Wollondilly Council welcomes dedicated shopping hour for vulnerable residents

Council has applauded the initiative of Woolworths Australia to open exclusively for the elderly and people with a disability from 7-8am each day this week from tomorrow.

It was announced this morning that the dedicated shopping hour will available be from Tuesday until at least Friday at most Woolworths outlets, including Tahmoor.

Mayor Matthew Deeth said, “As people have rushed to prepare themselves for potential social isolation, supermarkets have become increasingly busy and some essential items have run out early in the day.”

“This has meant that often the most vulnerable members of our community are missing out on the groceries they need for daily life.”

Mayor Deeth said, “I would love to see other supermarket chains in the area take up a similar initiative to Woolworths.”

“It would also be great to have a second dedicated timeslot later in the day for those elderly and disabled who are unable to get to stores early in the morning,” he said.

After facing drought, fires and floods, Wollondilly residents are now preparing themselves as best they can for the unknown impact of COVID-19.

Mayor Deeth noted, “Wollondilly is one of the most resilient communities that I have ever come across. It is clear that we will all need to pull together once again during this time to look after one another.”

Woolworths has also advised that its click and collect service will be unavailable at least until Wednesday due to significant shortages on a number of items.