COVID-19 Community Relief Service ready to help Sunraysia residents

COVID-19 Community Relief Service ready to help Sunraysia residents

Published on 06 August 2020

With the return of Stage 3 restrictions this week, Sunraysia residents are reminded Council’s COVID-19 Community Relief Service is available for people who need help or support.

The service has performed a vital role since the first wave of Stage 3 restrictions earlier this year, providing support to more than 500 local residents and families, including more than 150 referrals to relevant agencies and organisations.

Established in March, the Community Relief Service provides a broad range of services, from connecting people to support or information through to helping with everyday essentials. 

Key services include:

connection to social and community support groups access to food parcels, prepared meals, shopping vouchers and essential items for those who are isolated or experiencing hardship, including residents in outlying areas of the municipality assistance with grocery shopping referral to local, state and national support services, including financial, health and mental health support services volunteering opportunities to help others in our community help with collecting prescriptions or medicine.

Residents can access the service in three ways:

Online: www.mildura.vic.gov.au/coronavirus Phone: (03) 5018 8588 Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm Email: [email protected]

Mildura Mayor Simon Clemence encouraged residents to utilise the service, particularly people who are socially isolated.

“There may be residents in our community who find themselves socially isolated due to the ongoing and unprecedented impacts of this pandemic on our community,” Cr Clemence said.

“Our Community Relief Service is a simple, friendly and easy way for people to connect to support groups in our community.

“It can make a massive difference just talking to others in our region who are feeling and experiencing the very same stresses and concerns, and our Community Relief Service team can put you in touch with these groups.”

Cr Clemence said the Community Relief Service was part of a broader coordinated response to support Sunraysia residents, working closely with key local agencies including Sunassist, Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Communities Council, Red Cross, Haven, The Salvos and Hands Up Mallee.

“Drawing on the resources of these fantastic local organisations, who are experts in their respective fields, we’re able to provide a full suite of support services to ensure our community can find and access the support needed,” he said.

While the Community Relief Service is the starting point for local residents seeking help or support, the broader COVID-19 response and management is led in Victoria by the Department of Health and Human Services.

The Victorian coronavirus hotline is 1800 675 398. More information and advice is also available at dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

For COVID-19 health advice contact the national coronavirus helpline on 1800 020 080 or visit dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

ENDS