Council steps up to support its most vulnerable

Published on 15 July 2020

Gannawarra Shire Council is continuing to support its most vulnerable residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the implementation of Coronavirus social distancing measures in late March, Council’s Community Care team have ensured the operations of key services and extended assistance to the Gannawarra’s most vulnerable residents.

“Council’s dedicated Community Care staff are doing an amazing job in providing additional services alongside their regular home care, personal care and National Disability Insurance Scheme commitments,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

During the past three months Council staff have worked in partnership with Cohuna District Hospital and Kerang District Health to deliver additional Meals on Wheels services and provided support for residents who could not access essential services. 

“Whether it is ensuring residents had access to fresh prepared meals, supermarket items or pharmaceutical products, or developing creative ways to support NDIS participants as many usual activities were unavailable due to restrictions, I commend our staff for their efforts,” Mr O’Reilly said.

The Federal Government has recognised Council’s efforts during this time, providing additional funding to ensure essential monitoring and support services for the community as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have an impact.

“Council thanks the Federal Government for this additional funding at this time, and is committed to continuing to support our most vulnerable residents,” Mr O’Reilly said.

For more information regarding what services Council can provide at this time, please phone Council’s Community Care team on (03) 5450 9333.

ABOVE: Gannawarra Shire Council Community Care Worker, Leanne Thamm (right) and Kerang resident, Michael Hallinan share a laugh during one of their regular home care sessions.