Council response to COVID-19 (13 March)

Published on 13 March 2020

Council is mindful of growing community concern about the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and is taking these concerns seriously.

Chief Executive Officer, Margot Stork, said Council would at all times be guided by the professional medical advice being provided by the World Health Organisation and government agencies.

At this stage, all Council operated community facilities such as libraries, community centres, sporting and recreational facilities remain open with no changes to operations.

Posters have been prominently placed at all sites encouraging community members to observe good hygiene practices and seek professional medical advice if they have any flu-like symptoms.

“The health and safety of our staff and community is our priority,” Ms Stork said. “Council has established a Pandemic Committee and we will be constantly monitoring our operations and making adjustments as required if the current situation changes.”

Mayor, Cr Janet Pearce, a registered nurse and health professional, is urging the community to keep informed by following the official information and up-to-date advice provided by state and federal health authorities

“Please look out for each other and support each other during this time by practising good hygiene and monitoring your health.”

In order to discourage large gatherings of people and to minimise close contact between people, Council may postpone or cancel non-essential community meetings or events in coming days or weeks as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19.

The Meet Your Councillor community forum scheduled for Wednesday 18 March in Gisborne has been cancelled. Residents may contact Councillors by phone or email, for details visit Councillors

While community members are always welcome to attend Ordinary Council Meetings and Submitters Committee meetings, it is important to remember these are also livestreamed

For more details and regular updates on Council’s response to COVID-19, visit Coronavirus For more information visit the Australian Government Department of Health and the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services