Summer is well and truly here and while it has been a rocky start to the year for many of us, there is support available for businesses and residents. Thanks to state government funding, Council has established a temporary COVID Business Help team to provide COVID-related support and advice to businesses. The team of three have already hit the streets and are visiting businesses across the municipality to provide support during what continues to be a very challenging time.
There is also financial assistance for ratepayers financially impacted by COVID-19. If eligible, businesses and residents can get 25 per cent off their 2021-22 rates notice (maximum $10,000). To view the eligibility criteria and to apply, visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov/financialassistance
Council’s Community Connector program continues to link community members with local providers who can provide help and essential services such as food relief, counselling, medication and nappies. Since August last year, over 300 requests to deliver food supplies to households have been referred to Council’s partner Laverton Community Integrated Services. Hundreds more requests have gone directly to other community organisations. Please don’t hesitate to contact Community Connector by emailing communityconnector@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au or phone our Customer Service team on 1300 179 944 and ask for the Community Connector.
If you are out and about in Williamstown this week, be sure to be on the look out for ‘Sea flowers and Sea Stories’. This mesmerising display of floating sea flowers can be seen on Williamstown’s water edge between Stevedore Street and the Ferguson Street Pier until 20 February. Scan the QR code to hear sea stories and discover what’s under the water. The exhibition is produced by Donna Jackson for Hubcap Productions, and is made possible through Council’s Make it Happen grants, which are again open for applications. Visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/grants
Lastly, I’m looking forward to the state government releasing the Williamstown Maritime Precinct Framework soon. The Draft Framework is available on the Department of Transport website and the final document will build on feedback from the community. For details and to view the draft, visit engage.vic.gov.au/williamstown-maritime-precinct
