Council has joined Port Stephens Hunter Police in distributing COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) to community groups and organisations across Port Stephens.
Deputy Mayor Paul Le Mottee joined NSW Police Inspectors Chad Giles and Rob Post at Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) late last week to deliver 6000 face masks, 48 bottles of sanitiser and 200 packets of cleaning wipes. Council has also provided face mask recycling bins.
Deputy Mayor Le Mottee said the initiative supports the Local Emergency Management Committee's (LEMC) response to the pandemic.
"These organisations are on the frontline and are doing amazing work – this PPE will better enable them to support the community in this tough time.
"In addition to the Karuah LALC, we're providing equipment to youth and family services, surf lifesaving clubs and other Aboriginal services," Deputy Mayor Le Mottee said.
Port Stephens Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON) Inspector Daniel Skelly said the PPE will help some of our community's most vulnerable.
"Providing this essential equipment will ensure some of our community's most vital organisations can continue to operate safely. Many of these groups are working harder now than ever, and this is when they need our support the most.
"It's great we're able to work together with Port Stephens Council and the entire LEMC to protect these organisations," Inspector Skelly said.
Bulk PPE is being made available thanks to Resilience NSW and Healthshare, who provide the items to NSW Councils to equip community organisations to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Karuah LALC Chief Executive Officer Dave Kernick said access to PPE was critical to minimising the spread of COVID-19 in the Karuah Mission.
"We're very grateful for the support of the LEMC and to access these supplies, which we'll distribute throughout our community. Many of our people require family, community and medical services now more than ever.
"I want to extend my sincerest thanks to Council, Police and the whole LEMC for supporting us to help our community at this challenging time," Mr Kernick said.
