Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a current health issue.
If you suspect you may have contracted COVID-19, please call the dedicated hotline on 1800 675 398.
For local relief and assistance call 1800 MSC AID (1800 672 243).
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GENERAL INFORMATION
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What is Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
COVID-19 is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.For the up-to-date information, advice and answers to frequently asked questions about coronavirus go to www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorian-public-coronavirus-disease-covid-19
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Symptoms of novel coronavirus
The virus can cause an infection in people, including a severe respiratory illness. Symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Affected people may experience, fever, flu like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and headaches and difficulty breathing.
The Victorian Government's interactive self-assessment can help you better understand the risks and precautions you need to take based on your personal circumstances.
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What Council is doing
Council is closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak to ensure that we are best prepared to respond to any suspected or confirmed cases within our community. Council’s role in a pandemic is business continuity, so that we can continue to provide local essential services, public health and community support and recovery. We will be guided the Victorian Government and the Department of Health and Human Services about the appropriate action to take and when.
The Mansfield Shire Municipal Pandemic Management Sub Plan (March 2020) guides responsibilities and actions to be taken by Council and agencies in Mansfield Shire in the event of a pandemic. The plan has been developed in line with state and federal health management plans that aim to provide an effective health response framework to minimise transmissibility, morbidity and mortality associated with a pandemic and its impacts on the health sector and community. -
Media & Communications - for current information from DHHS, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au
16 September 2020 Mansfield Matters
9 September 2020 Mansfield Matters
2 September 2020 Mansfield Matters
26 August 2020 Mansfield Matters
5 August 2020 Mansfield Matters
29 July 2020 Mansfield Matters
22 July 2020 Mansfield Matters
16 July 2020 Keeping Communities Connected During Coronavirus
15 July 2020 Mansfield Matters
10 July 2020 Businesses Asked to Complete Survey for Recovery Committee
9 July 2020 Home Care is Safe
8 July 2020 Mansfield Matters
3 July 2020 Support Available in Time of Family Violence
1 July 2020 Council Supports Lockdown of Metro Postcodes to Reduce Spread of Coronavirus
26 June 2020 Council Employs Local Residents Through Working for Victoria Fund
26 June 2020 Council Budget Deferred Until August
19 June 2020 Nine Community Members Appointed to Council's Recovery Advisory Group
11 June 2020 Council Increases Its Online Engagement Capability
11 June 2020 Council Checks Pulse of the Community
4 June 2020 Get Your Business Online with Buy From Mansfield
4 June 2020 Mansfield Shire Businesses Now Eligible for $10,000 Bushfire Support Grants
3 June 2020 Council Planning Welcome Back: Stay Safe Campaign
29 May 2020 Library Opens on 9 June With Restrictions In Place
28 May 2020 Council's Customer Service Desk to Re-open
26 May 2020 Playgrounds and Skatepark First to Re-open as Focus Changes From Stay Home to Stay Safe
22 May 2020 9 Community Members Sought for Council's Recovery Advisory Group
21 May 2020 Up To $1.657m Boost to Local Economy for Council Jobs Through Working for Victoria Fund
14 May 2020 Focusing on family violence during and after emergencies
13 May 2020 Visiting family and friends is allowed, but stay home as much as possible to keep the community safe
8 May 2020 Are You Over 55 and Would Like A Young Penpal? Council Co-ordinates New Community Initiative
1 May 2020 Partnerships and Services Supporting Aboriginal Members of our Community
1 May 2020 Storytime Continues on Online Streaming
1 May 2020 Collecting Firewood? Have you got a Permit
29 April 2020 Council COVID-19 Public Notice
24 April 2020 Council Meetings Can Now Be Conducted Electronically
24 April 2020 #MyMansfield: GOOD NEWS TO KEEP THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED AND POSITIVE
24 April 2020 Council Launches Relief Information Line
22 April 2020 Council COVID-19 Public Notice
17 April 2020 2020-21 Budget to Stimulate Local Economy: Council Seeks Community Feedback
9 April 2020 Essential Service Businesses Call For Solidarity
9 April 2020 More Meals on Wheels
3 April 2020 New Ways Keep People Connected To Their Community
3 April 2020 Mansfield Library Launches Click & Collect
2 April 2020 Short Term Help With Council Fees
27 March 2020 DrumMuster Service Temporarily Closed
27 March 2020 Colourful Plans For Roundabout and Other Business As Usual
27 March 2020 Council Reinforces Message for Visitors to @stayathome
26 March 2020 Council Develops More Options For Council Meetings
20 March 2020 Council Payment Options
20 March 2020 Resources to Support Businesses During Coronavirus
19 March 2020 Council Closes Services to Protect Community
16 March 2020 Council Offers Alternatives to Attending Council Meeting
13 March 2020 Council Prepared for Coronavirus
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Changes to Council Service
Updated Tuesday 4 August 2020:
With active Coronavirus cases in the Mansfield community and the return to Stage 3 restrictions, Mansfield Shire Council will close some facilities ahead of the restrictions coming into force at midnight on Wednesday. This will reduce chances of exposure to others in public facilities. Some of the closed services will be available remotely, such as the Library’s click and collect service and Council is working to provide support to service users remotely.
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Our Customer Service Centre will be close from CoB on Wednesday, 5 August.
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Our Social Support Groups participated in as part of Home and Community Care Packages will not be delivered face-to-face and we continue to offer alternatives.
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The Sports Stadium is closed.
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The Youth Centre will be closed as of Tuesday, 4 August, and youth programs such as L2P be ceased until further notice
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The Visitor Information Centre will be closed as of Tuesday, 4 August.
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Playgrounds and the skatepark will be closed as of Tuesday, 4 August. Please obey the signage.
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Mansfield Library will be closed as of Wednesday, 5 August.
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The Mansfield Resource Recovery Centre, as of Wednesday 12 August, will only be open to trade and commercial operators, or for residents who do not have a kerb side collection. Contact the Resource Recovery Centre on 0436 933 120.
Home and Community Care - Planned Activity Groups
In line with federal government directives, Home and Community Care package elements of Planned Activity Groups, Spring Club, Thursday Social Group, Mens Group, EasyMovers, AquaMovers and the Community Bus have been cancelled. All clients participating in these programs have been notified and we will be continue to communicate with these clients during this period to understand their needs and provide appropriate support.
Council Depot
For deliveries to the Council Depot please wait at the gate and phone reception prior to entering. The phone number will be on the gate.
Volunteer Program
Council has an incredible team of volunteers, however the majority of the volunteers are within the most at risk age category for COVID19. Council will not be using volunteers to deliver services during this period and Council staff will be redeployed to undertake essential activities such as meals-on-wheels deliveries.
Resource Recovery Centre
From Friday 29 May the Resale Shed at the Resource Recovery Centre will reopen during usual operating hours. EFTPOS sales only.
At this stage, most other Council services remain operational with some changes to reduce person-to-person contact as well as triaging essential and non-essential components.
- Home and Community Care: Elements of the Home and Community Care packages such as personal care, respite, home maintenance, meals on wheels and transport that are essential to support clients to live independently in their home will continue. The Regional Assessment Service (RAS) will be modified to reduce person to person contact
- Integrated family services, financial counselling and maternal child health: will continue with modifications to support increased home visits and/or other methods which have reduced person to person contact. Information on COVID-19 for parents with infants and young children
- School Crossing Supervision: Whilst students continue to attend schools, our schools crossing supervisors will assist students.
- Waste Collection: Your bins will be collected as normal and the Resource Recovery Centre will be open. However DrumMuster service has been suspended until further notice.
- Planning: Permit applications will be assessed.
- Public Amenities: Public toilets will continue to be cleaned, roads, community infrastructure and parks and gardens will be maintained and capital works will continue.
Council’s priority is always the health and safety of both our staff and the community as we continue to work through uncertain times and deliver vital and key services.
The Covid-19 virus is a rapidly changing situation. We are constantly and carefully monitoring the situation as it evolves and will keep you updated as things change.
Where possible, we encourage you to go online or call in to access our services. If this is not possible, when interacting in person with these services we encourage you to:
- Wash hands thoroughly and regularly
- Wave hello and smile instead of shaking hands.
- Sit a little further apart when talking with someone (1.5 metres apart).
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow and dispose of tissues immediately.
- While physical interactions may be limited during this time, we encourage you to continue to support and connect with each other in other ways, such as checking in and phoning a neighbour or a friend.
- Public toilets will continue to be cleaned, roads, community infrastructure and parks and gardens will be maintained and capital works will continue.
For regular updates and reliable advice the best source is the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus(link is external)
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Key Websites and Resources
Coronavirus Hotline
For people in the community seeking support services call 1800 675 398 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
VicEmergency
For state-wide emergency advice go to www.emergency.vic.gov.au
Department of Health and Human Services
The Department of Health and Human Services have an updated web page with facts about coronavirus (COVID-19), symptoms, updates, resources and advice for the public, health professionals, education services and the media. Please click on the below links for information and advice on the coronavirus. www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
Department of Health
The Australian Government’s Department of Health is closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Health are providing daily updates and information, answering questions about the latest news, providing current facts and figures, travel advice, key contact and phone numbers. www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
World Health Organisation
The World Health Organisation is continuously monitoring and responding to the coronavirus outbreak. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
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BUSINESS SUPPORT
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Financial Support
The Australian Government is supporting Australian businesses to manage cash flow challenges and retain employees. Assistance includes cash flow support to businesses and temporary measures to provide relief for financially distressed businesses.
Available support includes:
- JobKeeper payment - click here to download the JobKeeper Payment Employer Guide
- Boosting cash flow for employers
- Temporary relief for financially distressed businesses
- Increasing the instant asset write-off
- Backing business investment
- Supporting apprentices and trainees
To find out more go to https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/businesses
The Victorian Government has introduced a number of measures to support business to plan and respond to coronavirus COVID-19.
For advice, updates and support to help your workplace plan and respond to coronavirus visit the Business Victoria Coronavirus Support website.
The Australian Tax Office is providing several financial relief options for businesses including tax relief and payment deferrals.
The Australian Banking Association is urging small businesses financially impacted to contact their bank to access assistance on offer which can include deferred loan payments, waiving of fees and restricting loans.
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Workplace Impacts
We encourage employees and employers to work together to find appropriate solutions that suit the needs of individual workplaces and staff.
The Australian and Victorian Chambers have produced an Employer Guide(link is external) for managing the workplace in the face of the outbreak which includes:- Understanding your risks.
- Employer obligation.
- Working from home.
- Changing or scaling down operations, and
- Business shut down.
For information and assistance on any aspect of your employment obligations, the Victorian Chamber Workplace Relations Advice Line (03) 8662 5222 can help.
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Business Resources
Business Victoria is a great resource for up-to-date information and updates on the current restrictions. It is also providing a range of advice and information for business owners on things like economic stimulus, business continuity, and recovery. Business Victoria also has a hotline to help businesses with COVID-19 questions. You can call them on 13 22 15.
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry provides a comprehensive list of resources and advice. They are also offering free 12 month membership. Join Now
Business Gov is the Federal Government information hub for business support. It contains information on government support including financial assistance, eligibility and timing for government support.
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Tourism Support
The Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) is the peak industry body for the tourism and events sector. They are waiving membership fees for 'In the Loop' and' Essentials' membership packages. They will also be providing additional services including training credit to courses provided by the Victorian Chamber.
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Environmental Health
Cleaning and disinfecting tips for non-healthcare settings
Cleaning and disinfecting to reduce COVID-19 transmission - tips for non-healthcare settings guide – advice on cleaning and disinfecting to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in all non-healthcare settings in Victoria. The principles in the guide apply equally to domestic settings, office buildings, small retail businesses, social venues and all other non-healthcare settings.
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Supporting Your Mental Health & Wellbeing
If you are experiencing increased worry and stress during this time, there are a number of support services available
Lifeline can be called on 13 11 14
Beyond Blue can be called via 1300 224 636
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has a My Business Help web portal. This portal now has an additional section for businesses struggling with COVID-19. Check out their finance and mental health information for business.
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Further Information
If you have any queries, please contact the Economic Development Team on 03 5775 8520 or email nicole.nye@mansfield.vic.gov.au
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COMMUNITY SUPPORT
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Health Information
Information for Parents
We understand that many parents are likely to be feeling anxious or concerned about their children’s health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents should be reassured that the evidence so far is babies and children under five almost never get seriously ill from COVID-19. To keep up to date with the latest information and advice about COVID-19 visit: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.
Factsheet on COVID-19 for Parents with infants and small children
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Financial Support
Income support for individuals
People who receive a range of Commonwealth payments are now eligible to receive a new, time-limited Coronavirus Supplement of $550 per fortnight. This will be paid to both existing and new recipients of JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance Jobseeker, Parenting Payment, Farm Household Allowance and Special Benefit.
If you already receive one of the eligible payments, you will automatically be paid the Coronavirus Supplement. You do not need to contact Centrelink.
If you don’t currently receive an income support payment and you need help because you have lost your job or had your income reduced, you will need to apply through Centrelink. Start your claim online through myGov before visiting Centrelink. If you need to provide proof of identity and you’re in self-isolation or feeling unwell, you can do this over the phone.
Please visit the Treasury website for more information:
https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/householdsPayments to support households
The Government is providing two separate $750 payments to social security, veteran and other income support recipients and eligible concession card holders. The first payment will be made from 31 March 2020 and the second payment will be made from 13 July 2020.
If you already receive one of the eligible payments, you will automatically be paid the $750 economic support payment. You do not need to contact Centrelink.
If you don’t currently receive an income support payment and you need help because you have lost your job or had your income reduced, you will need to apply through Centrelink. Start your claim online through myGov before visiting Centrelink. If you need to provide proof of identity and you’re in self-isolation or feeling unwell, you can do this over the phone.
Please visit the Treasury website for more information:
https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/householdsTemporary early release of superannuation
Individuals affected by the Coronavirus can now access up to $10,000 of their superannuation in 2019-20 and a further $10,000 in 2020-21. These withdrawals will be tax-free and will not affect Centrelink or Veterans’ Affairs payments.
Eligible individuals can apply online to the ATO through myGov before 1 July 2020 to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation.
Temporarily reducing superannuation minimum drawdown rates
The Government is temporarily reducing superannuation minimum drawdown requirements for account-based pensions and similar products by 50 per cent for 2019-20 and 2020-21.
Reducing social security deeming rates
On 12 March, the Government announced a 0.5 percentage point reduction in both the upper and lower social security deeming rates. The Government will now reduce these rates by another 0.25 percentage points. The changes will be effective from 1 May 2020.
Support for small business
Boosting cash flow for employers
The Government is providing up to $100,000 to eligible small and medium-sized businesses, and not for-profits that employ people, with a minimum payment of $20,000.
The payment will be delivered by the ATO as an automatic credit in the activity statement system from 28 April 2020 upon employers lodging eligible upcoming activity statements. A further payment will be available for the June-October 2020 period.
Increasing the instant asset write-off
The Government is increasing the instant asset write-off threshold from $30,000 to $150,000 and expanding access to include businesses with aggregated annual turnover of less than $500 million (up from $50 million).
This proposal applies from 12 March 2020 until 30 June 2020, for new or second-hand assets first used or installed ready for use in this timeframe.
Supporting apprentices and trainees
Eligible employers can apply for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of the apprentice’s or trainee’s wage for 9 months from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020. Where a small business is not able to retain an apprentice, the subsidy will be available to a new employer that employs that apprentice. Employers will be reimbursed up to a maximum of $21,000 per eligible apprentice or trainee ($7,000 per quarter).
Employers can register for the subsidy from early April 2020. Final claims for payment must be lodged by 31 December 2020. For further information on how to apply for the subsidy, including information on eligibility, contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) provider.
Supporting the flow of credit
Support for immediate cash flow needs for SMEs
Under the Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme, the Government will provide a guarantee of 50 per cent to SME lenders to support new short-term unsecured loans to SMEs. The Scheme will guarantee up to $40 billion of new lending.
The Scheme will commence by early April 2020 and be available for new loans made by participating lenders until 30 September 2020.
For more information on the Australian Government’s Economic Response to Coronavirus visit treasury.gov.au/coronavirus.
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Supporting Your Mental Health & Wellbeing
Being aware of how you’re feeling and knowing what you can do to look after your mental well being is an important part of staying healthy during this challenging time. You may find the following resources helpful:
- Mansfield District Hospital Social Worker - 03 5775 8800
- Black Dog Institute online clinic blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/wellbeing and for a free mental health assessment tool onlineclinic.blackdoginstitute.org.au
- Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health. coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/managing-my-daily-life
- Health Direct - 1800 022 222 to speak to a registered nurse about your health concerns. The hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 provides a free, private and confidential service for young people aged 5 to 25. The service is available 24 hours a day.
- Ruok.org.au - how to ask, "are you OK?" simple steps that could change someone’s life.
- The Resilience Project - wellbeing strategies that build resilience by practicing the principles of Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness and Emotional Literacy theresilienceproject.com.au/presentation-slides-references
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Local Business & Service Delivery
Local Trade and Services Delivering to Homes
Groceries
Marks IGA - 5775 2014 www.mansfieldiga.com.au
Foodworks - 5775 2255 www.mansfield.myfoodworks.com.au
Delatite Poultry – 5775 1388 or Facebook
High Country Fresh - 0419 375 656 (Deliver Mansfield township only)
Meals
Mansfield Coffee Merchant – 5779 1703 www.mansfieldcoffeemerchant.com.au
George & Al Roy’s - 03 5775 1073 or Skip or Facebook
Delatite Hotel - 5775 2004 www.thedelatitehotel.com.au/food
High Country Food Co - 0448 123 098 www.highcountryfoodco.com.au/menus
Amongst The Sticks Catering – 5775 3030 www.thesticks.com.au
Social Bandit – 5775 3281 www.socialbandit.com.au
Goods & Trade
Yenckens Hardware – 5775 2511 www.yenckens.com.au
Bi-Rite Home Appliances – 5775 2099 www.birite.com.au/stores/bi-rite-mansfield
Target Mansfield – 5733 1300 www.target.com.au/help/payment-delivery
Betta Home Living – 5775 1992 www.betta.com.au/stores/mansfield-betta-home-living
Mansfield Hospitality Supplies – 5779 1660 www.mansfieldhospitalitysupplies.com.au
Stolz Mansfield – 5775 2688 www.stolz.com.au
Edith & May – 5779 1355 www.highcountryflowers.com.au
Information Services and Closures
Central Hume Primary Care Partnership
For information on health and wellbeing services in the Hume region www.centralhumepcp.org/covid-19/
MACE - Mansfield Adult Continuing Education
On the direction from the Government, MACE is now temporarily closed until further notice.
For all Services Australia enquiries go to www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/
For all Department of Human Services enquiries go to www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/
For all Centrelink enquiries - 132 850
Parks Victoria
As directed by the Chief Health Officer all campsites, camping grounds and caravan parks are closed until further notice. People can continue to live on a closed caravan park or camping ground if it is registered as their primary place of residence or if they are staying in caravan parks as interim accommodation where their primary residence is not available.
For more information go to www.parks.vic.gov.au/get-into-nature/safety-in-nature/covid-19-update