Securing $8 million funding for new local jobs, providing food, social and practical support to vulnerable residents isolating, innovative virtual programs and the delivery of essential services at the height of a devastating health emergency have all been part of Brimbank Council’s endeavours to support its community during incredibly challenging times.
Brimbank Mayor Cr Georgina Papafotiou said when Council adopted the whole-of-council Brimbank Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response and Recovery Strategy in April, it was difficult to fully appreciate the ongoing and prolonged toll this tragic health emergency would have on the community.
‘Brimbank has experienced some of the most significant COVID-19 clusters including in aged care and meat works sectors. What is happening across Brimbank is absolutely tragic,’ Cr Papafotiou said.
‘Council’s ability to deliver support and hope to our overwhelmed and already vulnerable community is essential to combat and suppress the spread, keep people home, save lives and help our community through the economic consequences of the pandemic.’
Since the strategy was adopted, 81 per cent of the identified actions are now complete. A further 17 per cent of actions are underway and 2 per cent are ready to be rolled out.
Some key projects included in the progress report presented at the Council meeting on Tuesday (18 August 2020) includes:
- Securing $8 million funding through the Working for Victoria Program to employ up to 165 local residents to support new and expanded services in response to COVID-19
- The distribution of food hampers to about 240 vulnerable families and rooming house residents
- Online initiatives including a homework club, Centrelink information sessions, resume help and COVID-19 videos in community languages
- More than 680 businesses have taken advantage of over 20 online webinars as part of our Business Development Program
- Delivering online sustainability and conservation programs that has reached more than 11,200 households
- The Brimbank Leisure Centre YouTube Channel has posted 99 videos of classes, workouts, COVID-19 information and member challenges that have received over 10,200 views to date and almost 200 subscribers.
- Community Care has provided 1,249 hours of social support and 323 hours of assisted shopping to vulnerable residents
Cr Papafotiou also reiterated a call for the establishment of a rapid response team and joint Government and Council taskforce response to the growing health, safety, wellbeing and economic impacts of the ongoing pandemic.
‘This is well and truly Brimbank’s crisis moment, and now with the impact of Stage 4 restrictions we need unprecedented support from government to help us combat and supress the spread, keep people home, save lives, and help our community through the economic consequences of the pandemic,’ Cr Papafotiou said.
