COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Resources

How Central West Gippsland PCP is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic

Central West Gippsland PCP has over 20 years experience in partnerships and connecting health and human services with each other, and the community. The PCP also has a strong history of supporting food security work across Baw Baw and Latrobe.

This allowed the Central West Gippsland PCP to readily mobilise our members and community groups to respond to challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read the case studies:

Services open during COVID-19:

Central West Gippsland PCP have prepared reports outlining which services are open during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide information on the supports available to community members:

Food Security during the COVID-19 pandemic: Baw Baw & Latrobe:

Central West Gippsland PCP, the Baw Baw Food Movement and Food For All Latrobe Valley have developed a local food security resource:

A series of smaller fact sheets supporting eating well and food security during COVID-19 have also been developed, including:

Health and wellbeing during COVID-19

Central West Gippsland PCP have developed a series of fact sheets supporting health and wellbeing during COVID-19. These include:

Health Advice (Victoria):

The best place to access up-to-date Victorian health advice on Coronavirus remains dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.

Funded Agency Channel Sector Advice:

The Funded Agency Channel have released Coronavirus information, guidelines and advice for sectors funded under the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education and Training, State Government of Victoria.

Australian Government:

Australia.gov.au is regularly updated to provide latest Coronavirus news, updates and advice from government agencies across Australia.

The COVIDSafe app speeds up contacting people exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19).

Restricted Activities - Victoria:

The current State of Emergency in Victoria will be extended until 31 May 2020.
The State of Emergency provides the Chief Health Officer with additional powers to issue directions to help contain the spread of coronavirus and keep Victorians safe.

These directions place restrictions on businesses and other organisations, and limit recreational, cultural and entertainment activities. The Restricted activity directions (No 7) came into force at 11:59 pm on 12 May 2020.

These directions include some easing of the lockdown rules, including allowing Victorians to have up to five visitors (family and/or friends) at their homes.

Federal Support:

JobKeeper Payment

The Government has announced a $130 billion JobKeeper payment to help keep more Australians in jobs and support businesses affected by the significant economic impact caused by the Coronavirus.
Around 6 million workers will receive a fortnightly payment of $1,500 (before tax) through their employer.
The payment ensures eligible employers remain connected to their workforce and will help businesses restart quickly when the crisis is over. Read more.

Support for Businesses

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. Read more.

Supporting Individuals and Households

The Australian Government is providing financial assistance to Australians to support them through the Coronavirus. This assistance includes income support payments, payments to support households and temporary early releases of superannuation. Read more.
Economic Justice Australia has produced a fact sheet with specific information on how to claim a Centrelink payment during COVID-19.

Victorian Economic Survival Package:

The Victorian Government has established an economic survival package to support Victorian businesses and workers through the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
The $1.7 billion Economic Survival Package complements the work of the Federal Government. 

Working for Victoria:

The $500 million Working for Victoria Fund will help Victorians who have lost their jobs due to the economic impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) find new opportunities. Read more.

Free Online Infection Control Training:

The Federal Government is offering workers across the health, aged care, disability and childcare sectors access to a free online training module on infection control.

This training module takes about 30 minutes to complete and covers the fundamentals of infection prevention and control (IPC) for COVID-19.

Mental Health and Wellbeing:

Beyond Blue has produced a guide to mental wellbeing during the Coronavirus outbreak. The Beyond Blue Support Service offers short term counselling and referrals by phone and webchat on 1300 22 4636.

Lifeline is available 24 hours/7 days on 13 11 14 and online chat (7pm – midnight, 7 nights).

Lifeline Gippsland also has a free CATCH Program, which matches individuals needing support you with a trained supporter for up to 12 weeks.

Family Violence Safety:

The 'STOP Family Violence' Card (Gippsland Women's Health / Gippsland Family Violence Alliance) provides a full list of Gippsland and state-wide Family Violence Support Services.

The Orange Door is available in Inner Gippsland and is a new way for women, children and young people who are experiencing family violence or families who need assistance with the care and wellbeing of children to access the services they need to be safe and supported.

1800RESPECT is operating during COVID-19 and a list of safety apps for mobile phones can be found at their website.

The safe steps 24/7 family violence crisis response phone line will continue to operate as usual 1800 015 188.

Central West Gippsland PCP have developed a Gender Equity during COVID-19 Fact Sheet.

Domestic Violence Resource Centre and Domestic Violence Victoria are collating information, resources and responses to frequently asked questions on COVID-19 and family violence at the Lookout website.

Suite of Resources

Health and Social Sector Advice:

Community and Health Professional Resources:

General Information

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Professionals

Aged Care Resources

Alcohol and Other Drugs

Auslan

Cardiovascular Disease

Children

Disability Services

Easy English

Family Violence Safety

Financial Assistance

Food Security

(Central West Gippsland PCP)

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Multilingual