Brimbank Council's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response & Recovery Strategy seeks to complement the existing State and Federal Government support measures, and help local communities, businesses, and cultural and sporting groups through the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The whole-of-Council strategy targets five key Response Pillars during the health crisis and one of those pillars is Communications, Engagement and Advocacy Response, and includes:
- Refreshed COVID-19 community information, resources and materials, with strong focus on reaching our Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities
- Engagement with Brimbank based community services to provide local mapping of service demands, and support across health, wellbeing and social services
- Development of Social Wellbeing and Connection Resources for our most vulnerable
- Conducting the local community leadership program via ZOOM
- Realigning future Community Grants to a 'Brimbank Recovery' Grant Program
- Engaging with Federal and State Government around integrated health, wellbeing, economic and stimulus partnerships to COVID-19
- Supporting the Municipal Association of Victoria's advocacy for the State Government to defer Council budgets, and allow Councils to conduct Meetings through innovative methods.
Brimbank Mayor, Cr Georgina Papafotiou said keeping our community safe and healthy, and informed of the latest developments remains our priority, particularly as we roll-out a response and recovery strategy.
'We have put several measures in place to help limit the impact of the health crisis on our most vulnerable residents, families, businesses, and cultural groups, artistic and sporting groups across the municipality.
'This includes delivering innovative community campaigns, resources, and online tools and packages that will reach our communities and connect all ratepayers, businesses and community groups around COVID-19 support.
'Council will engage with Federal and State governments around an integrated approach for COVID-19 strategies, including a 'business, job and financial hardship partnership' and 'health and wellbeing partnership' with all levels of government.
'We are also calling on any government stimulus and recovery packages, to support vital projects including Melbourne Airport Rail, St Albans Health and Wellbeing Hub, and the Home of the Matildas.
'Council is seeking a coordinated regional wide approach by engaging with councils, health networks, family violence, aboriginal, multicultural and other social service providers – to understand the broader work taking place.
'We know this challenging time has brought uncertainty and stress to our way of life. I want to reassure everyone that Council is doing everything possible to ease the pressure and keep our residents, businesses and communities up-to-date on the support and relief measures available to them,' Cr Papafotiou said.
For more details visit www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/COVID19ResponseStrategy.
