City of Ballarat’s stage three changes

AS regional Victoria heads back into stage three lockdown from 11.59pm tonight on the back of a growing second wave of COVID-19 cases, the City of Ballarat has announced a preliminary list of service and facility changes.

Like last time the list is changing, so check ballarat.vic.gov.au/covid-19 for the most up to date information.

At this stage the lockdown is expected to last six weeks, but could be extended.

Ballarat Aquatic & Lifestyle Centre – will close at 9pm today while the centre’s childcare program will close from 12pm today.

Art Gallery of Ballarat – will close 5pm at today.

All playgrounds – will close as of 11.59pm tonight.

Off leash dog parks – Sebastopol, Wendouree and Pennyweight Park will clos, but Pioneer Park, Victoria Park and Birdwood Park in Buninyong will remain open as they are bigger and have space for social distancing.

Council run sporting facilities – No organised sports allowed. Signs will advise that the grounds are only to be used for recreational activity, but people must maintain social distancing and only groups of two people allowed.

Regional soccer facility – closed.

Animal shelter – limited operations.

Transfer station – currently unchanged.

Libraries – Ballarat, Wendouree and Sebastopol will close from tonight.

Ballarat Information Centre – current Lydiard Street site will close. Phone inquiries will still be answered.

Parent Place – Closed to public yesterday, service delivery will continue to be online via social media and Microsoft Teams platform.

Immunisation clinics – No scheduled school immunisation clinics until mid-September – future dates to be confirmed. Scheduled childhood immunisation clinics to continue with health screening, social distancing, PPE and cleaning protocols in place.

Maternal and child health – As of yesterday there’s a priority focus of consultations for newborn to 18-month-old children with other consultations temporarily suspended, telehealth model with opportunity for 15 minute child assessment at clinics. Again, there’s health screening, social distancing, PPE and cleaning protocols in place and only one primary carer is allowed to accompany a child. Home visiting will continue to be offered to all newborn babies. Children due for two and 3.5-year-old KAS assessments can request to be placed on waiting list for appointments. Drop-in clinics continue to be suspended until further notice.

Enhanced maternal and child health – Services will continue as currently scheduled. Brief home visits will continue where needed with health screening, social distancing and PPE provided.

Children’s Services – Ballarat Aquatic &Lifestyle Centre childcare program to close from 12pm today. Girrabanya and Wendouree Children’s Centres (including kindergarten) to continue with a concierge, cleaning, social distancing, health screening, PPE provided. Family Day Care service delivery to continue as per childcare centres.

Supported playgroups – Supported playgroup program to continue via the Microsoft Teams platform. Additional activity packs have been delivered to participating families.