Hobsons Bay Cr Daria Kellander
With Victoria enduring its fifth lockdown and COVID fatigue well and truly setting in, our community’s resilience has again been tested.
From our businesses who have faced so much hardship, to sporting clubs who have struggled to even field a season, and residents who have lost income, social support and struggled with mental health while balancing a life that is in constant upheaval. Nobody is left unscathed.
Every lockdown compounds the impacts of the last. It’s hard not to feel helpless, but we can all play a part in supporting one another. Reach out to our local traders, order takeaway or delivery, give them a shout-out on social media, and look out for neighbours and friends, colleagues and family members who might be struggling with the impacts of isolation, loneliness, and their mental wellbeing.
If you are one of the many in our community who needs support, there is genuine and discreet help available. The Hobsons Bay Community has Heart Virtual Hub has details of several self-help welfare and support services in the community that are available to provide immediate assistance, including food relief, crisis intervention support, emergency supplies, clothing, financial counselling, mental health and family violence assistance. Visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/hobsonsbaycommunityhasheart for details.
One such provider is Laverton Community Integrated Services. The team at LCIS have been instrumental in supporting our community and are there if you need emergency relief and crisis intervention. Contact them directly on 8368 0177.
Council is also providing rates relief to residents and businesses impacted by the pandemic. Ratepayers who have been impacted by COVID can apply for a waiver of their rates by November 30, 2021, in line with the second rate instalment. Residential ratepayers whose income has dropped by 30 per cent (maximum income of $80,000) will be eligible to receive a rate waiver. Business ratepayers whose turnover has reduced by 20 per cent will also be eligible to receive a rate waiver. For further details, visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/financialassistance. If you are experiencing financial hardship and can no longer pay your rates, please don’t hesitate to contact council to discuss your options.
