Golden Plains Shire Council’s Community Assistance Directory is a guide for local community members to find information on the support services available during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Council continues to deliver its many community services across the Shire and we encourage residents to seek the support of the services in the directory, as needed.
For further enquiries, please contact Council’s Customer Service on 5220 7111.
Quickly navigate this page by clicking a section link below:
COVID-19 GOVERNMENT UPDATES
For regular updates on the current status of, and announcements on, the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the following websites or call these hotlines:
Australian Government's National Coronavirus Helpline
Call for information, updates and advice on COVID-19.
Call: 1800 020 080
Australian Government Department of Health
Information on COVID-19 including the current status, symptoms, and how to stop the spread of the virus.
Call: 1800 020 080
Victorian Department of Health and Human Services
Directions on restricted activities and community guidelines for COVID-19.
Call: 1300 650 172
Victorian Coronavirus Hotline
Call for information, updates and advice on COVID-19 in Victoria.
Call: 1800 675 398
Government Response to COVID-19 Outbreak
Current response plan on COVID-19.
Call: (02) 6289 1555
EMERGENCY AND ESSENTIAL SERVICES
EMERGENCY RELIEF SERVICES
For information on accessing emergency relief services, please visit:
CatholicCare
CatholicCare’s Emergency Relief provides financial or material aid to assist people experiencing financial hardship in Central Highlands region. Emergency Relief can be accessed by anyone experiencing a financial crisis which has left them unable to pay for necessities such as food or fuel.
Call: (03) 9287 5512
FOOD RELIEF SERVICES
There are many food relief services operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. For assistance accessing food, please visit:
Golden Plains Shire Council
Emergency Relief Packs: A limited supply of emergency relief packs are available for people in urgent need. The individual packs contain items such as pasta, rice, flour and essential household items including toilet paper.
For more information of emergency relief packs, call Council’s Customer Service at 5220 7111.
Food Relief Services
List of food relief service providers accessible during the COVID-19 crisis.
Call: 1800 022 222
Food Bank
Supplies food and groceries to charities working in the community.
Call: (03) 9362 8300
Ballarat Community Health: SecondBite program
Redistributes surplus fresh food, builds community capacity in food skills and nutrition, and advocates for an end to food insecurity.
Call: (03) 5338 4545
SUPERMARKETS
The following local supermarkets are open to customers, with changes to hours of operation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Woolworths, Bannockburn
Community hours are: elderly and people with disability: 7 to 8am on Wednesday and Friday; and healthcare and emergency services workers: 7 to 8am on Tuesday and Thursday.
Call: (03) 5281 4100
‘Woolworths Basic Boxes’
These boxes are available to support elderly and vulnerable people during isolation.
Call: 1800 000 610
Smythesdale IGA
Operating hours are 7:30am to 7:30pm, every day.
Call: (03) 5342 8778
AGED AND DISABILITY SERVICES
AGED SERVICES
For advice on supporting loved ones in aged care facilities or in your own home, visit the following websites:
Department of Health and Human Services
COVID-19 plan for the aged care sector in Victoria.
Call: 1300 650 172
Australian Government Department of Health
COVID-19 advice for people in aged care facilities.
Call: 1800 020 103
Department of Health: Home Care Providers
COVID-19 guide for home care providers.
Call: 1800 020 103
Department of Health: Residential Workers
COVID-19 information for health care and residential care workers.
Call: 1800 020 103
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
COVID-19 information and resources.
Call: 1800 951 822
Golden Plains Shire Council
Golden Plains Shire Council’s Active Ageing and Inclusion team can offer you support as you navigate the My Aged Care system and ensure you are provided the information you need to apply for services.
Contact the Assessment and Navigation Officer on 5220 7151 for further information.
Disability Support
For information and resources about supporting people with a disability through the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the following websites:
Department of Social Services
COVID-19 information and support for people with disability and carers.
Call: 1800 643 787
NDIS
COVID-19 information and support.
Call: 1800 800 110
National Quality and Safeguards Commission - NDIS Commission
COVID-19 information
Call: 1800 035 544
Disability Service Consulting
Disability Pandemic Resources to assist with planning and keeping up to date with the latest NDIS policy responses.
Call: (03) 8899 7804
Golden Plains Shire Council
Golden Plains Shire Council’s Active Ageing and Inclusion team are committed to removing barriers for our ageing community and those living with a disability, by providing an inclusive, accessible and supportive environment for all.
Contact the Access and Inclusion Officer on 5220 7151 for further information.
HEALTH AND MEDICAL SERVICES
MEDICAL CLINICS
Many regular doctors’ clinics continue to operate through the COVID-19 pandemic. The following local medical clinics are open to patients:
Bannockburn Surgery
Providing flu vaccinations when stock available.
Address: 16 High Street, Bannockburn, 3331
Call: (03) 5281 1481
Golden Plains Medical Centre
Providing flu vaccinations when stock available.
Address: 59 Geelong Road, Bannockburn, 3331
Call: (03) 5281 2320
Teesdale Family Medical Centre
Providing flu vaccinations when stock available.
Address: 33 Bruce Street, Teesdale, 3328
Call: 5214 9912
First Point Medical Centre
Providing flu vaccinations when stock available.
Address: 32 Staughton Street, Meredith, 3333
Call: (03) 5274 9090
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are an essential service that will continue to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lethbridge Pharmacy
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 1 to 6pm
Address: 17A Russell Street, Lethbridge, 3332
Call: (03) 5281 7187
Bannockburn Pharmacy
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5.30pm
Saturday: 9am to 1pm
Address: 6 High Street, Bannockburn, 3331
Call: (03) 5281 1519
Smythesdale Pharmacy
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5.30pm
Saturday: 9am to 1pm
Address: 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale, 3351
Call: (03) 5342 8695
Teesdale Pharmacy
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5.30pm
Saturday: 9am to 1pm
Address: 2/1071 Bannockburn- Shelford Road, Teesdale, 3328
Call: (03) 5281 5614
Healthline Pharmacy Meredith
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 8am to 3pm
Address: 44 Staughton Street, Meredith, 3333
Call: (03) 5286 1428
Allied Health and Support Services
Contact the following local Allied Health and Support Service organisations directly for information around service provision and booking appointments for face-to-face or telehealth consultations.
Ballarat Community Health
Services provided: Podiatry, falls prevention, dietetics, exercise classes
Service delivery locations: The Well, Smythesdale, Bannockburn Family Services Centre (diabetics)
Call: (03) 5338 4500
Barwon Health
Services provided: Speech pathology, dietetics, podiatry
Service delivery location: Bannockburn Family Services Centre
Call: 1300 715 673
IntegratedLiving
Services provided: Podiatry
Service delivery location: The Well, Smythesdale
Call: (03) 5334 1500
Hesse Rural Health
Services provided: District nursing, physiotherapy, diabetes educator, occupational therapy, home care package provider
Service delivery locations: Bannockburn Family Services Centre, Rokewood Community Health Centre, In home care
Call: (03) 5267 1247
Waurn Ponds Hearing Clinic
Services provided: Audiology
Service delivery location: Bannockburn Family Services Centre
Call: (03) 5245 7940
Mental Health
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted people in varying ways both physically and mentally, with many people feeling anxious, lonely, worried and overwhelmed. The following websites provide valuable resources, support and coping strategies to assist the community through these difficult times:
Life in Mind
Links to mental health support services including Headspace, Kids Helpline, Butterfly Foundation, Reach Out, Black Dog Institute and MindSpot.
Call: (02) 4924 6900
Beyond Blue
Mental health support and coping with anxiety during the COVID19 pandemic. Dedicated Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service and hotline.
Call: 1800 512 348
Lifeline
Support, tips and coping strategies.
Call: 13 11 14
Red Cross
Support for mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Call: 1800 733 276
Department of Health
COVID-19 Mental Health Plan.
Call: 1800 020 080
Golden Plains Shire Council
Providing a weekly social call to connect with those who feel isolated or alone during this time.
Call Customer Service: (03) 5220 7111
Family Services and Support
Family Support
For information on family support resources, visit the following websites:
Australian Government Support Payment
Payments to support households, information on eligibility and government payment options.
Call: 1800 020 008
Services Australia
Information on family payments and child support for people affected by COVID-19.
Call: 13 62 40
FAMILY VIOLENCE
Research shows that family violence increases during emergencies and natural disasters. The following websites and hotlines are support services that are accessible to anyone experiencing any form of family violence.
Family Violence Support (National)
Includes free confidential counselling and support for victims of family violence.
Call: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Family violence support (local)
The Orange Door is a free service that helps women, children and young people experiencing family violence and families who need support with the care and wellbeing of children.
Call: 1800 312 820
Safe Steps
24/7 family violence specialist support service.
Call: 1800 015 188
The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre
Provides 24-hour immediate crisis care and support for anyone who has experienced a recent sexual assault. Also offers free and confidential trauma-informed counselling and case management to support women and children experiencing family violence.
Call: (03) 5222 4318
Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria
Information and advice on how the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic impacts those experiencing family violence and their friends and family.
Call: (03) 8346 5200
Support for Immigrant Women
Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence: Help in non-English languages.
Call: 1800 755 988
CatholicCare Victims Assistance Program
The Victims Assistance Program provides information, practical supports and service referrals for victims of a violent crime or anyone affected by a violent crime.
Call: 1300 033 818
MEN'S REFERRAL SERVICES
The following services provide support to men in relation to maintaining positive mental health and wellbeing:
Men’s Line Australia
Supporting mental health during COVID-19.
Call: 1300 789 978
Men’s Referral Service
Access to support services for men.
Call: 1300 766 491
LOCAL SUPPORT GROUPS
With all the changes happening in the community, it is important to stay connected and support our communities. Listed below are some local community support groups:
Ross Creek and Smythes Creek Support Group
Linton Community Assistance
Connecting community members who are self-isolating or simply finding it harder to get essential items.
Financial Support
Financial support is available to help community members manage the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Federal and State Governments have announced new measures to provide support to affected employees, businesses and the broader community. For more information, visit the following websites:
Australian Government
Stimulus package information, support for individuals.
Call: 1800 020 008
Centrelink
Information and services available including advice on government payments and eligibility.
Call: 13 62 40
Money Smart
COVID-19 Financial Assistance.
Call: 1300 208 215
Australian Taxation Office
Support for individuals and employees.
Call: 13 28 61
Financial hardship
National Debt Hotline
Free financial counselling
Call: 1800 007 007
Golden Plains Shire
Ratepayers and residents experiencing financial hardship have access to the following financial relief measures from Council:
- Introduction of a Special COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy for Golden Plains Shire ratepayers
- Suspension of all current debt recovery action for unpaid 2019/20 rates through to 30 September 2020.
- Waive interest on overdue 2019/20 rates through to 30 September 2020.
- Waive penalties for late payment on pet registration fees through to 30 September 2020.
- New payment plans available for animal registration renewals.
For more information, call Council’s Customer Service on 5220 7111.
HELP PAYING FOR GAS, ELECTRICITY or Water
Utility Relief Grant Scheme
The Victorian Government's Utility Relief Grant Scheme provides eligible Victorians with Pensioner, Health Care or Veterans Gold cards, and who are facing financial hardship or high rental costs, with up to $650 on each utility type across a two-year period or $1,300 for those with a single source of energy. Apply to electricity, gas or water retailers.
Call: Concessions information line 1800 658 521
PHONE & INTERNET DISCOUNTS
Telstra
Telstra is offering unlimited standard home phone calls for pensioners, abolishing late payment fees for bills from 19 March to 30 June 2020, and discounting fees for customers on JobSeeker payments.
Call: 13 22 00
Optus
Optus is offering customers the option of suspending their current plan if they do not require the service, while temporarily waiving late payment fees and suspending disconnection and credit collection activities.
Call: 13 39 37
NILS (No Interest Loan Scheme)
Centacare
Centacare provides the NILS (No Interest Loan Scheme) program in our Central Highlands and Mallee catchments. NILS supports people on low incomes to access small no-interest loans up to $1,500, to purchase significant or essential new household items, services, medical equipment, tools or educational items.
Call: 1300 303 988
Business Support
Australian Government
Financial assistance, eligibility and timing for the new government support for Australian businesses.
Call: 13 28 46
Golden Plains Business Support Hub
Information on Federal and State Government support and assistance for businesses, as well as the following support initiatives from Council:
- Introduction of a Special COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy for local businesses.
- Commitment to pay invoices from all local businesses within 14 days to support cash flow.
- Refund of all permit fees for events and activities that have been cancelled or closed as directed by Government.
- Extension of time applications for business related septic tank and planning permits expiring before 30 September 2020 can be lodged at no cost.
- New allowance for commercial businesses to reduce their waste collection arrangements if necessary.
- Free mentoring support for small businesses experiencing hardship.
- Dedicated COVID-19 business support page on Council's website with links to Federal and State Government programs: Visit this Page
- Access to dedicated business support officer within Council for local businesses to receive individual assistance.
For more information, call Council’s Customer Service on 5220 7111.
Children and Youth Services
Communicating with children during the COVID-19 pandemic
The following links provide information on how to talk to children about COVID-19, as well as fun and engaging resources to keep children entertained and ease their concerns.
Emerging Minds
Resources to assist parents and carers to best support children and reduce worry and distress.
Call: (08) 8367 0888
Royal Children’s Hospital
Supporting children and young people to cope with COVID-19.
Call: (03) 9345 5522
Raising Children
COVID-19: talking with children about physical distancing and self-isolation.
Call: 1800 020 080
Unicef
Six ways parents can support their kids through the COVID-19 outbreak.
World Health Organisation
Helping children cope with stress during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Maternal and Child Health
Golden Plains Shire Council
Golden Plains Shire Council’s Maternal and Child Health Service continues with modified service delivery, adhering to health and hygiene recommendations of the Department of Health and Human Services, at The Well, 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale; Teesdale Kindergarten, 1107 Bannockburn-Shelford Road; and Bannockburn Family Services Centre, 2A Pope Street.
In order to continue to provide services to families, Council's Maternal and Child Health services are adopting alternative modes of service delivery, including telephone and electronic consultations. To accommodate these changes, services may need to re-schedule some routine appointments. Families with a scheduled appointment will receive a text message containing information on the time and method in which the nurse will make contact. Please note: drop-in and group sessions have ceased until further notice.
For more information on changes to service delivery or to book an appointment, call (03) 5220 7230 or email [email protected].
Maternal and Child Health Hotline: 13 22 29
A free and confidential service available to parents and families with children from birth to commencing school age. The Maternal and Child Health Line is staffed by qualified Maternal and Child Health nurses. Parents can ring the MCH Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to get information, support and guidance on issues including child health, nutrition, breastfeeding, maternal and family health, and parenting.
Call: 13 22 29
Childhood Immunisations
The childhood immunisation service in Golden Plains Shire is provided by City of Ballarat. All sessions will continue as scheduled.
Please note that the City of Ballarat immunisation teams are implementing additional health screening measures with only one primary caregiver and a child to be present during immunisation. Extended family, siblings and partners are requested not to attend. These measures enable essential service delivery to continue, and protects families and the City of Ballarat healthcare workforce.
The following upcoming childhood immunisation clinics will be held in Golden Plains Shire:
Bannockburn Family Services Centre
2A Pope Street, Bannockburn
10.30 to 11.30am, 19 May and 16 June 2020
Linton Customer Service Centre
68 Sussex Street, Linton
11 to 11.30am, 5 May and 2 June 2020
Call : City of Ballarat on (03) 5320 5850
Youth Services and Support
The following links provide tips and resources to support young people through the crisis.
Headspace
Mental health support for young people under 25 years old.
Call: 1800 650 890
Golden Plains Shire Council
Golden Plains Shire Council is hosting a range of free online engagement activities for young people during the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Motivational Monday: A series of guest presenters
- Trivia Tuesday: Free, fun and fast quizzes from 4:30 to 5pm
- Wellbeing Wednesday: A series of short home-grown wellbeing videos
- Thursday: Virtual Youth Group from 4 to 5pm
- Free Movie Friday: Family friendly movies from 6:30 to 8:30pm
Activities are being changed and added weekly. For further information:
Email: [email protected]
Call/text: 0439 879 900
Neighbouring Councils
City of Greater Geelong and City of Ballarat, are also offering a range of activities and experiences for young people. To find out more, visit:
Ballarat Youth Services
Geelong Youth