COVID-19 Update, 28 September 2021

To subscribe to our COVID-19 Update mailing list, please email [email protected] and we will subscribe you.

If you would like to share any gaps or issues affecting your organisation, or any services that require increased funding to meet an immediate need in the COVID-19 response, please get in touch with ACTCOSS through our general email address [email protected] or email someone from the team.

Key Updates

The ACT Government announced on Monday 27 September the ACT’s COVID-19 Pathway Forward (pdf). To assist us in our advocacy, if you have any questions regarding the re-opening of the ACT, the roadmap and implications for your service and your clients, email Heather Fitt, Senior Capability Officer ([email protected]) and we will collate these to raise with the relevant ACT Government Directorate.

Invitation for public submissions on the ACT Government’s response to COVID-19: A Select Committee has been formed to ensure that the ACT Government decisions made in response to the pandemic are transparent and open to appropriate public scrutiny. Submissions close 19 November 2021. Further information on lodging a submission is available at: Inquiry into the COVID-19 2021 pandemic response – ACT Legislative Assembly

Know your rights in quarantine: Information for public and social housing residents by the ACT Human Rights Commission.

Rent relief for Community Sector tenants of ACT Property Group: Rent relief is available for tenants who have had need to provide supporting evidence showing a 30 per cent reduction in revenue from 1 August 2021. Please email [email protected] with ‘Rental Relief’ in the subject line if you have any questions or to submit an application.

Free interpreting services to non-Medicare patients receiving COVID-19 vaccine extended: Private Medical Practices, Pharmacies.

Information relating to vaccination of staff: The Fair Work Commission has comprehensive information on its website for employers and employees relating to COVID-19 vaccinations, rights and obligations. The ACT Human Rights Commission also provides information on the human rights impacts of the current restrictions. ACTCOSS is organising a roundtable / workshop on issues relating to vaccination of staff in the community sector. More information will be provided soon.

Respite Effect and Recovery Grants: Second round open. Applications close 1 October 2021. These grants are for up to $250 for carers of an individual living with a disability or for the individual themselves (one person/family/household). Fill out the application form (docx).

Justice Reform Initiative express concerns about the risk of an outbreak of COVID-19 in the Alexander Maconochie Centre and endorse ACTCOSS advocacy. Read the letter from the Justice Reform Initiative (pdf).

Winnunga News – August edition: Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services most recent newsletter. Includes COVID-19 vaccination updates for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, calls for mandated vaccination for AMC prison officers, Neville Bonner memorial statue, and more.

Ask Izzy search tool for support services connect people who have particular needs with vaccination providers sensitive to those needs, including First Nations people, rough sleepers, international students, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with a disability, people on the autism spectrum.

• Help with vaccination service locations: If you can help with information on vaccination centres and pop-ups, please contact David Spriggs ([email protected]) or the database team at [email protected].

Lockdown newsletter for kids: Lock it Down! No. 6 – 23 September 2021 (pdf) is produced by the ACT Children and Young People Commissioner and Public Advocate.

NDIS COVID-19 Update for NSW/ACT Resource Pack – 15 September (pdf)

ACT Multicultural Community eNewsletter (pdf) – Edition 19 – 23 September 2021. Includes COVID-19 updates for multicultural communities, support for people on temporary visas, and how to access an interpreter.

ACTCOSS COVID-19 Advocacy

ACTCOSS has been advocating on behalf of community organisations and people experiencing disadvantage during this COVID-19 pandemic period through the following:

• ACTCOSS has written to Minister Steel to ask for clear criteria on how community sector tenants of ACT Property Group can access rent relief.

• ACTCOSS is working with the Community Services Directorate, ACT Health, Health NGO Leadership Group and other relevant agencies to convene a roundtable / workshop on issues relating to vaccinations for community sector workers.
• ACTCOSS and other community partners attended a meeting with Mental Health, Justice Health Alcohol and Drug Services (MHJHADS) to discuss access for visitors and other issues regarding facilities under MHJHADS.
• ACTCOSS continues to attend twice weekly meetings with ACT Health and the Community Services Directorate.

ACTCOSS Meeting with Members and Peaks on COVID-19: If you are a member of ACTCOSS or an ACT peak body for the community sector, you are welcome to attend our weekly COVID-19 online meetings. Please email [email protected] for more information.

Helplines

[New!] Care Financial Counselling National Debt Helpline – 1800 007 007: Appointments via phone, Zoom and telephone interpreter services if needed. Financial abuse during COVID-19 fact sheet also provides critical information and contact details for services that offer relevant assistance.

NDIS – 1800 800 110 and press 5: For escalating COVID-related plan review requests.

ACT COVID-19 Helpline – 02 6207 7244: 8am -8pm daily. Or visit the ACT Government’s COVID-19 website.

Disability Information Helpline – 1800 643 787: Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 9am-7pm. The Australian Government has established a Disability Information Helpline. The helpline is not available on national public holidays.

National COVID-19 vaccine helpline – 1800 020 080: This line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Older Person’s Advocacy Network – 1800 700 600: Anyone living in an aged care facility, their family or representative who needs support could contact the network.

Access and Sensory Vaccination Clinic – 02 5124 7700 (select option 3): Call between 7am-7pm daily. The Access and Sensory Clinic offers clients a quieter space; longer appointment times; a separate entrance; vaccinations for support staff, volunteer or carers attending the appointment at the same time as the person with disability; an accessible entry point for wheelchairs and other mobility equipment.

• The Access and Sensory clinic has moved to Weston Creek Community Health Centre, 24 Parkinson Street, Weston. Accessible parking and entry are available at the Weston Creek Community Health Centre. Appointments are available Mon-Fri, 8am-3.30pm.

Emergency relief and financial support

Emergency relief information guides: Volunteering ACT Community Info Hub have created useful information guides listing resources including free meals, laundry and showers, as well as emergency relief services. Find the latest guides here.

Assistance from Vinnies Shops: Following the recent relaxation on non-essential retail stores, Vinnies Shops will be providing material assistance by appointment via its Emergency Relief Helpline. Call 02 6282 2722 (Mon-Fri, 9am-3.30pm) you will then be asked to complete the Vinnies Shop Order Form (pdf via Google Docs).

Emergency Food Relief – call 1800 43 11 33, 9am-5pm: The ACT Government has partnered with VolunteeringACT and the State Emergency Service (SES) to provide emergency food relief to those in need. Any Canberran who is significantly and adversely impacted by the lockdown and is unable to feed their family is encouraged to call.

Emergency Relief Support: MARSS is providing emergency financial and food relief to anyone in financial distress residing in ACT and surrounding regions. Relief includes supermarket vouchers, culturally appropriate food hampers and essential home items, can pay outstanding bills and support clients to refinance or restructure payment plans to alleviate financial distress. Please refer anyone in need to MARSS on 02 6248 8577.

UnitingCare Kippax: Currently operating 9am to 4pm daily (Cnr Luke Street and Hardwick Cres, Holt) for the distribution of emergency items (food, hygiene products and prescription support) and financial aid. Call 02 6254 1733 or visit Uniting Care Kippax.

Roundabout Canberra – essentials for babies and children: Open during lockdown for social agencies to pass on to their clients. Includes essential items for babies and children. Not open to the public. Contact [email protected] or call 02 6193 6452 for more information or visit roundaboutcanberra.org.

Communities@Work: Our community pantries at Tuggeranong and Gungahlin are now OPEN. While in lockdown, we’ll have a ‘Tick and Collect’ system. Clients select their food and essential items, wait at the door of the pantry, and our staff to collect and bring items to them.

Carers support: Carers ACT has resourcing available during this time to support carers through the provision of in-home help, emergency respite, financial assistance, advocacy supports, counselling, etc, so please direct any carers to Carers ACT for support.

COVID-19 Disaster Payment: Canberrans unable to earn an income during the lockdown may be able to access the Australian Government’s COVID-19 Disaster Payment.

Support to isolate while waiting for a test result: ACT Government COVID-19 Test Hardship Isolation Payment (pdf): A payment of $270 will be made to eligible workers who isolate while awaiting their COVID 19 test result. Apply for the isolation payment here.

Support if you have COVID-19, are a close contact, or have to care for someone with COVID-19: The COVID-19 Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is available if an individual has been directed by ACT Health to self-isolate or quarantine and has no leave entitlements. Apply over the phone or by completing the claim form here.

Service changes and updates

[New!] Weston Creek Walk-in Centre returns to usual health service operations: The centre has undergone a deep clean and the testing clinic has been moved to the Surge Centre in Garran.

Services Australia Centres: A reminder that all Services Australia Centres are open 8.30am-4.30pm. During lockdown people are encouraged to use the self-service function or phone. If assistance is required for payments and services, please contact [email protected].

Conflict Resolution Service Safe and Connected Youth Program will be providing services virtually and over the phone during lockdown. For services call 02 6189 0590 to speak to one of their program staff.

Standby After Suicide Support is open during lockdown. 1300 111 400 or email [email protected]. Free books and resources also available.

OneLink Operating Hours: Normal hours of operation will continue throughout the lockdown period. These are Monday to Friday 8.00am-6.00pm, and Saturday and Sunday 12.30pm-5.00pm. Service users are encouraged to make contact with OneLink by phoning 1800 176 468 or via www.onelink.org.au. OneLink has access to funding to support the most vulnerable members of the Canberra community, including temporary hotel accommodation for residents in homelessness and community housing who need to self-isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19. Call Jacinta Bishop, Acting Manager on 02 6207 6885 or email [email protected] for more information.

Housing ACT Support for Rough Sleepers, Domestic Violence Crisis Service, Canberra Rape Crisis Centre Operating Hours:

Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services (MARSS):

• Casework, counselling and emergency relief support will be available over the phone to clients 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri by calling 02 6248 8577.
• MARSS’ Civic office will continue to open from 10am-4pm, Mon-Fri. During lockdown we are requesting clients not to walk in and to initially contact us on 02 6248 8577 for support. We will continue to provide in person support following a COVID risk assessment when necessary.
• Our Belconnen office is closed, and all classes, workshops and group activities suspended. Some activities continue online.
• Emergency Relief Support: MARSS has funding to provide emergency financial and food relief from the Commonwealth, including supermarket vouchers, culturally appropriate food hampers and essential home items, can pay outstanding bills and support clients to refinance or restructure payment plans to alleviate financial distress.

  • Note: We can support anyone in financial distress (not only migrants and refugees) and this service is also available to people residing in surrounding ACT regions including Southern Highlands, Queanbeyan, Cooma, Bega etc. Please refer anyone in need to MARSS on 02 6248 8577.

ACT Community Services Directorate Updates

Latest news at the Community Services Directorate website.

[Updated!] NGO FAQs: The ACT Government has gathered questions from NGOs about the current COVID-19 situation in the ACT and have collated these in an FAQ document. Weblinks in response to questions are included. Read the NGO FAQs – 22 September 2021 (pdf).

COVID Response Casual Pool Jobs: Find job openings for the ACT Government’s COVID response casual pool here.

Contractual requirements: CSD will be taking a flexible and understanding approach to organisations whose service delivery is significantly impacted to the extent that contact deliverables are not achieved. If this applies to your organisation, please let your Relationship Manager know by email at [email protected]. Reporting requirements will also be deferred for all providers for the time being. Payments will not be affected. Invitations have been sent for the next Sector Update Forum scheduled for Monday 13 September 2021.

How to contact CSD: The ACT Community Services Directorate has set up a branch to respond to the COVID-19 situation. Outside of existing engagement, networks or contacts with relationship managers, you can contact CSD via CSD’s [email protected] inbox. Organisations can send their COVID-19 queries to this email if they need advice or have any questions.

Resources

COVID-19 info and health

• ACT Health information on COVID-19 in other languages
• Easy English COVID Words (pdf) by Advocacy for Inclusion
• Easy read resources on COVID-19 by ACT Government, to make sure everyone can understand the basics
• ACT Government signs and factsheets – COVID-19
• Booking your COVID-19 vaccination
• Information on Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout (health.gov.au)
• Confused about types of contact with someone who has COVID-19? – ACT Health

Family safety

• Ways to increase safety during Covid-19 – with easy English version (pdf), by Domestic Violence Crisis Service.

Disability

• [New] COVID information for people with disability [videos and more] by the Council for Intellectual Disability.
• [New] Recording of Department of Health meeting hosted for disability support workers, held 17 June 2021: Please note that the availability of COVID-19 vaccines has changed since this meeting was recorded.
• Vaccine information for disability service providers from the Department of Health. Updated regularly.
• Guidelines for snap lockdowns – checklist for disability service provides, by National Disability Services.
• COVID-19 Toolkit for disability service providers, by National Disability Services.
• COVID Preparedness Guide (pdf): This is a guide provided by ACT Government to help people with disability to get the facts about COVID-19 and make a plan for how they will manage the impact of this situation. Request a hard copy via email: [email protected]
• ACT Health COVID-19 Disability webpages:

  • Non-Government Community, Disability and Health Service Providers
  • Recent updates
  • General information
  • Preparedness and business continuity
  • Pandemic planning and managing risk
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Management and care of people who are in isolation or quarantine at home
  • Resources and useful links

• ACT COVID-19 Disability Strategy
• Wearing Personal Protective Equipment for Disability Support Workers – YouTube and PPE Poster (pdf)
• Mask Exemption for People with Hearing Loss exemption resource: The ACT Deafness Resource Centre has created an image than you can download mask exemption image on your phone or print out (pdf).

Other resources

• ACTCOSS Gulanga Activity Book: Hard copies back in stock. A great resource for organisations supporting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander families and children. Contact the Gulanga Program at [email protected] to order.
• Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing NewsByte – 13 August 2021: This edition contains mental health resources, phone support services, links for translating ACT Gove