COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan 2020 (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
COVID-19
Community Relief and Recovery Plan
2020
(Endorsed 9 July 2020)
Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
Contents
Background: ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Impacts of Pandemics: ............................................................................................................................ 4
Current Situation:.................................................................................................................................... 5
Purpose and Scope: ................................................................................................................................ 6
Acknowledgement of Partners: .............................................................................................................. 8
Review and Evaluation: ........................................................................................................................... 9
What is Relief and Recovery? ............................................................................................................... 10
Emergency Management structures: ................................................................................................... 11
State Control Centre: ........................................................................................................................ 11
Regional Emergency Management Team: ........................................................................................ 11
Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee: .............................................................. 11
Council Recovery Team: .................................................................................................................... 11
Gannawarra Community Resilience Committee:.............................................................................. 11
Community Relief and Recovery Action Plan: ...................................................................................... 13
APPENDIX 1: COMMUNITY RELIEF AND RECOVERY ACTION PLAN....................................................... 14
1. Pandemic Recovery Support and Service Coordination ................................................................... 14
2. Social and People Recovery .............................................................................................................. 17
3. Economic and Business Relief and Recovery .................................................................................... 28
4. Built Environment Recovery ............................................................................................................. 32
5. Natural Environment Recovery ......................................................................................................... 33
APPENDIX 2: COMMUNITY RESILIENCE GRANTS PROGRAM ................................................................ 34
APPENDIX 3: COMMUNICATION PLAN ................................................................................................. 38
2Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
Background:
A global pandemic caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (now known as COVID-19) was declared by
the World Health Organisation on 11 March 2020. The Australian Government’s Pandemic Plan was
activated on 28 February and the Victorian Government declared a State of Emergency on 16 March
2020. A State Control Centre has been operating since that time.
Under the Emergency Management Manual Victoria (EMMV), the Department of Health and Human
Services is the Control agency for human disease.
The responsibilities for protecting human health in a pandemic is shared between state and local
governments, health and community service providers and emergency management agencies.
Council’s legislated responsibilities to protect public health in emergencies sits within the Local
Government Act 2020, Emergency Management Act 1986, the Emergency Management Act 2013 and
the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.
There are four stages of pandemic planning:
Stage 1 Before (Planning) – provide information and advice to key stakeholders to reduce the impact
of a pandemic emergency
Stage 2 Before (Activation) – alert, readiness and activate pandemic management plan
Stage 3 During (Response) – assist with preventing transmission, implement control measures, social
distancing, work closures etc
Mass vaccination
Maintain essential services
Business continuity
Relief
Stage 4 After (Recovery) – support community and recovery
In relation to Relief and Recovery, Council is responsible for coordinating relief requirements to
individuals impacted by an emergency and providing longer-term recovery assistance to the
community.
Prior to the pandemic, the Gannawarra Community Resilience Committee was supporting the
response to ongoing dry conditions and drought impacting on local farming families, businesses, and
the wider community.
With the drought persisting, this formal sub-committee of Council’s Municipal Emergency
Management Planning Committee will continue to play a critical role in the longer-term recovery from
the COVID-19 pandemic by also assuming the role of Council’s Community Recovery Committee.
The committee has been expanded to consider the broader implications of the pandemic on the
Gannawarra community across the four recovery environments of Social & People, Economic, Built
and Natural.
3Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
Impacts of Pandemics:
The main impacts of a pandemic on the four key environments of Social and People, Economic, Built
and Natural, as documented in the Gannawarra Pandemic Plan, include:
Increased levels of uncertainty, fear, and anxiety
Breakdown in community support mechanisms through isolation in homes
Increased numbers of vulnerable people either through direct health impacts or indirect impacts
such as poorer mental health, increased family violence, increased alcohol consumption, and
other vulnerabilities
High workforce absenteeism, either through direct health impacts or indirect such as school and
childcare closures or through fear or other vulnerabilities
Widespread economic disruption through business closures, part closures and/or unemployment,
along with reduction in tourism and associated decline in local and visitor spend
Built environment impacts to other essential services such as schools, hospitals, emergency
services and commercial and retail businesses
Reduced liveability
To date, all the above impacts have occurred and continue to occur across Victoria and Australia as
government interventions continue to be aimed at reducing and slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Furthermore, these interventions are aimed at supporting the ability of health services to effectively
respond by “flattening the curve” of COVID-19 cases and to prevent deaths.
In addition to the above documented impacts, the following impacts have been observed during the
COVID-19 Pandemic:
Increased divide for those that use technology and have reliable internet access compared to
those that do not, particularly the elderly and outlying rural residents
Multiple and compounding health impacts, including exacerbated chronic disease and poorer
management by less attendance at GPs and health services
Poorer nutrition outcomes being directly aligned to lower socio-economic status
Unprecedented unemployment levels, particularly for casual workforce with young people
particularly vulnerable
Significant disadvantage for those undertaking further education away from rural areas, again
young people are particularly vulnerable
Council’s external services such as community care, children services, libraries and swimming pools
have been reduced or closed proportionately to the level of response required to protect vulnerable
clients, community members more broadly, volunteers and council staff. These service reductions or
closures have either been decisions of the organisation or forced closures through government
directives.
Council services impacted include the closures of libraries, swimming pools, visitor information
services, face to face customer service and closures and booking cancellations for public indoor and
outdoor facilities. The closures or part-closures have also affected local businesses that Council
regulates such as food premises (cafes, hotels, clubs, restaurants), health premises (beauty therapists,
tattooists, accommodation), and caravan parks (including camping grounds).
4Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
Current Situation:
In response to the pandemic, actions were taken by the Commonwealth and State governments to
enforce restrictions and bans to reduce exposure to the COVID-19 virus and stop its spread to the
wider population.
These restrictions were implemented swiftly. The Gannawarra community has to varying levels
experienced social, emotional, physical and economic upheaval as a result of the COVID-19
pandemic.
The number of COVID-19 related deaths across Australia has remained relatively low. There have been
21 deaths in Victoria and 105 across Australia. There have been two confirmed cases in the
Gannawarra Shire, both of which are now listed as having recovered (figures current as of 6 July 2020).
Stage 3 restrictions were in place across Victoria through to 12 May 2020. On 22 June 2020 restrictions
eased and some additional business activity resumed. The State of Emergency in Victoria has been
extended and a return to pre-pandemic life is some months away.
Efforts to end the COVID-19 pandemic through a mass vaccination program is not possible with no
identified vaccine available. It is unknown at this stage when or if a COVID-19 vaccine may be
developed.
During times of adversity, rural communities have enormous capacity to increase in strength and work
closely together to protect one another and the community from outside influences and impacts.
Our Gannawarra communities are resilient and strong. History has shown that they have a
demonstrated capacity to work in collaboration to protect one and other and the community both
during and in recovering from adverse events. Research indicates that there is a strong link between
the strength of the community (social capital) and its ability to manage and respond to change.
The Gannawarra Shire is in Northern Victoria and has an estimated population of 10,472 (as of 30 June
2019). The northern part of the municipality is bordered by the Murray River. Kerang, Cohuna, and
Koondrook are the larger townships in the shire with Leitchville, Quambatook, Murrabit, Lake Charm,
Lalbert, Macorna, and Mystic Park making up smaller townships and districts in the shire.
Despite significant challenges of rural living with increasing uncertainty surrounding varying
agricultural industries and the flow on impacts of this locally as well as cyclic episodes of droughts and
floods and now the pandemic, the Gannawarra community has good reason to have optimism for the
future.
Communities within the Gannawarra are strong and connected. They are vibrant and enterprising and
display high levels of community spirit. Gannawarra communities have a history of volunteering which
adds to important social capital.
Support and encouragement of existing community programs and working in partnership with
communities to develop new opportunities are therefore major priorities of this COVID-19 Community
Relief and Recovery Plan.
5Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
Purpose and Scope:
This Gannawarra Shire Council COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan is overarched by the
Gannawarra Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) and Gannawarra Influenza Pandemic
Plan. This plan also supports the implementation of the Victorian State Relief Plan for COVID–19.
The purpose of the Gannawarra COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan is to provide local
level guidance to community relief and recovery planning related to the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020.
It sets in place a framework for working in partnership with a range of other government, service and
community organisations to ensure that longer-term recovery is prioritised so that the community can
return to some level of functionality when the pandemic is over and it is safe to do so.
Local government takes the lead in delivering ‘on the ground’ relief and recovery services. While many
impacts from an emergency will be visible, there are far reaching psychological, health and economic
consequences to the community that must be addressed that are not as easily identified.
The Gannawarra Shire Council COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan has been developed to
guide the following:
1. Pandemic Recovery Support and Service Coordination:
Supporting coordination of agencies, resource planning, and implementation of relief and
recovery services
Engaging communities in decision making
Providing a framework for information sharing and communication
2. Social and People Recovery:
Maintaining social links within communities
Promoting social inclusion and equity
Promoting healthy communities and improved mental health and wellbeing
Improving local food systems to reduce food insecurity
Implementing initiatives that support families, children, and young people
Supporting initiatives that lead to safer and more resilient communities
3. Economic and Business Relief and Recovery:
Facilitating assistance with the range of Commonwealth and State Government support
services
Developing assistance packages for Council’s leasehold tenants
Implementing a range of business development programs aimed at filling vacant premises
Advocating for funding to support projects that support job growth and creation
Undertaking marketing programs to support business recovery
Facilitating a range of skills training for the business community
Maintaining strong connections with business leaders in the community
Restoring and building local economies including commercial, retail, tourism, and events
Attracting visitors and new residents when it is safe to do so
4. Built Environment Recovery:
Advocating for government funding to support infrastructure development that supports
commercial, social and liveability activities
Advocating for government funding to support infrastructure development that supports job
growth and creation
6Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
5. Natural Environment Recovery
Advocating for government funding to support cost savings and ongoing landscape
improvements and improved financial viability through environmental initiatives
This COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan is based on the current knowledge of impacts and
potential impacts.
The document will be constantly reviewed as the situation changes and to ensure it remains relevant
to community need.
7Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
Acknowledgement of Partners:
Gannawarra Shire Council acknowledges the following agencies for their involvement in the
development of this Gannawarra COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan:
Northern District Community Health Cohuna District Hospital
Rural Financial Counselling Service Kerang District Health
Victorian Council of Churches Victoria Police
Red Cross Mallee District Aboriginal Service
Department of Health and Human Services Mallee Family Care
Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions Kerang, Cohuna and Quambatook
Department of Environment, Land, Water Neighbourhood Houses
and Planning North Central Catchment Management
Agriculture Victoria Authority
Murray Dairy Southern Mallee Primary Care Partnership
Country Fire Authority Victorian Farmer’s Federation
Victoria State Emergency Service National Centre for Farmer’s Health
Goulburn Murray Water Rural Women’s Network
Regional Arts Victoria Rural Aid
Regional Development Victoria National Drought and North Queensland
Flood Recovery and Response Agency
8Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
Review and Evaluation:
This Gannawarra COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan is place-based, and outcome driven.
The philosophy is to work with the community, report back to the community and to celebrate
achievements.
The Plan will therefore remain flexible to changing opportunities and the needs of the community as
they arise.
A review of the Plan will be a standing agenda item at each meeting of the Gannawarra Community
Resilience Committee.
The Plan will be evaluated in June 2021. The evaluation will identify the strengths and weaknesses of
the local operational response to the needs of the community.
The Plan will be evaluated by asking the questions – What worked? What did not work? What do we
need to change or adapt for the Plan to work better?
Outcomes will be collected and collated and based on community uptake, participant numbers,
partnerships, link to photos, and record any identified barriers to participation or achievement of
actions.
Outcomes and evaluation will be openly shared between agencies.
Understanding and documenting the role the Gannawarra Community Resilience Committee played
in the overall recovery process implemented for the 2020 pandemic is a key factor in learning from,
and improving, the municipalities’ capacity to respond to and recover from an event. It provides
Council with a strategic tool to review and assess the Committee’s performance in planning,
responding to and recovering from these incidents, as well as providing a critical resource bank of
information, such as key learnings, and challenges.
Recommendations detailed in the evaluation will assist in planning and preparedness arrangements
for future emergency incidents to ensure the organisation fosters continuous improvement through
its experiences and lessons learnt for the communities within the Gannawarra Shire.
9Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
What is Relief and Recovery?
Due to the length of the emergency incident and the direct impact across all of Victoria, response,
relief, and recovery are occurring simultaneously over an extended period.
The State Emergency Relief Plan for COVID-19 defines emergency relief as the provision of ‘relief at
place’ to meet essential needs of individuals who are subject to mandatory quarantine and who are
unable to rely on their social networks for support.
Broader established relief referred to as ‘relief in community’ is the delivery of relief to meet the
ongoing needs of individuals who have previously been or who have become newly vulnerable due to
isolation or economic hardship.
In an emergency management context, the Department of Health and Human Services is the lead
agency for relief across Victoria.
Under version 4 of the State Relief Plan Council has increased responsibilities for the delivery of relief
to community members.
Any requests for relief received by the State Control Centre via the COVID-19 state-wide hotline will
be disseminated to local government authorities for follow up. The Municipal Recovery Manager at
Gannawarra Shire Council will receive and action any referrals as well as complete weekly reporting
and any relevant escalation in accordance with the State Relief Plan.
While relief is providing for immediate needs, recovery is the return of individuals and communities
to a normal level of functioning. Recovery refers to those programs that assist affected people to
rebuild their homes, lives, and services and to strengthen their capacity to cope with future disasters.
Recovery services support emergency-affected persons in the reconstruction of the physical
infrastructure and restoration of emotional, social, economic, and physical wellbeing.
Recovery planning is a partnership between the affected community, the broader community,
governments, non-government agencies and the private sector. In an emergency management
context, the Department of Health and Human Services is the lead agency for recovery across Victoria.
Council will work closely with the Department of Health and Human Services to provide recovery
coordination at a local level, accurate and timely information to the community and represent the
views and opinions of the local community to regional, state and commonwealth organisations.
This Gannawarra COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan has been formulated under the
direction of the Gannawarra Municipal Emergency Management Plan. Recovery arrangements are in
accordance with Part 6 – Recovery Arrangements, of the Gannawarra Municipal Emergency
Management Plan.
10Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
Emergency Management structures:
A pandemic constitutes a Class 2 emergency under the Emergency Management Manual Victoria.
A State of Emergency has been in place in Victoria since 16 March 2020.
The diagram below outlines the Emergency Management structures in place.
These structures will support the implementation of this Gannawarra COVID-19 Community Relief and
Recovery Plan.
State Control Centre:
The State Control Centre is managing the incident at a state level and under emergency management
arrangements the Department of Health and Human Services is the Control agency.
Regional Emergency Management Team:
The Regional Emergency Management Team (REMT) is meeting at a regional level and being led by a
Regional Controller (Country Fire Authority) in partnership with a Regional Emergency Response
Coordinator (Victoria Police), Department of Health and Human Services and Health Controller
(Ambulance Victoria). Weekly meetings provide a situation update for the Loddon Mallee Region and
provide up to date information and escalation to the State Control Centre. Council is represented on
the Regional Emergency Management Team (REMT). A Loddon Mallee Regional Relief Meeting is also
being held weekly to focus on food, material relief as well as recovery processes at a state and local
government levels. The Department of Health and Human Services is coordinating the Regional Relief
meetings.
Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee:
All emergency management services are represented on the Municipal Emergency Management
Planning Committee (MEMPC) and are charged with the overall emergency management planning for
Gannawarra Shire. The MEMPC last met in July 2020.
Council Recovery Team:
Council’s internal recovery team includes Director Community Wellbeing, Manager of Governance,
Manager Community Health, Manager Community Engagement, Manager Economic Development,
and Manager Human Resources. This cross functional team will ensure that both the Business
Continuity Plan and Relief and Recovery Plans are developed, implemented, and reviewed.
Gannawarra Community Resilience Committee:
The Gannawarra Community Resilience Committee will act as Council’s Community Recovery
Committee. The committee was reconvened in late 2018 in response to ongoing dry conditions and
then drought. The Gannawarra Committee Resilience Committee has membership representation
from across emergency management, state government, health, and community services as well as
relevant philanthropic organisations and not for profits. The Committee’s Terms of Reference have
been reviewed to consider the impacts and recovery activities of COVID-19 and incorporate new
membership to support the economic and business recovery efforts critical in response to COVID -19.
11Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
State Control Centre (DHHS)
Regional Emergency Management Team (DHHS)
Municipal Emergency Management Committee (GSC)
Council Recovery Team (GSC)
Gannawarra Community Resilience Committee (GSC)
Community Recovery Business Recovery Health Recovery
12Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
Community Relief and Recovery Action Plan:
A Community Relief and Recovery Action Plan has been included as Appendix 1. This plan provides a framework for the coordination of relief and recovery planning across the
municipality.
The implementation of this Community Relief and Recovery Action Plan will be overseen by the Gannawarra Community Resilience Committee.
Recovery Coordination has been divided across the four key Recovery environments: Social & People, Economic, Built and Natural.
Social &
Economic Built Natural
People
Implementation of the Community Relief and Recovery Action Plan will require external resources to ensure its effectiveness. Resources will be required to financially support
actions included in the Community Relief and Recovery Action Plan and for human resources to support the management, coordination, and implementation of these actions
across Gannawarra communities. Advocacy from Council and the Gannawarra Community Resilience Committee will be paramount to ensure localised investment can be directed
to key initiatives outlined in the Action Plan.
Council continues to advocate for financial support to establish a coordination role to drive the implementation of the Action Plan, with a secondary role in community engagement
also sought to build relationships with community groups and small businesses throughout the Gannawarra Shire
significantly affected by the pandemic.
In addition to the four key recovery environments, the Community Relief and Recovery Action Plan for Gannawarra Shire
also outlines actions required to support pandemic recovery and service coordination. This will ensure support for the
partnership approach in delivering this Relief and Recovery Action Plan as well as identifying action areas where advocacy
is required to support the Gannawarra community.
13Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
APPENDIX 1: COMMUNITY RELIEF AND RECOVERY ACTION PLAN
1. Pandemic Recovery Support and Service Coordination
Priority Action Action Progress Potential Timeline Resources/Comments/Outcomes
No. Partnerships
Complete Planning Not
Underway Commenced
Support coordination of 001 Activate and support the Gannawarra GSC June 2020 Information sharing /partnership building
agencies, resource planning, Recovery Committee Community Information flow through to Council and Regional Recovery
and implementation of Resilience Committee
relief and recovery services Committee Invite potential members to meetings
Identify and discuss resource and recovery issues
Provide feedback to Council and state government agencies
Establish specialist sub-committees to focus on People/Social,
Economic, Built, Natural – discussed by committee 9/7
002 Develop a Gannawarra COVID-19 GSC Draft action plan developed
Community Relief and Recovery Plan Community Survey community and provide opportunity for input – two
providing the opportunity for the voice of Resilience surveys released 7/7 one for community members the other for
community into the plan Committee community groups/organisations. Responses by 7/8
Return the municipality to a normal level of functioning by
documenting recovery activities and putting in place an action
plan to meet the needs of the community in an appropriate and
timely manner
003 Seek funding to support Recovery support GSC 2020-2022 Officers employed
officers for a 2-year period to work with Effective management, coordination and implementation of
community to develop community driven actions contained within the Community Relief and Recovery
solutions that support community resilience Action Plan
into the future Application developed and outcome pending 9/7
004 Activate and support a GSC Ensure that affected residents and communities have access to
Gannawarra Recovery Centre information and resources to assist with recovery process.
A Virtual Recovery Centre has been established on Council’s
website. Review and expanded 1/7
005 Generate additional partnerships to explore GSC eg. Mallee Sports Assembly, Make a Change Australia, Sport and
long-term recovery opportunities Recreation Victoria, Small Business Victoria, Services Australia
etc
006 Identify at-risk groups or potential impacts GSC Emerging issues could include young people, community sports
clubs, mental health, family violence, alcohol consumption,
food security, volunteer organisations, homeless, indigenous,
older adults, seniors, casual workforce, and seasonal workers
14Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
1. Pandemic Recovery Support and Service Coordination
Priority Action Action Progress Potential Timeline Resources/Comments/Outcomes
No. Partnerships
Complete Planning Not
Underway Commenced
Support coordination of 007 Develop a structure to ensure referrals for GSC $50,000 DHHS Community Connector funding
agencies, resource planning, community support from DHHS for relief Develop Community Connector program with appropriate
and implementation of services are managed effectively referral pathways and a robust, welcoming, and inclusive
relief and recovery services community response
Funding agreement signed, working through details 9/7
008 Oversee the administration of Round 1-3 of GSC 15 Dec 2020 Support community-led projects and activity
the Gannawarra Community Resilience Report to Gannawarra Community Resilience Committee on
Action Plan progress and outcomes
Celebrate and promote success of funded projects
Round 3 awarded by committee 9/7
All project due for completion by 15 December 2020
Recipients listed in the Gannawarra COVID-19 Relief and
Recovery Action Plan (Appendix 2)
009 Advocate for funding to support a Round 4 GSC Further support community-led projects and activity which
of the Gannawarra Community Resilience support the implementation of key priorities contained within
Grants Program the Gannawarra COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Action Plan
010 Continue to support ongoing work as part of NDCH Group has been meeting weekly throughout pandemic
the established Gannawarra Health Services MDAS Partnerships
Partnership CDH Planning
KDH Consistent messaging
GSC Advocacy for improvement of service provision for rural
communities such as ongoing access to Telehealth and
Pathology
011 Continue to support a COVID-19 Screening NDCH Established 27 April 2020
and Assessment Clinic for Gannawarra MDAS Marketing and promotion
CDH Daily reporting of numbers attending
KDH Access to local service for testing
GSC Public health and safety
Prompt response to future positive cases detected
15Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
1. Pandemic Recovery Support and Service Coordination
Priority Action Action Progress Potential Timeline Resources/Comments/Outcomes
No. Partnerships
Complete Planning Not
Underway Commenced
Engagement of 012 Identify and prioritise community needs by GSC Include schools, neighbourhood houses, men’s sheds,
communities in decision establishing a two-way communication progress/development groups, sporting, volunteer groups,
making, information sharing framework with all Gannawarra churches, service clubs, youth groups, senior citizens,
and communication communities and ensure support reaches playgroups etc
those in greatest need
013 Ensure consistent messaging across GSC/ Ongoing Gannawarra Connect newsletter (funded by GSC) – produced
communities NDCH May, June, July/August 2020
Cross promote activities from other agencies
Access to support services
Increasing feeling of safety as restrictions ease
Looking out for neighbours
Develop a library of valuable webinars for community to
reference such as Mental Health, Rural Aid Community
Buildings, Business Victoria
NDCH to continue to lead, on behalf of the partners, a one
pager Health and Community Services update on various media
platforms to compliment the above themes (financial support
for this one pager is being sought from NDCH)
Gannawarra and North Loddon Services and Support one-pager
014 Offer financial support to community GSC Ongoing Place based approach to information sharing
newsletters Financial viability and sustainability of community-based
newsletters
Support for volunteers
015 Build confidence of communities by GSC Ongoing This is across all agencies and at community level – eg.
providing COVID-Safe environments and community gyms, program recommencement, health service
taking small steps to re-open slowly access, Council services like libraries and pools, community
services such as neighbourhood houses and men’s sheds, senior
citizen groups, playgroups, community events
Share guidelines and safety measures with wider community to
build confidence for community members to return to
participation
GSC to offer Environmental Health assistance and advice
Develop a checklist for re-opening community meetings,
activities, events etc.
16Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
2. Social and People Recovery
Priority Action Action Progress Potential Timeline Resources/Comments/Outcomes
No. Partnerships
Complete Planning Not
Underway Commenced
Maintain social links within 016 Night off the farm 2020 - coordinate and fund an NDCH Tactics for By 15 Dec $5,000 funding approved through Stage 1 Gannawarra Federal
communities and promote event or series of events that improve farmer Tough Times 2020 Government Drought Communities Programme
social inclusion and equity and community connectedness Regional Arts Funding paid to NDCH to implement
Victoria
017 Facilitate regular meetings between GSC, NDCH GSC Provide increased services, programs and placed based support
and neighbourhood houses to build NDCH via neighbourhood houses to individual communities
partnerships, ideas and sharing of resources DHHS Gannawarra has 3 neighbourhood houses – Kerang, Cohuna,
and Quambatook - funded by DHHS – have been meeting
weekly with GSC and NDCH throughout pandemic
Consider expanding neighbourhood house model to other small
towns where there is a community need
Facilitate mentoring/buddying with existing houses
018 Provide opportunities for increased services, NDCH Advocate for coordination support/funding to provide support
programs and placed based support that Men’s GSC for volunteer led sheds
Sheds can provide to individual communities DHHS Facilitate partnerships and sharing of resources
Increase long-term sustainability
Men’s Sheds Kerang, Cohuna, Quambatook, Leitchville,
Murrabit, Koondrook
019 Support access to physical activity for older GSC Explore ongoing sustainable partnerships with private fitness
adults by implementing the ‘Active at Any Age’ providers to boost economic activity and business viability
program Support social connection and health and wellbeing outcomes
for older adults
020 Encourage participation in physical activity for all GSC Develop strategy to support clubs to attract participants for
residents, particularly in team sports 2020-21 sporting seasons
17Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
2. Social and People Recovery
Priority Action Action Progress Potential Timeline Resources/Comments/Outcomes
No. Partnerships
Complete Planning Not
Underway Commenced
Maintain social links within 021 Continue the journey to Aboriginal and Torres GSC By 15 Dec $10,000 funding approved through Stage 1 Gannawarra Federal
communities and promote Strait Islander Reconciliation by identifying and NDCH 2020 Government Drought Communities Programme
social inclusion and equity implementing key aspects for Council’s Draft Kerang Elders
(Continued) Reconciliation Action Plan
022 Stimulate a future event based on lights and GSC By 15 Dec $20,000 funding approved through Stage 1 Gannawarra Federal
projection for Kerang through building capacity Kerang schools 2020 Government Drought Communities Programme
within community through two school-based Regional Arts Solar and sustainability theme
workshops and purchase of equipment Victoria Community engagement undertaken and workshops booked
Potential partnership with neighbourhood house?
Hidden Creatures Workshop booked for Kerang Primary School
6/10/20
Little Projector Company Workshop to be confirmed and
purchase of equipment to support
023 Stimulate the use the Arts as a Recovery and GSC Various Explore small creative projects such as storytelling,
Community Resilience tool and capture the story NDCH photography, art to capture the lived experience of COVID-19
of the lived experience of COVID-19 Regional Arts Develop Gannawarra Arts and Culture Strategy
Victoria Explore Arts Trail (included in GSC Budget)
ACRE project involvement by GSC
Continued implementation of Performing Arts Program for
Gannawarra in partnership with Creative Victoria/Regional Arts
Victoria
Social connectedness and mental health and wellbeing
outcomes for community
Connection to place and space to enhance sense of belonging
within communities
18Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
2. Social and People Recovery
Priority Action Action Progress Potential Timeline Resources/Comments/Outcomes
No. Partnerships
Complete Planning Not
Underway Commenced
Promote healthy 024 Continue to implement the Tactics for Tough NDCH Tactics December Seek to improve mental health and resilience at individual and
communities and improved Times Program for Tough Times 2020 community level
mental health and $100,000 DHHS funding to GSC through Drought (Mental
wellbeing Health) Support Package 2020/2021. Includes $30,000
Coordination (GSC), $50,000 Counselling (TBC), $20,000
Training and Events (TBC)
025 Support further implementation of the Five GLAM Ongoing A marketing package/portal of localised designs, merchandise
Ways to Wellbeing message across the and messages that can be used across Gannawarra
Gannawarra Shire GLAM to lead Five Ways to Wellbeing work
026 Mental Health First Aid Training NDCH By 15 Dec $2,000 funding approved through Stage 1 Gannawarra Federal
2020 Government Drought Communities Programme
Funding paid to NDCH to implement
027 Mentoring Farmers Program - activating rural NDCH Tactics 2020 and $150,000 estimate required
outreach in Gannawarra; employing farmers to for Tough Times beyond Advocate to State Government for support
support farmers through the tough times
028 Continue to support Agri Safe Clinic – NDCH By 15 Dec Additional $20,000 funding approved through Stage 1
evidence-based model developed by Deakin National Centre 2020 Gannawarra Federal Government Drought Communities
University. 90 minute health assessment and for Farmers Programme
screening clinic. Rural workforce and families Health Funding paid to NDCH to implement
focused Equipment purchased, program promoted, clinics commenced
pre-COVID-19
029 Farmer’s Boot Camp – eg 8-week program - NDCH By 15 $15,000 funding included in Stage 2 Gannawarra Federal
use either Active Farmers model or design GSC December Government Drought Communities Programme proposal
own model. Link with Agri Safe Clinic and 2020 Funding offered to NDCH to implement
private business that already conduct physical
activity programs for men
030 Men’s Health and Wellbeing events with GSC June 2021 Host 3 events in Gannawarra
Dr. Stephen Carroll NDCH Invite men from across Gannawarra Shire to participate
Barham $5,000 estimate required – GSC MERP Funding (TBC)
Community Arrangements were in place pre-COVID-19. Will be rescheduled
Health
19Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
2. Social and People Recovery
Priority Action Action Progress Potential Timeline Resources/Comments/Outcomes
No. Partnerships
Complete Planning Not
Underway Commenced
Promote healthy 031 Support women’s health and wellbeing events NDCH Women’s $5,000 FRRR Gardiner Foundation grant for workshop in
communities and improved Coincide with Women’s Health Week GSC Health Cohuna – partnership between Council, NDCH and Cohuna
mental health and Week runs District Hospital plus community representative. Timing – does
wellbeing from 7-11 not have to be in Women’s Health Week 2020
(Continued) September Women in the Warra – health promotion campaign Women’s
2020 Health Week 2020 $5,000 NDCH Community Resilience Grant
032 Pursue funding to continue to support the GSC Mental Health is one of the four identified priorities of the BLG
collective focus of the Buloke, Loddon and NDCH Health Needs Analysis Implementation Plan
Gannawarra Services Network, especially in KDH Support applications to FRRR and others
the priority area of Mental Health CDH
033 Mental Health Supports – Community NDCH Raise community awareness around supports for Counselling,
Awareness including Alcohol and other Drug, generalist Psychological
Treatment Services, Youth and Clinical Care coordination are
also available via telehealth, health direct and ZOOM, and for
critical needs, face to face appointments
Promote to agencies the various platforms to receive care such
as the Southern Mallee PCP Mental Health and Related Services
(Entry & Eligibility Criteria) Resource – Gannawarra
Wellbeing Matters to us all in Gannawarra poster
20Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
2. Social and People Recovery
Priority Action Action Progress Potential Timeline Resources/Comments/Outcomes
No. Partnerships
Complete Planning Not
Underway Commenced
Improve local food systems 034 Develop a Gannawarra Healthy Food and Drink GSC Increase partnership capacity for assessing and changing local
to improve access to Policy Action Plan to encourage healthy Links to GLAM food systems
healthy food and reduce change Achievement Include internal support for capacity building at organisation
food insecurity Program level (People and Culture training)
Nutrition Increase access to drinking water fountains
Australia Assess and improve nutritional content of food donations
Healthy Eating Increase access to healthier options in food services
Advisory
Service
035 Ensure that every community has access to a GSC Ongoing Community gardens located at Leitchville, Murrabit, Lake
high-quality community ‘food’ garden to Links to GLAM Charm, Kerang.
support mental health, social connectedness NDCH Kerang Primary School, Koondrook Primary School, Murrabit
and access to free and fresh fruit and KDH Group School have formal Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden
vegetables programs operating
Leitchville, Lake Charm, St. Josephs and Kerang Christian have
food gardens within the school grounds
All in varying condition - need to be assessed and supported
Cohuna Neighbourhood House funded to develop Stage 1 of an
All Abilities Community Garden through the Council’s Annual
Community Grants Program 2020
036 Map Food Security options across Gannawarra GLAM Ongoing Develop an information sheet that can be distributed so that
Shire including access to Emergency Food the community is aware of local food security options –
Relief, Community Edible Gardens, Community Gannawarra & North Loddon Services and Supports one pager
kitchen programs, and Social Meals and distributed July 2020
disseminate information to community and St. Vinnies, Kerang
support agencies Kerang and District Community Centre
Cohuna Neighbourhood House
Mallee District Aboriginal Service
Gannawarra Shire Council Social Meals and Meals on Wheels
Lake Charm Cooking up a Storm Program
Support for Men’s Cooking Program, Cohuna District Hospital
Men and Women’s Breakfasts Cohuna –Anglican Church
NDCH to use School Newsletter inserts to provide information
to 15 local schools
21Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
2. Social and People Recovery
Priority Action Action Progress Potential Timeline Resources/Comments/Outcomes
No. Partnerships
Complete Planning Not
Underway Commenced
Improve local food systems 037 Increase community engagement and GSC Ongoing Suggested activity for applications in the Community Resilience
to improve access to healthy activities based around edible community Links to GLAM Grants Program
food and reduce food gardens Plan Seek a program that can be run across all community and
insecurity (Continued) NDCH school gardens such as Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden
KDH Program Local Government membership
Focus on sustainability, cooking programs, low cost recipes,
breakfast programs as well as future initiatives needed to
improve food security
Explore partnership opportunities with Community Gardens
Australia
038 Network and develop partnerships around Ongoing Explore Food Alliance examples running in other communities
local food systems and stimulate a grow and Encourage and support community-led model
share model Links to business opportunities, food markets and social
enterprises, showcasing Gannawarra produce/agriculture
22Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
2. Social and People Recovery
Priority Action Action Progress Potential Timeline Resources/Comments/Outcomes
No. Partnerships
Complete Planning Not
Underway Commenced
Implement initiatives that 039 Support participation and expansion of local NDCH By 15 Dec $5,000 funding approved through Stage 1 Gannawarra Federal
better support families, indigenous youth program Twipen Kwi. Tyipen Regional Arts 2020 Government Drought Communities Programme
children, and young people Kwi is an NDCH program that aims to engage Victoria Funding paid to NDCH to implement
indigenous school aged children with their
heritage and culture
040 Support participation and expansion of local NDCH
Indigenous playgroup Kethawil Pemenguuk.
This is an NDCH program that aims to increase
school readiness and the capacity of families
to support and engage indigenous school aged
children with their heritage and culture
041 Support Youth Wellbeing NDCH Develop and distribute a one pager for young people about
supports in their school, community and online, distribute
through secondary school platforms. Seek feedback from young
people prior to and during development to ensure relevance.
042 Wellbeing in Schools - Develop and implement NDCH Tactics Seek funding to deliver a Youth Wellbeing Program using the 5
an in schools’ program on wellbeing and for Tough ways to wellbeing. Including a mindfulness and skill
mindfulness Times development and training the trainer model to increase
resilience capacity across the community and education sector
$65,000 estimate required
Advocate to State Government for support train the trainer
model
043 Distribute Gannawarra Giving Account funds NDCH By 15 Dec Gannawarra Giving Account –balance at 8 May – $6,284.00
GSC 2020 Additional $10,000 funding approved through Stage 1
RFCS Gannawarra Federal Government Drought Communities
Programme to provide support to Vulnerable Children – this
however cannot be added to the Gannawarra Giving Account as
programme funding excludes benefits to individuals
Eligible activities include new programs such as school
excursions, camps, junior sporting group bus trips and other
community activities that support children
Funding paid to NDCH to implement
23Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
2. Social and People Recovery
Priority Action Action Progress Potential Timeline Resources/Comments/Outcomes
No. Partnerships
Complete Planning Not
Underway Commenced
Implement initiatives that 044 Youth Activation Events – provide events for NDCH By 15 Dec $10,000 funding approved through Stage 1 Gannawarra Federal
better support families, young people eg. pool parties, movie nights, GSC 2020 Government Drought Communities Programme plus $3,000 to
children, and young people social events, and competitions YouthWorks support Youth Leadership Forum
(Continued) Regional Arts Funding paid to NDCH to implement
Victoria
045 Support Cohuna Youth Space NDCH December $1,000 funding support provided through GSC Resilience Grant
GSC 2020 for 2020
Funding paid to NDCH to implement
046 Big Family Day Out – to run an event or series NDCH By 15 Dec $15,000 funding included in Stage 2 Gannawarra Federal
of events aimed at bringing the whole Regional Arts 2020 Government Drought Communities Programme proposal
community together in a family friendly Victoria Funding offered to NDCH to implement
environment
047 Fishing competitions and Kayak events – NDCH By 15 Dec $5,000 funding included in Stage 2 Gannawarra Federal
coordination of events that provide small GSC 2020 Government Drought Communities Programme proposal
communities with a tourism and economic Funding offered to NDCH to implement
boost, promote tourism and environmental
assets, and raise funds for community
organisations
048 Provide an opportunity for young people to GSC Strengthen role of young people and involving them as catalysts
have a voice in decision making, encourage NDCH for change in their community
community leadership, volunteering and Resource to support youth development and leadership
entrepreneurship training and development Develop new Gannawarra Youth Strategy
including support to establish their own Establish a Youth Advisory Group
businesses in Gannawarra and determine their Encourage and foster partnership approach to support local
own future. young people
Strengthen actions around youth engagement and support
particularly around skate park precincts across Gannawarra
Shire, including Skate Park redevelopment and enhanced
community safety measures
Link to economic outcomes
049 Better utilise MyWarra as a virtual youth space GSC Engage local young people in MyWarra
for local young people NDCH Further investigate other platforms to engage local young
people
24Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
2. Social and People Recovery
Priority Action Action Progress Potential Timeline Resources/Comments/Outcomes
No. Partnerships
Complete Planning Not
Underway Commenced
Implement initiatives that 050 Support vulnerable families and children Mallee Family Homeless emergency accommodation response team including
better support families, experiencing ongoing disadvantage caused by Care access to funding to place clients in temporary hotel
children, and young people COVID-19 accommodation to ensure tailored exit pathways.
(Continued) Mental Health support
Family Services
Family Relationship services
Financial Counselling and Legal Support
051 Further develop the In-Home Education GSC New program to support vulnerable children in homes with
Support Service to support vulnerable children access to technology and support for learning at home
$121,000 funding received by Council with model being
implemented
Program rolled out and promoted June 2020
052 Commence the implementation of the Grow GSC By June $20,000 DHHS funding support received to support initiatives
Gannawarra project to decrease social and NDCH 2021 that strengthen place-based collective impact initiatives
economic pressures on families and children contributing to earlier help and community activation for
as a consequence of COVID-19 families and children
Preliminary meeting July 2020
053 Youthrive Program for Gannawarra GSC June 2021 $2,750 provided through Council’s Youth Budget for Youthrive
Victoria to run “Dream Seeds” program for Year 5/6 students.
Cohuna, Kerang Lake Charm. Program focuses on aspiration,
resilience, and connection.
Re-scheduled for September 2020.
054 Implement the Safer Together program GSC $150,000 funding between Buloke and Gannawarra to share a
resource for individual emergency planning of vulnerable
families and children
25Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
2. Social and People Recovery
Priority Action Action Progress Potential Timeline Resources/Comments/Outcomes
No. Partnerships
Complete Planning Not
Underway Commenced
Safer and more resilient 055 Support communities to define and GSC Work with community to determine actions that will support
communities prioritise recovery needs and activities that Community recovery and resilience
will further support resilience building planning groups
056 Small town future strategic planning. Seek Support to bring community groups together to plan and
funding for a community planning and determine their own future
development program across the nine Support the review of existing community profiles in the lead-
Gannawarra communities up to the development of the new Council Plan
057 Provide opportunities for community-led GSC June 2020 Support for Community Resilience Grants Program
projects, programs and activities that meet Regional Arts $40,000 funding approved as part of Stage 2 Gannawarra
the place-based needs of communities Victoria Federal Government Drought Communities Programme for a
Round 3 of the Gannawarra Community Resilience Grants
Program.
15 successful applicants. Funds paid July 2020. Timeline for
completion of projects 15 Dec 2020. See Appendix 2
058 Explore options around a localised GSC Dec 2021 Working group established. Options explored. Proposal
leadership/mentoring program NDCH developed. Delayed due to COVID-19
AgVic $10,000 funding approved through Stage 1 Gannawarra Federal
CFA Government Drought Communities Programme (funding held
LEAD Loddon by GSC)
Murray
059 Implement ‘Let’s Pivot - Resilience Response GSC June 2021 Program through Make a Change Australia (Bendigo based
Program’ DELWP - TBC social enterprise) tailored to Gannawarra Shire
$6,000 needed – TBC GSC MERP Funding?
060 Implement a community education CFA Community education fire safety
campaign and capacity building initiatives to Ambulance Vic Community education first aid
prevent emergencies GSC Increase public access to defib machines in small communities –
AV funding Lalbert and Leitchville in 2020
Identify locations of defib machines for official registration
Council owned defib machines registered
26Gannawarra Shire Council – COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Plan (Endorsed 9 July 2020)
2. Social and People Recovery
Priority Action Action Progress Potential Timeline Resources/Comments/Outcomes
No. Partnerships
Complete Planning Not
Underway Commenced
Safer and more resilient 061 Increase access to online capacity building GSC – Library Increase access and engagement
communities (Continued) and training opportunities for communities Services Improved resilience to future emergencies
Neighbourhood Links to Community Learning Strategy
Houses Potential partnerships Neighbourhood Houses and Gannawarra
Libraries
Investigate Be Connected Federal Funding program for seniors
062 Review the Gannawarra Emergency Safety GSC Review and distribute copies of updated Gannawarra
Kit Emergency Safety Kit
063 Pursue funding opportunities to increase GSC Investigate the Be Connected Federal program and other
communication technology and knowledge relevant sources to implement the following;
and training of Seniors Provision of technology to support Seniors
Capacity building
Resources and confidence to support Seniors transition to
cashless economy
Telehealth
Aged care services
Online
I-Pads
Potential partnerships with libraries, Community Care, nursing
homes, health services
Social connection and service access
064 Raise awareness of the drivers of family GLAM Advocacy for funding to support ongoing partnership work
violence GSC around Family Violence. Led by Gannawarra Free from Family
NDCH Violence Working Group/Gannawarra Local Agency Meeting
Centre for Non- (GLAM) around the following key actions and outcomes:
Violence Development of a Healthy Masculinities Online Toolbox for local
against Women sporting and community clubs
Funding to support a partnership approach for Gannawarra
Goes Orange Campaign in Nov 2020 rolling out a targeted
media campaign to raise awareness of the drivers of Family
Violence, the rates of Family Violence in Gannawarra Shire and
where to seek help
School based education on the drivers of Family Violence
Complete Gender Equity Audits in workplaces for organisations
required to complete these as part of the Victorian Gender
Equality Act 2020
27You can also read
