Council focus on pandemic recovery

Esther Lauaki

0311Covid

By Esther Lauaki

Brimbank council has granted 378 COVID-19 Hardship Policy applications, as part of a suite of steps to support the community in its response and recovery from the impact of the pandemic.

Chief executive Helen Morrissey said council had by the end of September completed 93 per cent of the actions identified in its Coronavirus Response and Recovery Strategy.

Throughout September, council’s support services delivered 11,315 meals to vulnerable community members, maternal and child health phone consultations, immunisation services to 94 infants, Library to Your Door services to 552 residents, and Click and Collect service to 497 residents.

“The Coronavirus Response and Recovery Strategy aims to help combat the spread of COVID-19, while mitigating the negative impacts of the pandemic on the health and wellbeing of our community,” Ms Morrissey said.

She said council would continue its support after Brimbank’s retail and hospitality industry reopened last Wednesday.

“Council has a strong focus on supporting vulnerable populations as well as the local economy, including business, industry, and jobs,” Ms Morrissey said

“We will continue to support vulnerable members of our community, along with local businesses as they take steps to safely reopen as restrictions ease across Melbourne.

“This includes releasing new COVID-19 Temporary Outdoor Permit and Guidelines on Monday, October 5 to help hospitality businesses prepare to operate outdoor dining as we move towards the next step in the Victorian Government’s roadmap.”

Brimbank council’s essential services operated throughout the pandemic with additional safety requirements including extra PPE, staggering shifts, staggering breaks, health declarations and more support for sick workers to ensure they stay home.

Sunshine Leisure Centre outdoor pool reopened on September 28, along with public parks and open spaces.