Colac Otway praised for efforts, restrictions in regional Vic ease

Colac Otway Shire Council Mayor Kate Hanson has praised the people of Colac Otway for the efforts they’ve made toward getting vaccinated and helping to keep the community safe.

“As at 5 September, 67.4 per cent of people aged over 15 in Colac Otway Shire have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Thanks to everyone in our community who has rolled up their sleeve to get the vaccine to keep Colac Otway safe. I know it’s been challenging at times to get an appointment, so it’s great to see rates this high.

“If you’ve been trying to get an appointment, and haven’t yet been successful, please persist. We hope vaccine supply will keep increasing, so check in with Colac Area Health and Great Ocean Road Health for upcoming vaccination clinics.

“I also encourage people to visit the State Government Coronavirus web page for information on booking vaccination appointments at a pharmacy, doctor or community health service as an alternative means of getting the vaccine.”

“As travel through regional Victoria opens up and we’re allowed to move more freely through the state, it’s extremely important for people to be vaccinated against COVID to help minimise the risk of spread of the virus.

“As a community we must continue to be COVID-Safe, wear a mask, check in with QR codes – and if you have any symptoms, no matter how mild, please get a COVID test. We can all do our part to keep our community, our loved ones and ourselves safe from the virus.”

Cr Hanson acknowledged that while restrictions had eased for some parts of the community, other restrictions remain in place.

“To all the parents of Colac Otway who will still be home-schooling for at least the remainder of Term 3, you’re doing a great job,” Cr Hanson said.

“Home-schooling is not easy, particularly when juggling other responsibilities or working from home – be kind to yourself, and if you need support, please reach out for help.

“Under current restrictions some Council facilities, such as Bluewater, remain closed for the time being, which is tough on staff and our community.

“COPACC will operate for vaccination clinics only at this stage, however this will be reviewed and we’ll provide more information in coming days.

“We look forward to opening up and welcoming the community back to our great Council venues and facilities as it’s safe to do so.”

Colac Otway Shire Council – update on services following easing of restrictions for Regional Victoria at 11.59pm Thursday 9 September 2021.

As per advice from Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, the following COVID-19 restrictions apply across all Council facilities:

- Masks must be worn indoors and outdoors.

- You must check in at each venue.

Council Customer Service

The Customer Service Centre in Colac will reopen to the public from 8.30am Monday 13 September. GORVIC and the Customer Service Centre in Apollo Bay will open from 9am Monday 13 September.

Colac Visitor Information Centre

While restrictions remain in place on interstate travel and travel from metro Melbourne, the Colac Visitor Information Centre will remain closed.

Bluewater Leisure Centre

Under current restrictions, Bluewater Leisure Centre remains closed.

Playgrounds, Outdoor Gym Equipment and Skateparks

Open with QR codes in place.

School Crossing Supervisors

School crossings will be supervised from Friday 10 September.

Colac Regional Saleyards

Sales at Colac Regional Saleyards will reopen to the public for the fat sale this Thursday 16 September with social distancing and mask rules in place, in accordance with State Government COVID-19 restrictions. 

COPACC                                                   

COPACC will re-open for vaccination clinics only.

For information on COVID-19 vaccination clinics and where to get a COVID-19 test in Colac Otway visit:

For information on booking vaccination appointments at a pharmacy, doctor or community health service, visit the State Government Coronavirus website https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/book-your-vaccine-appointment

Stay up to date with Colac Otway Shire services online at Council’s website and Facebook page.

To keep up to date with any current exposure sites, and for a full list of current restrictions which apply to Regional Victoria, visit https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/