Surf Coast mayor says shire is working hard to respond to coronavirus

SURF Coast Shire mayor Rose Hodge says the council is moving fast to respond to the impact of the coronavirus epidemic, including this week’s statewide shutdown of non-essential services and early start to the school holidays.

The shire has already closed some of its venues and made changes to many of its services.

In a video update posted on the shire’s website on Monday this week, Cr Hodge said the council would promptly let everybody know about any further service changes.

“Obviously these are very difficult times, but we must all support the national effort to slow transmission of the virus.

“I want to assure you that council still has a strong capacity to support our community.”

Cr Hodge said more than 200 council staff were working from home, and the council’s emergency management team had been deployed and was working with state agencies.

“We will continue to deliver our essential services where we are permitted to do so.”

She said the best way for people to ask for help from the council was to lodge a request online at surfcoast.vic.gov.au/request, or phone 5261 0600.
“Thank you again to those who are looking out for others in their neighbourhood.

“The silver lining is knowing there are so many selfless and caring people in our community.

“Be kind and stay safe.”

Late on Tuesday, the council announced on its Facebook page that the Surf Coast Shire Kindergarten and Surf Coast Shire Occasional Care Services would be temporarily suspended at all Surf Coast Shire sites from Wednesday.

“While we had hoped to keep services open this week, we have had very low attendance levels and are mindful of the needs of our staff.

“The duration of closures is currently unknown, but we will continue to monitor the situation and provide families with up-to-date information.”

For the latest updates from the shire, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/covid19.