BMCC supporting the community during COVID-19: Emergency food boxes and suspending commercial rents

Seniors and people with disabilities in the Blue Mountains who are self-isolating due to COVID-19, and have no access to essential supplies, will again receive Emergency Food Boxes thanks to a partnership between Council and the Rapid Relief Team.

The Food Boxes – that contain a variety of non-perishable, long-life food – will be delivered to the doors of self-isolating households that meet the criteria of the program.

Blue Mountains City Council is also waiving rents for all tenants in Council buildings under commercial agreements during the current lockdown period, given the ongoing strain on local businesses following multiple crises.

Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said Council was committed to continuing to supporting residents and businesses during the pandemic.

“The emergency care package will help relieve pressure on those who are most vulnerable in our community, during the current lockdown,” Mayor Greenhill said.

“Relief packages are a small way that Council can assist those in our community who currently need help the most.

“Our Blue Mountains businesses also continue to struggle, now that current lockdowns have taken away much-needed school holiday visitors.

“I urge locals to support Blue Mountains businesses that are open during the stay-at-home period, by ordering takeaways or online. They need all the help we can give them during this difficult period.”

The Rapid Relief Team – a volunteer not-for-profit organisation – has again partnered with Council to deliver the relief packages to those in need. They will be provided at no cost to eligible recipients. 

All requests will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and will be prioritised based on those in greatest need. Clients will be informed in advance of the details of delivery of Food Boxes.

If you are a Blue Mountains resident over the age of 65, or are living with a disability, and are in urgent need please contact Council at [email protected] or call 4723 5000 (Lower Mountains) or 4780 5000 (Upper Mountains).

If you know someone who may be eligible for this program, please contact Council. More information is available at bmcc.nsw.gov.au/goodneighbour Supporting our community during COVID-19.