Agencies working together to reduce COVID-19 impact on community

Published on 16 April 2020

Colac Otway Shire’s Community Service team is working closely with local health and welfare agencies to monitor service demand, emerging issues and the sharing of resources to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Council’s Development & Community Services General Manager Ian Seuren said Council was also continuing to work with local community organisations and service providers to ensure that the most vulnerable members of the community are being supported.

“We are looking at how we share resources to meet demand; for example a local service organisation provided their staff to support an OPASS client who required extra support over a weekend,” Mr Seuren said.

“Services are continuing to be delivered to the members of our community that require them and there is capacity to increase services where required.

“All staff are ensuring they meet the COVID-19 guidelines to ensure that both they and the community members receiving services are safe.

“At this stage there has not been a large increase in requests for support but the Council’s Business Continuity Plan allows for a rapid response to changes in demand.

“OPASS staff are doing regular health checks on the most vulnerable clients to ensure they remain well.”

“Maternal and Child Health Services are also continuing to deliver services to children and parents whilst ensuring they meet the COVID -19 requirements.

“There has been cancellation of group sessions and appointments have changed where necessary.

“However teleconferencing with parents has been introduced and support is available for any parents with concerns for their child.

“The important message to our community is that support is available through Colac Otway Shire or another local organisation.

“We understand that people who may not have required assistance previously, may need support now as we all deal with the COVID-19 situation, self-isolation requirements and physical distancing.

“Everyone’s situation can change, just as the COVID-19 situation is constantly changing, and we’re all this together,” Mr Seuren said.

Colac Otway Shire encourages anyone in our community who requires support through Council’s community or M&CH services to go online for information at www.colacotway.vic.gov.au or phone our Customer Service team on 5232 9400.  

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