Council service changes following COVID-19 restrictions
Published on 27 May 2021
With the State Government introducing a seven-day COVID-19 circuit-breaker restriction period, Gannawarra Shire Council advises that some changes to its services will be implemented from Friday, 28 May 2021.
“As a result of the State Government’s announcement earlier today, some Council services will be impacted during the seven-day lockdown which comes into effect from 11.59pm Thursday, 27 May,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.
Changes to Council’s services during the seven-day lockdown between 11.59pm Thursday, 27 May and 11.59pm Thursday, 3 June include:
- The closure of Gannawarra Library Service branches at Cohuna, Kerang, Leitchville and Quambatook from Friday, 28 May, with members able to access online resources at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/libraries; or by phoning your local library branch;
- Closure of the Kerang Exercise Pool, with Warra Waders swimming lessons cancelled;
- The closure of the Gateway to Gannawarra Visitor Centre;
- The cancellation of any facility bookings during this time;
- Changes to Community Care services including:
- All home care services across all programs will be cancelled. Any client deemed ‘at risk’ due to services being cancelled will receive a phone monitoring service;
- NDIS Community Access and Home Care services will cease – unless for medical or shopping
- The cancellation of Social Meals;
- The cancellation of the L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program; and
- The cancellation of Reconciliation Week events planned for Kerang on Tuesday, 1 June.
Residents are encouraged to contact Council during the Stage 4 lockdown period in the following ways:
“With Monday, 31 May being the due date for people paying their rates in full, Council will implement a seven-day grace period through to 5pm Monday, 7 June to assist the public during these difficult times,” Mr O’Reilly said.
“If you had a pre-arranged booking for a facility with Council during this time, you will be contacted directly.”
Residents are advised that all Council-managed kindergarten, family day care and long day care services will continue to operate, noting that the Leitchville Pre School is closed on Friday, 28 May.
All other Council services will continue to operate during the lockdown period. Council is closely monitoring the situation and will update of any further changes as required.
“Please note that during this time residents may only leave their home for one of five reasons. These are to shop for food and supplies; authorised work reasons; care and caregiving; exercise, for up two hours and with one other person, or receiving a vaccination,” Mr O’Reilly said.
“Face coverings must be carried at all times, and must be worn indoors and outdoors except within your own home, or if an exemption applies.”
“It is important that by staying home and limiting contact with other people, we can help protect ourselves, our families and our communities at this time.”
For more information regarding COVID-19 and Council’s efforts, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
Residents who are concerned regarding COVID-19 are encouraged to phone the Department of Health Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 or visit www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus