COVID-19

COVID-19 Information and Updates

To access the most accurate and up to date information on COVID-19 in Victoria, please visit the Department of Health and Human Services coronavirus page

COVID-19 VACCINES INFORMATION

Australian Government Department of Health:

COVID-19 vaccination policy
Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine national roll-out strategy
COVID-19 vaccines: News and info about the development, approval process and plans for COVID-19 vaccines

Victorian Government:

COVID-19 vaccines

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner:

For ‘Get tested’ promotional materials in ENGLISH (posters, social tiles, suggested tweets, etc)

DHHS promotional material for coronavirus (COVID-19)

For translated resources and advice

For accessible information and resources for people with disability and carers

Department of Social Services

For information specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

For information about PPE

For information and resources for health professionals

Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources for health professionals, including aged care providers, pathology providers and health care managers

Information about getting tested for coronavirus (COVID-19)

DHHS Step by Step advice

For information about Family violence response during coronavirus (COVID-19)

Video series for workforces that identify and respond to family violence

INW PCP COVID-19 related resources and activity

In April 2020, Inner North West Primary Care Partnership (INW PCP) held a workshop with the Prevention Alliance to discuss the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and related public health measures, such as isolation, quarantine and physical distancing, on health promotion work and community wellbeing. During this workshop a range of collaborative activities and shared resources have been identified and implemented. While the public health measures implemented across Australia and in Victoria have been effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19, the focus on responding to the pandemic has created additional challenges and opportunities for organisations moving forward. The INWPCP have developed some shared resources to support our partners to apply a COVID lens during their planning period.

The COVID-19 and Mental Health Environmental Scan – This environmental scan is to provide an overview of research and policy on COVID-19 and mental health to identify gaps and reduce duplication in the mental health space. If left unaddressed, mental illness and distress is likely to become a ‘silent killer’ of the pandemic and a major public health crisis.
The Impacts of COVID-19 on Health and Wellbeing: A Rapid Evidence Review – This review has been divided into two parts to ensure INW PCP partners have rapid access to the findings. The first part presents the evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on the social determinants of health, and the second part presents the impact of COVID-19 on selected Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan priorities.

Statewide organisations and resources

Helpful resources

Mental health

It is normal to feel stressed, anxious or concerned during this challenging time. If you need immediate support, you can contact:

Beyond Blue p: 1300 224 636 online forum online chat 3pm-mightnight

Lifeline p: 13 11 14, text: 0477 131 114 online chat 7pm-midnight

For more information on other available helplines and specialist services, Mental Health Victoria has compiled this list.

Beyond Blue, Lifeline and Black Dog Institute also have dedicated webpages with resources to help you manage your mental health and wellbeing. For in-language mental health resources and information, please visit Embrace Multicultural Mental Health.

Family violence

We know that home may not be the safest place for everyone right now. If you or someone you know is experiencing or at risk of family violence, there are specialist support services available, including:

1800RESPECT Counselling Line 24/7 confidential help and referral for sexual assault and family violence. p: 1800 737 732

Safe steps 24/7 confidential counselling and support and state-wide access point for crisis accommodation. p: 1800 015 188

Orange Door North Eastern Region Free service for adults, children and young people experiencing or who have experienced family violence. Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. p: 1800 319 335

Djirra Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experiencing violence. p: 1800 105 303

InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence Specialist family violence service that works with women from migrant and refugee backgrounds, their families and communities. p: 1800 755 988

WRespect LGBTIQA+ specialist family violence support. p: 1800 542 847

Men’s Referral Service Phone counselling, information and referral service for men, their partners, family and friends. p: 1300 766 491

The Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria and Domestic Violence Victoria also have information on their websites to support those experiencing family violence, their family and friends, and professionals.

Financial resources

Many people are experiencing increased level of financial stress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For information on available financial supports, please visit:

Services Australia Coronavirus Supplement and If You Need Payment
The Treasury Jobkeeper Payment

If you would like to access financial counselling, please contact:

National Debt Hotline p: 1800 007 007 (9.30am-4.30pm, Monday-Friday)

For more information on financial supports and resources, WIRE has put together this list.

Legal resources

For information on legal issues related to COVID-19 please visit:

For employment related issues, you can also visit:

If you would like to speak to some directly, please contact:

Victoria Legal Aid p: 1300 792 387 (9am-5pm Mon–Fri)
Justice Connect p: 03 8636 4400 or apply online

Support for children

For information on how to support children and their families during this time, please visit:

Australian Catholic University (ACU) Safeguarding Children during COVID-19
Emerging Minds Supporting children during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

Disability Support

If you or someone you care for has an NDIS plan, please visit: https://www.ndis.gov.au/coronavirus

If you work in the disability sector, the Victorian Government has developed a COVID-19 plan for the sector.

Aged Care

The Victorian Government released updated advice and COVID-19 screening tools for residential aged care providers, available here. The updated resources include:

Partner activity

Community Health

Most services are still running, either face to face or via telehealth. For more information, please check each organisation’s website:

Local Council

Melbourne City Council
Moreland City Council
Mooney Valley City Council
MVCC Hardship scheme implemented offering a range of relief measures on rates, rents, fees and charges. A specialist customer service team trained and on deck to support community member queries and applications
Special COVID-19 edition of Valley View magazine arriving in 53,000 homes this week
Yarra City Council Coronavirus updates
Yarra City Council support package for local businesses and community

Women’s Health services

Women’s Health in the North COVID-19 Update from WHIN 22 April
Women’s Health West services and COVID-19

Housing & Homelessness Support

Launch Housing Providing phone services and drop-in service with limited capacity in waiting rooms. Service access points

VincentCare Remains open and providing limited face-to-face services. Available programs and service access points

St Mary’s House of Welcome Reduced opening hours 9.30am-1.30pm. Material aid and support information

Other resources

Technology support for organisations

Pulse IT Magazine has compiled this list of technological resources available to medical practices, allied health practices, pharmacies, hospitals, aged and community care during the COVID-19 pandemic. For technology resources available to not-for-profits visit Connecting Up

Services responding to women experiencing violence

AWAVA has compiled a comprehensive list of resources
AIFS Coronavirus response: Resources for families
Safe & Together™ Institute COVID-19 Quick Guide (includes a checklist to help with danger assessments)
Centre for Social Impact Covid-19 factsheets: Homelessness, Loneliness & Social Connection, People with a Disability, Digital Inclusion
GEN VIC’s COVID-19 eBulletin: Gender, Disaster and Resilience
TasCoss COVID-19 Preparation and Advice
The Lookout: COVID-19 and Family Violence FAQs
Co-parenting in the time of coronavirus: if you and your ex don’t agree, what are your rights?
On Guard COVID-19 newsletter from the Australian Human Rights Institute
Disaster Recovery, Planning and Management for Women, their Families, and their Communities in all their Diversity: Joint Position Paper of the National Women’s Alliances March 2020
Asian Network of Women’s Shelters (GNWS) weekly coronavirus webinars and resources for shelters and GBV prevention programs

Self-care tip sheets

Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV) has developed the following easy-to-read free tip sheets to help you manage any individual or family challenges you may be facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic: