exercise and outdoor activity
- permitted work and study,
- and caregiving.
What is changing?
A reduction in the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Melbourne in recent weeks has occurred faster than predicted, allowing for some small changes:Health, Hospitals and Care Facilities
- Non-urgent dental services can resume
- Most health practitioners and allied health professionals can provide some face-to-face services.
- Visitors allowed at care facilities and hospitals for up to two hours each day
Education and childcare
- Childcare is open to all children.
- All primary school students, VCE and VCAL students (including Year 10 students in VCE) and specialist school students will return to their schools for learning from October 12.
- In-home child minding will be allowed for all children
- Religious gatherings and ceremonies can take place outdoors with 5 people and 1 faith leader next to a place of worship.
- Weddings can take place outdoor with a maximum of 5 attendees including the couple and two witnesses. The celebrant is not included in the group of 5.
- A person may now attend the resting place (a cemetery or columbarium) of a deceased relative for remembering a key milestone (e.g birthday, death anniversary etc). The 5km rule does not apply, but you must stay within metropolitan Melbourne. Gathering limits of 5 people from 2 households apply.
- Public gatherings of up to 5 people from a maximum of 2 households can meet outdoors for social interaction, exercise or recreation (infants under 12 months of age are not included in the cap) for a maximum of 2 hours within 5 km of their home.
- Work from home unless you are in a permitted industry: more workplaces to be permitted in following stages as per separate 'industry road maps'
- Only essential retail businesses will be open while others will be restricted to click and collect (no change)
- Hospitality businesses will be open only for take-away and delivery (no change);
- Families and households are able to shop together, but only once a day.
- Real estate inspections are allowed at a residential property or display home with one agent and one prospective purchaser plus one person from an existing household or intimate partner.
- Outdoor pools reopen, personal training for up to two people per trainer
- You will now be required to wear a face mask whenever you leave home, covering your nose and mouth. Face coverings such as a scarf, bandana or face shield are no longer permitted.
The Victorian Government has announced that metropolitan Melbourne will move to the Third Step as soon as the 14 day daily average of new cases is less than five, with movement between steps spaced at least 3 weeks apart. The earliest date Metropolitan Melbourne could hit this would be October 19. These steps are already in place across regional Victoria.
Read more details on what is allowed under the new restrictions
Read the full 27/9 Statement from Premier Daniel Andrews
Read the full 27/9 Statement from Premier Daniel Andrews
2. VIC | Coronavirus (COVID-19) roadmap to reopening
- Metropolitan Melbourne restrictions roadmap
- Regional Victoria restrictions roadmap
- Read full details of Mapping Regional Victoria's pathway to 'COVID Normal' for work, education and living.
As cases numbers are going down there’s still work to do. As we begin to ease restrictions, it’s important that everyone knows the rules, and how to keep themselves and their community safe.
In this pack, you’ll find in-language materials that explain what’s going on in simple, day-to-day language. You’ll hear conversations between families about what a ‘social bubble’ is, and a chat between co-workers to understand the payments available for people who are isolating and can’t work.
Download and share now
Translated materials: current restrictions
With the steps to reopening taking place in a staggered approach, it is important that everyone checks in regularly with official information for all of the details affecting Victorians. It's important that everyone practices COVIDsafe behaviours and follows the rules. The Victorian Government has launched a new campaign in 55 community languages reminding people that restrictions will be in place for some time.
Download and share now
Badges for Victorians who are unable to wear face masks
Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have created badges that individuals can download on smartphones or print to keep in a wallet or lanyard holder for when they need to let others know they are unable to wear a face mask for a valid reason. It is a person’s choice to use the badges. There are two types of badges people can choose and download from the DHHS website.
Smart phone badge
For anyone who is exempt and has a valid reason for not wearing a face mask.
- I am exempt from wearing a face covering for valid reasons - blue badge
- I am exempt from wearing a face covering for valid reasons - white badge
For persons who are Deaf or hard of hearing who need the person they are communicating with to remove their face mask.
- Please remove your face covering so we can understand each other better -blue badge
- Please remove your face covering so we can understand each other better - white badge
Print-ready badge
- I am exempt from wearing a face covering for a valid reason
- Please remove your face covering so we can understand each other better
Translated resources on coronavirus available in 57 languages here.
3. VIC | Community Activation and Social Isolation Initiative (CASI) Translated Fact Sheets
The Victorian Government’s new Community Activation and Social Isolation (CASI) initiative is intended to help people who might be feeling lonely or have lost their regular networks during coronavirus (COVID-19) to build social connections and networks of support in their local communities. Factsheets on the service are available in Chinese Simple / Mandarin, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese, Arabic, Punjabi, Hindi, Sinhalese, Spanish, Turkish, Fasi, Somali, Chin Hakha, Karen, Dinka, Oromo, Tigrinya, Malay, Nepalese and Urdu.Download the fact sheets
4. VIC | Coronavirus (COVID-19) Extreme Hardship Support Program
Red Cross, Brotherhood of St Laurence and the Department of Health and Human Services have implemented the Extreme Hardship Support Program to provide emergency financial assistance to people who are unable to access income support.
To be eligible for this program a person must:
- live in Victoria, and
- be unable to access Commonwealth income support (such as JobKeeper or JobSeeker) or the Victorian International Student Emergency Relief Fund, and
- have zero or very limited income, savings or community support
- be a temporary or provisional visa holder, or an undocumented migrant.
To apply for emergency financial assistance go to www.redcross.org.au/vicrelief. Applicants will need their passport and bank statements showing transactions for the last three months. From Wednesday it will also possible to call a dedicated phone line on 1800 855 240. Speak to someone at Red Cross if you do not have the right visa or bank documents.
The website has information in simplified Chinese, Farsi, Malay, Nepalese, Spanish, Tamil, Urdu and Vietnamese.
FAQs and a fact sheet for community organisations are now available on the DHHS coronavirus website.
This emergency financial assistance complements other Victorian Government hardship supports available to all people living in Victoria, including the $1500 worker support payment, the $450 test isolation payment, the and the rent relief grant.
5. VIC | Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment
For those who have exhausted their sick leave in Victoria. To apply, simply call 180 22 66.6. VIC | Financial assistance for utilities for Victorians
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning have prepared translated materials that highlight available financial assistance for utilities for Victorians during this difficult time. Please share this information widely with your networks to support Victorians facing financial challenges in paying for their basic necessities.- Find in-language ‘Help is available for our energy bills’ posters here
- Find in-language ‘Help is available for our energy bills’ social tiles here
- Find in-language ‘Help is available for our energy bills’ audio messages here
- Find in-language ‘Help is available for our energy bills’ factsheets here
7. VIC | New business support to aid lockdown recovery
Announced Sunday 13 September 2020, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced a new $3 billion package- $1.1 billion in cash grants for small and medium sized businesses to companies "most affected" by coronavirus restrictions;
- The establishment of a $251 million Licensed Venue Fund with grants of between $10,000 and $30,000;
- Payroll tax will be deferred for businesses with payrolls up to $10 million for the full 2020-21 financial year;
- A further $137 million in tax relief on top of an existing $1.5 billion program of tax relief;
- $20 million for small businesses to help them access digital programs such as Shopify, training and workshops to adapt their businesses to online operations;
- $15.7 million for an export recovery package to address logistics and supply chain issues caused by the pandemic, and establish new export channels;
- $27 million worth of savings for businesses from the waiving of liquor license fees;
- $41 million savings for businesses from a 50 per cent cut in stamp duty for commercial and industrial properties in regional Victoria; and
- Grants of up to $20,000 to businesses in alpine resorts.
Read 14/9 full article The Age
8. VIC | WORKING | Youth Employment for Victoria
The Working for Victoria Youth Employment Program is an opportunity for young people to gain experience in the Victorian public service. Up to 800 young people will have the chance to get a ‘foot in the door’ and develop skills for the future. The Youth Employment Program is part of the Working for Victoria initiative, which helps Victorians, including people who have lost their jobs as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19), find paid work that supports our community.Find out more about Working for Victoria
9. VIC | BOOSTING | Mental Health and AOD Services and Their Workers
Enabling non-government organisations who deliver mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) services are ready to respond and to prevent possible outbreaks, as coronavirus case numbers come down – and Victoria takes steps to COVID Normal.Mental health and AOD services share some common risk factors as those in general health services and aged care and disability residential services, such as shared facilities and servicing vulnerable cohorts – this funding will ensure these vital services are able to safely care for Victorians during the coronavirus pandemic and through recovery.
One of the many programs this funding has supported includes the new Partners in Wellbeing service - a free, state-wide one-on-one counselling service providing Victorians with ongoing wellbeing coaching and emotional support. The service helps people explore the reasons causing stress and anxiety helping them get back in control.
Partners in Wellbeing service is available to anyone in Victoria by contacting 1300 375 330. Support continues to be available through Lifeline Australia (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1800 512 348), or Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800).
Read the full 23/9 Victorian Government statement
10. VIC | UPGRADING | More than 50 Public Aged Care Facilities
The Victorian Government is upgrading more than 50 public sector residential aged care services, delivering hundreds of new jobs and ensuring thousands of older Victorians continue to get the care and comfort they deserve.The package will deliver $20 million to upgrade 33 facilities that collectively operate 1,787 aged care beds – including 267 beds that are dedicated to supporting the mental health of older Victorians.
This includes $15 million shared by 17 metropolitan facilities to upgrade buildings, replace infrastructure and improve accessibility for residents and staff.
Another $5 million will see 16 regional facilities also undertake important upgrades, including installing new flooring, refurbishing communal living areas and replacing equipment.
A further $10 million will deliver 20 improvement projects across 19 regional facilities, funded through the fourth round of the Government’s landmark $350 million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF).
Read the full 20/9 Victorian Government statement
11. VIC | GRANTS | Hospitality Business Grant Program
This Business Victoria program supports food service businesses that have been affected by the return to Stage 3 and Stage 4 ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Victoria. Eligible businesses will be provided with one-off, $25,000 grants to pay for business costs to support the continued operation of their business. An additional $5,000 is available for each additional premises, capped at a total of $20,000.Find out more and apply
12. VIC | GRANTS | Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund | Open, closing 16 October 2020
The Victorian Government is offering grants for small private landlords who may not have the capacity to provide rent reductions to their tenants under the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme. Up to $3,000 per tenancy to eligible small private, individual and joint-owner landlords facing financial hardship after reducing rent for their tenants under CTRS requirements, from 21 August 2020 for eight weeks or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.Find out more and apply
13. VIC | GRANTS | Supporting Connection Among LGBTIQ Victorians | Open, until 23 October 2020
Virtual events and projects that help LGBTIQ Victorians connect to each other and experience pride and belonging are set to be held across the state, with support from the Victorian Government.Minister for Equality Martin Foley today launched the new round of the Pride Events and Festivals Fund. Organisations are invited to apply for grants of up to $10,000 for events and projects for LGBTIQ communities which can be run online before 30 June 2021. Total funding of $200,000 is available.
This change will make it easier for LGBTIQ Victorians living in rural and regional areas to access a broad range of diverse events. At least half of the grants will be awarded to organisations based in regional and rural areas, which will be delivering events to local LGBTIQ communities.
Reflecting Victorian Government's commitment to inclusion, all event organisers will be required to ensure their event provides meaningful access for people living with a disability.
Organisations can apply for grants until 23 October 2020, with application information available at vic.gov.au/pride-events-and-festivals-fund
14. VIC | PAUSING | Evictions Ban Extended and Extra Renter Protections introduced (residential and commercial) | until 31 December 2020
The Victorian Government will extend a ban on evictions and rental increases until the end of the year, increase assistance and ensure tenant turnover is taken into account in rental negotiations – giving tenants certainty and security they won’t lose their home or workplace during the pandemic.Under the extension, evictions will continue to be banned for both residential and commercial tenancies until 31 December 2020, except in specific circumstances. Rental increases continue to be banned for the same period.
Read the full 20/8 Victorian Government statement
15. VIC | RESTORATIVE | Youth Justice Trial to Boost Safety and Reduce Reoffending
A pilot program to help young people build important life skills including developing stronger relationships and make better life choices is now underway in Victorian youth justice centres.Minister for Youth Justice Natalie Hutchins announced $350,000 in funding for the pilot program, which will improve the day-to-day operations of youth justice centres by reducing violence and conflict.
Using restorative justice principles, young people will be taught how to manage conflict and interpersonal relationships in custody so they prosper on their release into the community.
Restorative justice helps to build positive, respectful relationships and encourages young people to take accountability for their actions and address harm that may have occurred.
The 2 year trial is being run by Jesuit Social Services, drawing more than 20 years of experience using restorative justice processes across Australia to guide young people towards positive pathways.
Read the full 16/9 Victorian Government statement
16. VIC | SUPPORTING | Farmers Get The Workers They Need This Season
Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes announced a $17 million package to help address seasonal workforce shortages brought on by the coronavirus pandemic and reiterated the call for farmers to register their workforce needs on the Working for Victoria platform to be matched with eager jobseekers.The package includes more than $6 million to boost the supply of COVIDSafe accommodation for seasonal workers, including working with councils and local accommodation providers like motels and caravan parks to explore accommodation options for regional seasonal workers.
To help connect workers to jobs as quickly as possible, the Government will also employ new Seasonal Workforce Coordinators who, along with new Engagement Officers, will link local industry groups, employers, labour hire agencies, local government and other stakeholders.
Jobseekers can register now and be alerted when opportunities in the sector appear on the site. To do so and to find out more about the Agriculture Workforce Plan go to agriculture.vic.gov.au/agworkforceplan.
Read the full 17/9 Victorian Government statement
17. VIC | REHABILITATING | More Bushfire Appeal Funds to Help Communities and Families
Locals will help direct $14 million in funding for various recovery and rebuilding projects and programs in fire-affected areas, thanks to the generosity of Victorian Bushfire Appeal donors across our state and beyond.The Victorian Bushfire Appeal’s $4 million Community Grants Program addresses short to medium-term recovery needs endorsed by Community Recovery Committees across the Alpine, Towong and East Gippsland shires.
Community Recovery Committees are comprised of diverse groups of locals from bushfire affected areas who come together to guide councils and government on funding priorities. This community-led approach ensures projects and programs are the right fit for each community.
Organisations wishing to access the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Community Grants Program can contact their local council or Community Recovery Committee, with more information at vic.gov.au/bushfireappeal. More information about Community Recovery Committees can be found at brv.vic.gov.au.
Read the full 17/9 Victorian Government statement
18. VIC | TRAINING | Extra Funding To Keep Apprentices Learning
Apprentices and trainees will continue to get the help they need to complete their apprenticeships and training and find employers, thanks to the Victorian Government.Minister for Training, Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney today announced an extra $900,000 funding for the Program for Retrenched Apprentices and Trainees.
The program, a collaboration with the Apprenticeship Employment Network (AEN), the peak body for group training employers, is now fully funded to operate till next June.
More than 400 apprentices and trainees have registered with the program, and more than 30 have been assisted to recommence with a new employer during coronavirus while close to 300 more are training.
Apprentices and trainees who register are supported by a project officer until they are placed with an employer.
Employers can also register apprenticeship and traineeship vacancies at the site, making the process of matching them with displaced trainees and apprentices easier.
Read the full 17/9 Victorian Government statement
19. MELB | STUDYING | Workshops for VCE students
If you work with VCE students or their families in the Flemington/North Melbourne area who have been impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, please pass on the details of these online workshops, provided by the Department of Education and Training and Inner Melbourne African Australian Partnership (IMAAP), a Victorian African Communities Action Plan Initiative (VACAP) homework club provider.Find out more
20. MELB | MARKING | Tunnelling Hits Halfway With TBM Breakthroughs
Two giant tunnel boring machines (TBMs) have broken through key sections of the Metro Tunnel, marking the half-way mark of tunnelling on the ground-breaking project.Construction on the Metro Tunnel Project has continued throughout the coronavirus pandemic, with more than 1,800 workers adhering to strict COVID-19 safety measures to keep the project going.
The four TBMs are named after ground-breaking women: Victoria's first female Premier Joan Kirner, Australian women's cricket captain Meg Lanning, Victoria's first female Member of Parliament Lady Millie Peacock and wartime medical hero Alice Appleford.
The project will connect the Sunbury Line to the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines via two nine kilometre tunnels up to 30 metres below Melbourne with five new underground stations, and links to the existing network at key locations.
Read the full 22/9 Victorian Government statement
21. VIC | VMC | Nominate a diversity hero today | Nominations close
Sunday 11 October 2020 Do you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their outstanding efforts to strengthen multiculturalism in Victoria? Nominate them for an award! The Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence recognise the outstanding achievements of people and organisations who strengthen multiculturalism across 15 categories.Find out more and nominate
22. VIC | MAV | Shelter Commissions Program
Multicultural Arts Victoria is inviting expressions of interest for Shelter 2, a commissions program developed to respond to the unique challenges presented by coronavirus (COVID-19) for culturally diverse artists and communities. The second edition is open to culturally and linguistically diverse artists who live in or who were staying in any of 9 public housing estates in Flemington, Kensington and North Melbourne during the July lockdown.Find out more and apply
23. VIC | ABC | Victorian Voices: COVID-19 livestream
“We're all in this together" yet every community is unique, with different needs and ways of connecting. ABC Melbourne is partnering with the Victorian Council of Social Service to deliver a series of online events to discuss critical COVID-19 public health and legal information. There will be a focus on working with communities and language groups that might not ordinarily engage with the mainstream media.Find out more and register
24. VIC | CCOEI | Virtual Music Concerts
Communities Council on Ethnic Issues (CCOEI) are running a series of free, online Multicultural Community Concerts to help keep communities connected and engaged. The series starts this Sunday 6 September and will include a special performance by Ade Ishs. Tune in via their Facebook page to enjoy a variety of musical and dance acts from different cultural and community groups.Find out more
25. VIC | SAFE STEPS | Escaping harm - even during curfew hours is OK
Community leaders dealing with matters of family and domestic violence need to be aware that those escaping harm can do so even during the curfew hours of 8pm-5am.Anyone can leave their home at anytime to escape family or domestic violence.
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre is Victoria’s statewide first response service for women, young people and children experiencing family violence.
- Please call 24/7 phone line: 1800 015 188
- If you cannot safely call the 24/7 phone line, email safesteps@safesteps.org.au or check website: https://www.safesteps.org.au
26. VIC | WIRE | PROVIDING | free generalist information, support and referral service for women, non-binary and gender-diverse people
Free support, referral and information for all Victorian women, nonbinary and gender-diverse people.Commonly arising issues include:- Housing
- Money
- Parenting & Families
- Relationships
- Legal Advice
- Family Violence
- Gender & Sexuality
- Health & Wellbeing
- Employment
A just and inclusive society where all people can thrive.
Women’s Information and Referral Exchange (WIRE)
Telephone Support Line on 1300 134 130 (available until 5pm)
Text chat is available (from 9.30am to 4.30pm)
Email: support@wire.org.au
Website: https://www.wire.org.au
27. VIC | VMC | Community Ambassador videos
The Victorian Government is sharing community ambassador videos, delivered by community leaders in their own language. In the videos, they share what the current coronavirus restrictions are, why they are so important, and instructions on wearing a face covering. By sharing these messages, you are helping your network stay safe and informed about coronavirus (COVID-19).Download the stakeholder pack
28. VIC | OPAN | Older Persons Advocacy Network | supporting over 51 different languages
Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) supports ethno-specific organisations in Victoria, in their promotion of The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line (OPCSL) within their communities.Some older people are more vulnerable to COVID-19 but less connected to the internet and in need of ways to access information for their circumstances. The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line provides information and support.
Please find more information about OPCSL, translated into 51 different languages on OPAN’s webpage and share with seniors in your communities.
Visit the website for more information
29. VIC | ECCV | Policy Issues Briefs: Impacts of COVID-19 on mental health, employment, social cohesion and ethnic seniors' clubs
The latest ECCV Issue Brief is informed by inputs from CALD seniors’ clubs and ethnic seniors’ federations and highlights the protective role they play in supporting communication and providing emotional and physical health support to their members. ECCV found that while ethnic seniors’ associations are effective community connectors that are sustained by the dedication and commitment of their members, the pandemic has heightened the threats to the organisational survival of many.- Racism & social cohesion
- Victoria's Migrant Workers
- Survey with members
- Connecting CALD Seniors
- Mental health & wellbeing
30. VIC | INQUIRING | Have Your Say Over The Future Of The Gig Economy
On-demand workers, businesses and Victorians who use platforms for goods and services are being asked for their views on a way forward for the ever-growing gig economy.More Australians than ever before are relying on online platforms to buy goods and services – and that means more Australians are undertaking on-demand work.
It also found that platform work is far more prevalent in Australia than previously thought, and as the economic impacts of coronavirus demonstrate, it’s casual workers who are often the first to be let go.
For more information or to have your say on the recommendations, visit engage.vic.gov.au/inquiry-on-demand-workforce.
31. NZ | Talking to Kids about Coronavirus
Science educator Michelle Dickinson, one of New Zealand’s most recognised scientists, has made a 4min video for parents on how to talk to their kids about Coronavirus.32. AUST | Coronavirus hotline
- Coronavirus hotline: If you are concerned, call the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 (24 Hours).
- If you are an NDIS participant you can also call the national hotline on 1800 020 080.
- Information and referrals for people with disability and their supporters about Coronavirus: Contact the Disability Information Helpline on 1800 634 787.
- If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677.
- Interpreting service: If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.
- Testing locations: Find a testing location near you.
- Call-to-Test-at-Home service, providing in-home coronavirus testing to Victorians who would otherwise be unable to get tested, call the DHHS Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
- Triple Zero: Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
33. AUST | Helpers and Reliable Sources Along the Way
- Access Easy English – Over 70 resources developed on coronavirus.
- AUSLAN – Updates by Expression Australia - Regular Auslan only videos on updates of breaking news in Victoria, Australia and abroad.
- Australian Government Department of Health – Coronavirus advice for people with disability
- Australian Government Department of Social Services – Daily update on NDIS participants and workforce and easy English information on COVID-19.
- Beyond Blue – translated information on managing your mental health during COVID-19 in 63 languages.
- Blind Citizens Australia – Information on coronavirus for people who are blind or vision impaired.
- Council for Intellectual Disability (CID) – Easy English information for people with intellectual disability and videos about COVID-19.
- DHHS – Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services advice and information on coronavirus available in 56 languages
- Ethnolink Language Services – Multi-lingual resource library with information available on coronavirus in 71 languages.
- GP Expert Advice Matters – a website for patients translated into Arabic, simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Hindi and Vietnamese, and has practical information on how to access a local GP, telehealth and interpreter services
- Health Translations – A comprehensive place to find current COVID 19 multilingual information in 78 languages including Auslan and Easy English.
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – Information about changes to how the NDIS work during the COVID -19 pandemic in 12 languages.
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission – Information contains links to updates, training, alerts, and resources for NDIS participants and providers.
- MyAus Covid-19 app – Multilingual resource application produced by Migration Council Australia (MCA) for Australia's culturally and linguistically diverse communities about COVID - 19, it's impact and available support.
- SBS – news and information about coronavirus (COVID - 19) available in 63 languages.
- Scope – Key word sign video, posters and easy english resources on communicating COVID-19.
34. Acknowledgment to Sources
This is a consolidated account of information current at time of issuance, sourced, collated and provided by Victorian Jewish Community COVID-19 Taskforce, Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria, Buddhist Council of Victoria, various Government Authorities, community organisations and public domain, received with gratitude.
Best wishes for skilful collaborations, less Suffering, causes for less Suffering, Good Health and Time to Enjoy it.
Bye bye to Essentialists for now, please leave to attend to the essential work. That is all from GEIFN's caretaker at this time.
35. Bye bye to Essentialists
Thankyou for responding to the crisis as best you can to keep us ticking along and keeping us safe, received with gratitude. Us non-essentialists will endeavour to manage our expection of miracles and do our best to follow rules and stay out of the way. Contact your closest friendly non-essentialist if you need anything that can be done remotely. Bye bye to Essentialists for now, please leave to attend to the essential work. That is all from GEIFN's caretaker at this time.
36. Self-Isolators, Non-Essentials And The Homebound
Let us cheer on the global scientists, medical fraternity, authorities and essentialists racing across the clock separately and together in new found ways, to find a cure, manage the situation, and if not, create mass-producable innoculation.
Meanwhile, if with a surplus of time, this and the following is offered. Discuss with sincerity. Deny untruth. Dismiss unuseful. Accept useful. Adapt to change. Adopt least effort most benefit. Adept with sharing. Enjoy throughout. As each case may be. Round. And again. Or not.
