Working together to support our community through COVID-19

Published on 22 April 2020

Your Council, local health and community service providers are working together to strengthen and coordinate our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We know this is a challenging time for you, your family, friends and neighbours and that the pandemic is causing hardship, disruption and anxiety in our community.

For local information and support contact the COVID-19 Recovery Operation Centre on (03) 5422 0237 or [email protected]. More information is also available at Stay informed - COVID-19

The COVID-19 Recovery Operations Centre has been set up to respond to your requests for help and information.

The COVID-19 webpage is a central point of COVID-19 updates and resources. It includes a list of local community support services that you or someone you know may need. If you want to volunteer, the page lists services that may need community volunteers. Please let us know of any community support services that are missing from the list by emailing [email protected]

Our community is known for its strong culture of helping others. We acknowledge and thank the many businesses, community groups and residents who are working hard to support and serve the community. We invite you to share examples of kindness from your neighbourhood on social media using the hashtags #InThisTogether and #macedonranges.

As we approach winter, we encourage you to get vaccinated against the flu (influenza). As well as the benefit to your own health, this will help reduce the impact of the flu-season for our health services, for elderly and vulnerable community members and for the wider community.

If you think you might have the COVID-19 virus, please call the dedicated hotline on 1800 675 398. If you are concerned about symptoms, call Kyneton Health on (03) 5422 9900 to speak to a nurse who will be able to give the best advice for your situation. Patients who meet the clinical criteria will be booked in for an appointment for testing at the Respiratory Assessment Clinic. Anyone who has serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, should call 000 (Triple zero) immediately and ask for an ambulance.

It is important that we continue to work together to slow the spread of COVID-19. Everyone has a role to play. If you can stay at home – you must stay at home. If you are worried about someone who is experiencing family violence – check in with them. They can leave home to escape harm. Family violence services are still operating.

During these times of physical distancing it is important to consider other ways to remain connected to others and to look after your mental health. Consider how you can maintain routines that include regular physical activity, healthy meals and connecting with others via phone or online. If you feel anxious, talk to a trusted friend or family member, or seek support from one of the services listed below. Local support is available at Cobaw Community Health - simply call (03) 5421 1666 during business hours.

We encourage you to remain up to date with government information and advice, which is available from the Department of Health and Human Services

Thank you for your support as we look to new and innovative ways of delivering services and programs that reach those in need.

We wish you and your loved ones well at this difficult time.