Coronavirus community information
Following the state government’s decision to reintroduce Stage 3 restrictions, Council is amending services in line with government advice.
From 11.59pm on Wednesday 8 July until 19 August, Council has altered the following services to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of the Hobsons Bay community and Council staff.
Customer Service
The Hobsons Bay Civic Centre customer service front counter has again closed to face to face transactions. However, you may still contact customer service from 8am to 5pm by phone on 1300 179 944 or by emailing customerservice@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au. A live chat function is also available through Council’s website.
Hobsons Bay Libraries
All branches of Hobsons Bay Libraries are closed to the public Hobsons Bay Libraries will continue to provide a range of alternatives for accessing collections, services and programs from home. Residents are encouraged to sign up for library membership and to arrange library collections to be delivered at no cost through the ‘Book a Book’ library home delivery service. In response to the State Government extension of Victorian school holidays, additional school holiday programs have been scheduled to entertain families while they remain at home next week. Activities include a live Pop-up Tales storytime, Family Book Club, Wit Kids drama class, and an art class with Little Art Big Art. Craft packs are also available. Visit the library website at https://libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ to join and for access to an extensive range of eCollections and to check out the upcoming range of online events and programs you can enjoy from home. Phone 1300 462 542 for enquiries.
Council managed community centres
Newport Community Hub, Laverton Community Hub and Seabrook Community Centres will remain closed to the public, except for essential public support services. A range of programs and activities continue to be available from home virtually, including free Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, line dancing and craft classes.
For enquiries, phone:
Newport Community Hub: 9932 1234
Laverton Community Hub: 9932 3011
Seabrook Community Centre: 9932 3010
Community events and consultations
All Council delivered public events and in person community consultation sessions that were scheduled to take place during the next six weeks, until 19 August, have been cancelled. The community can still provide feedback on any current projects currently out for public consultation by visiting Participate Hobsons Bay at http://participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
Community services
A range of Council services continue as normal and some with various changes. Immunisations will continue to be delivered, as will delivered meals.
A ‘Community Connector’ program offering one-to-one assistance will also be introduced to link people who are isolated or need additional support with local networks and agencies that can help with practical needs and social activities. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please email communityconnector@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
Maternal and Child Health (MCH) will continue to have services delivered but this will be remotely via phone and video, with limited face to face appointments taking place for babies up to two months of age. All New Parent groups will be delivered online only until further advise.
Intake and assessment services for older residents will continue to be delivered via skype or phone with limited face to face appointments as required.
Hobsons Bay UP (Youth Services) will continue its youth counselling by skype or phone but will not proceed with face to face support services until further notice.
Planned Activity Group (PAG), Community Transport and Overnight Respite for older residents and residents with a disability will continue to be suspended until further notice, however the team will continue to closely monitor and support our clients with regular phone contact and activity packs.
Kindergartens, supported by Preschool Field Officers, will return to on-site learning at the start of Term 3 on 13 July (subject to further announcements). Face to face Playgroups and Occasional Care will be suspended until further notice.
Sport and recreation
Training and competition for community sport will again be benched. Altona Sports Centre, Altona Badminton Centre, Bayfit Leisure Centre, Laverton Swim and Fitness Centre and South Pacific Health Club will all be closed.
Local boat ramps will remain open as fishing is a permitted activity with members of your family or one other person while social distancing. Beaches will remain open for exercise but social distancing must be maintained and gathering in groups avoided. The volleyball nets at Altona Beach will be temporarily removed.
Open space
Playgrounds and outdoor exercise equipment will be closed with barriers and signage installed. Parks and open spaces will continue to be maintained.
The community can visit Hobsons Bay’s open spaces for exercise, provided physical distancing requirements are adhered to. Group exercise will be restricted to members of the same household or with one other person from another household.
Businesses
Restaurants and cafes have returned to takeaway and delivery services only. Please support your local suppliers as much as practical over this time. Hairdressers and barbers remain open, some personal services including beauty salons are closed. For up to date business and professional services details, visit www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
Community support
To continue to support the community through this unprecedented time, Council has proposed a $3 million Community Support Package in its Proposed Annual Budget 2020-21, currently out for public feedback. The package includes $943,000 for community recovery and almost $2 million for business and economic recovery. Visit http://participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/2020-21-budget for more information.
For details on how to reduce your risk, what to do if you are experiencing symptoms, testing locations and the latest information and advice, visit the relevant Victorian Government website at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus For more on Council’s services and a list of FAQs, visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/coronavirus