Update for the week – 3 April 2020

Published: Friday, 3 April 2020 at 11:59:17 AM

This week saw more changes as the boundary of the Wheatbelt closed, permitted gatherings were reduced to two people, parents were given the option to keep children home from school and people over 70 were strongly advised to self-isolate. 

In response to these challenges, the Shire has launched YORKIND – our social isolation support centre, held our first electronic Ordinary Council Meeting, adopted our Business Continuity Plan, created a dedicated webpage to centralise essential community information related to COVID-19 and enabled a number of staff to work remotely to ensure continuity of service. 

YORKIND Launches

The YORKIND initiative aids members of the community facing challenges and increasing social isolation through a coordinated approach linking volunteers and services to those in need. As expected, the York community has not been slow in coming forward and we have already had over 30 people put their hands up to help.

We want to make sure that we reach our more vulnerable community members, so we are asking the York community to check on a neighbour, help them if you can and if you cannot, remind them that they can call the team at YORKIND and we will find a way to assist.

MORE INFO

First eOrdinary Council Meeting

The State Government has fast-tracked new legislation to allow Council meetings to be held electronically due to a public health or state of emergency. The new regulations were passed on 25 March 2020. These amendments provide a framework to ensure good governance even in these uncertain times.

The 31 March 2020 Ordinary Council Meeting was held electronically and until further notice all Council Briefings and Council Meetings will be held electronically. Public question time will still occur during these electronic meetings. Questions must be emailed to [email protected] by 4.30pm on the day of the Briefing/Meeting.

MORE INFO 

Business Continuity Plan Adopted

At the Special Council Meeting held on 24 March, Council adopted the Business Continuity Plan – COVID-19 Response for the Shire of York.  Council also requested the Chief Executive Officer to commence preparing an Organisational Recovery Plan (which will incorporate our Community) for Council consideration by June 2020. 

MORE INFO

Business as Usual

Our friendly Customer Service Team are still working and available to take your calls and respond to queries on 9641 2233 or via [email protected]

We can process the following over the phone:

As the front counter of the Shire Administration Office has had to close to the public, it means that we are unable to assist with licensing enquiries. Please phone the Department of Transport on 13 11 56 with your queries.   

Library Service Available

The Library staff has mobilised their service and you can phone up to order a delivery on 9641 0515. Books can be renewed over the phone or returned to the return box at the front of the Shire Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Community Updates

We are committed to ensuring we keep the community informed as our services are adapted to the new way of being.  We will provide regular updates via our website, Facebook page, local radio and local newspaper. We have created a dedicated web page to centralise essential community information related to COVID-19.

Looking out for our friends and neighbours has never been more important and we know that some residents don't have access to a computer, and therefore access to up to date information. Please help spread the latest news updates with your neighbours.

MORE INFO

The safety, health and wellbeing of our local community, our customers and our staff is our main priority. 

Thank you for everything you are doing to help us all stay safe.

CHRIS LINNELL, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

For further queries, please contact: Chris Linnell, CEO. Email: [email protected]  Tel: 9641 2233

Back to All News