COVID-19 Resources to assist Residents
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If you bookmark this link, you’ll be able to check back regularly as this page will be updated as information changes.
GENERAL
Download the CORONAVIRUS AUSTRALIA app
Apple Appstore Coronavirus Australia on the App Store
Google Play Coronavirus Australia
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Join the Whatsapp channel.
If you don’t already have Whatsapp installed, these are the links to install it on your device.
Apple WhatsApp Messenger on the App Store
Android WhatsApp Messenger
Once you have Whatsapp installed, click on this link on your phone. It sends a link to invite you to join the channel.
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SUPPORT FOR SENIORS AND THOSE SELF-ISOLATING
Groceries
Woolworths are making available and prioritising delivery windows to the most vulnerable customers, including seniors, people with a disability and those in mandatory isolation.
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You can apply to receive Priority Assistance for delivery from Woolworths by completing the form here.
Pharmacy
From Monday 30 March, pharmacies around the country can offer free delivery on prescriptions to their customers and take advantage of the recently announced increased Australian Government rebate and Australia Post’s unrivalled national network.
This service is still quite new - if you have trouble locating a pharmacy that offers this service, please call me on 0455 436 262 and I’ll find one for you.
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Home Loans
If you have a loan with the Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac, or National Australia Bank you can apply to pause repayments for up to six months. Contact your bank for details.
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If you bank with another institution, go online or call them as they may still offer support. It is important that you contact them if you are going to have difficulty making your repayments. The bank may be able to offer a reduced payment plan. It's better to be proactive in making them aware of your chance in circumstances, rather than in just letting your loan get in arrears and hoping they won't notice.
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Other
If you live in the Capalaba electorate (Capalaba, Birkdale, Alex Hills, Thorneside and part of Wellington Point), and you need additional assistance or information and you do not have family who can help, please call me on 0455 436 262 and I’ll do my best to get you sorted.
FEDERAL RESOURCES
Stay up to date COVID-19 health information.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert
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The site with information on various Government initiatives, such as Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package, and the 50% wage subsidy for apprentices and trainees.
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Register for JobSEEKER without having to queue at a Centrelink office.
When this link opens, it may open half-way down the page. If it does, then scroll back to the top to start reading.
If you qualify for payments, they will be back-dated to the date of registration.
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Federal Government Jobs Board
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Child Care
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https://www.dese.gov.au/covid-19
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Watch Federal Member for Bowman, Andrew Laming MP on Facebook Live Mon, Wed and Fri at 7 pm. Tune in for announcements and information, and ask questions live.
https://www.facebook.com/LammoMPP/
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Phone Federal Member for Bowman, Andrew Laming MP. Office contact: 3821 0155 or email him on Andrew.Laming.MP@aph.gov.au
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Working from home? The ATO has announced a short cut method for claiming home office running costs. More info
STATE RESOURCES
State Government COVID-19 website (health).
https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19
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Updated State Government policies and alerts.
https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/
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WARNING: Queensland police officers are now able to issue on the spot fines of $1334 for individuals that fail to abide by state health directions.
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COUNCIL RESOURCES
Redland City Council Phone: 3829 8999 Email: rcc@redland.qld.gov.au
OTHER
Beyond Blue
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/national-help-lines-and-websites
Lifeline
Lifeline by Text is available from 6 pm to midnight, 7 days a week. Text 0477 131114
https://www.lifeline.org.au/projects/lifeline-text
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REMEMBER…
90% of the population is confused with the volume of information and how rapidly the situation is changing and evolving. Another 9% are too confused to realise they’re confused. The remaining 1% have the best information available to them globally, and are steering us through this.
A SUGGESTION FOR THINGS TO AVOID
Alcohol
Drugs
Armchair Experts
Social Media
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INSTEAD CONSIDER
Setting up a daily routine. If you have children at home you may find this particularly useful.
Reaching out to friends for a chat via facetime, zoom or phone.
Exercise. Use music that you know will take you out of your head for a while.
Look for what you CAN do in your downtime at home. World’s biggest spring clean in autumn? Cleaning out the shed? Reading Scott Pape's "The Barefoot Investor"? Culling old clothes? Building a chook-run? (I don’t suggest you go near that one draw in the kitchen that has everything you don’t know what to do with in it though - that is for MUCH further down the track and with any luck we won’t even have to go there.)
Plan your next holiday for when all this is over. All the time you never had to research the best sightseeing for families in Japan? Go for it! Knock yourself out and make an old-fashioned scrapbook - you might even get the kids involved if you’re super-resilient.
Use a meditation app to quieten that over-active brain. www.calm.com has one of the least annoying voices, offers a free and a paid version, and can be very helpful for getting insomniacs to sleep.
Spend time on that hobby you never have time for.
Cook a dinner for your favourite health-care worker and leave it on their doorstep.
Check on an over-70’s neighbour to see if they’re OK.
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Nothing is normal right now. That surreal feeling that this isn’t actually real? Anxiety? Confusion? Stress? Anger? Tears? Insomnia? Boredom? Quick irritation flashpoint?
All normal right now. Normal, but not permanent. This too will end.
When you look back afterwards, which zone will you have spent the most time in?
The Fear Zone, the Learning Zone, or the Growth Zone?
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If you find something that makes you happy, helps you, or makes you laugh, please feel free to post it on the Facebook page Project Uplift Redlands Laughter lightens spirits.
Another funny Facebook page (which shows individual people can make a huge difference to the lives of others) is Bin Isolation Outing.
While none of us would ever have chosen this pandemic, it’s our sense of community that will get us through it.
Follow: Bev Walters LNP Candidate for Capalaba
Kind regards
Bev