COVID-19 Update No.15, 19 June 2020

19 June 2020

Key Updates

Funding and ERO: ACTCOSS has received written confirmation from ACT Health (pdf) on funding including a commitment to pay Equal Remuneration Order (ERO) supplementation until the expiration of agreements in June 2022, except where funding agreements have already been re-negotiated or re-tendered to incorporate the effect of ERO increases into the wage costs of the agreement. We are awaiting a response from the ACT Community Services Directorate.

Final COVID-19 Update: This is the last foreseeable COVID-19 Update from ACTCOSS. We hope that they have been useful. Information below remains current and details ongoing services for those experiencing difficulties because of COVID-19. We will continue to share information relating to the COVID-19 response through eNotices and other communications.

ACTCOSS members update: ACTCOSS will be launching a members update similar to the COVID-19 Update in the months to come to engage with members on our advocacy. If you have any ideas for the format of this new update, please let us know.

If you are not currently a member and would like to know more, check out our membership benefits or contact us.

ACTCOSS COVID-19 Advocacy

ACTCOSS have been advocating on behalf of community organisations during this COVID-19 pandemic period through actions, including:

As always, if you would like to flag issues affecting your organisation or vulnerable communities, please get in touch with ACTCOSS at [email protected], call us on 02 6202 7200, or contact someone from the team.

ACOSS COVID-19 Advocacy

Canberra Relief Network – CRN

The Canberra Relief Network or CRN is the ACT Government’s response to the sudden and overwhelming demand for food and non-perishable household essentials item that is occurring and is expected to increase as a direct result of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Please direct eligible clients to contact the call centre on 1800 43 11 33 or 02 5104 9599 or go online at www.canberrarelief.com.au

Helplines

ACT COVID-19 Helpline – 02 6207 7244: 8am-8pm daily. ACT Government has a helpline and website to inform and assist the ACT community through the challenges of COVID-19.

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.

Community Services Directorate Updates

Community Sector Updates

Financial & Emergency Relief

  • Volunteering Australia: Free Meal, Emergency Relief and Accommodation Guide (pdf) – updated 18 June 2020
  • Volunteering Australia: ACT Legal Services Guide (pdf) – updated 9 April 2020
  • Volunteering Australia: Complaints Resolution Info Guide (pdf) – updated 9 April 2020
  • Care Financial Counselling services are running at full capacity to ensure everyone has access to the vital support we offer:

    • Financial counselling services for people experiencing financial difficulty.¬† Call 1800 007 007 or email [email protected]
    • The Consumer Law Centre: for legal advice around credit and debt, consumer and fair trading, and insurance. Call 02 6143 0044 or email [email protected]
    • Microfinance: No interest loans programs, including a specific program for people who have experienced and left domestic violence. Call 02 6257 1788 or email [email protected]
    • Education: for financial capability webinars or to access the $100 Energy Support Voucher program. Call Care’s education team on 0490 008 701 or email [email protected].

  • YWCA Canberra has funding available to support community members experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This support is available to people in the ACT and surrounding region (including Queanbeyan, Yass, Bungendore, Braidwood, Cooma, Murrumbateman) experiencing financial hardship. Support types available include:

    • Utility bills assistance
    • Healthcare support for appointments or scripts
    • Lanyon food parcels available Tuesday & Thursday 9.30am-2pm.
    • Transport expenses
    • Vouchers for essential household items and clothing
    • Accommodation assistance (rental support or temporary accommodation)
    • Education and training expenses assistance.
    • Eligibility criteria apply. Please contact YWCA Canberra’s Civic office on 02 6185 2000 or [email protected] or Mura Lanyon Youth and Community Centre on 02 6185 2090 or [email protected].

  • Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council’s COVID Kindness project can connect people with services that can support their clients who live in NSW during the COVID-19 pandemic. Services include collecting food, medication and other supplies, ideas for activities for fitness or for children, any concerns about friends, family or neighbours, a friendly chat about any worries or concerns. Email [email protected] or phone 1300 735 025 (select Option 2 for COVID support).

Resources

ACT Government COVID-19 Factsheets

Organisational Finance & HR

Students

Disability

< Past ACTCOSS COVID-19 Updates

Skip to content Skip to content