This page is designed to provide a list of contacts and resources to help community members in the Alpine Shire to access support and key services.
Council support and services
Alpine Shire Council has established a Pandemic Emergency Management Team. They are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and working with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), organisations and community groups to support our community and most vulnerable during these times.
Council's role includes:
- Assistance packages for residents
- Council services
- Connecting residents and ratepayers to the right services in the community
- Advocate for community needs locally and regionally
- To speak to someone in the team, please call 5755 0555
Coronavirus Information – Victorian and Australian governments
The Victorian and Australian governments have important information about coronavirus, how to stay healthy and prevent the spread.
Community Information and Assistance
This is a challenging time for many in the community. Whatever your situation, there are resources available to support you. Many services are now online or provided through telephone hotlines.
If you are finding it hard to make ends meet and need assistance the following organisations are available to you:
- Salvation Army | 1300 662 217
- Mount Beauty Emergency Relief /Anglicare Victoria | 0458 550 450 | Provides emergency relief to community members by phone 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday.
Housing and Homelessness
Some people are experiencing difficulty paying rent or finding themselves at risk of homelessness as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic due to job loss and a variety of other reasons. There is support available at:
Family Violence Support
Women are at increased risk of family violence before, during and after an emergency, such as a pandemic. Feeling stressed and angry is no excuse for family violence or sexual assault. DIAL 000 IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing family violence, help is available.
- Centre Against Violence | 1800 015 188 | Website
- Safe Steps | 1800 015 188 | Website
- Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence | 1800 755 988 | Website
- Victoria Police | 000
- Centre Against Sexual Assault | 1800 806 292 (24 hours)
- Child Protection Crisis Line | 1300 655 795 (Mon - Fri. 9am to 5pm) or 131 278 (after hours)
- Child FIRST | 1800 705 211 | Information, advice and referral to support children, young people and families.
- 1800 RESPECT | 1800 737 732 | Website
- Men’s Referral Service | 1300 766 491 | Website
- Gateway Health | 02 6022 888 | Family violence outreach, counselling, support and referral.
- Men’s Behaviour Change Program | 5723 2000 - Wangaratta | 02 6022 8888 Wodonga | For men who want to stop using violence against a partner or family member
Mental Health Support
The outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted people in varying ways on an international scale. It is understandable that people may be feeling afraid, worried, anxious and overwhelmed.
While it is important to stay informed, Lifeline and Beyond Blue have some mental health and wellbeing tips and strategies to continue looking after ourselves and each other.
- Lifeline | 13 11 14 (24 hours/7 days) | Website
- Text: 0477 13 11 14 (6pm – midnight AEDT, 7 nights)
- Chat online: www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat (7pm - midnight, 7 nights)
- Beyond Blue has launched a dedicated Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service | 1800 512 348 (24 hours/ 7days) | Website
- Chat online: www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support (3pm - 12am, 7 days)
- Email: online.beyondblue.org.au/email/#/send
- Get a response in 24 hours
- Kids Helpline | 1800 551 800 | Website
- MensLine Australia | 1300 789 978 | Website
- Headspace | 1800 650 890 | Website
- QLife | 1800 184 527 | Website | Drug and alcohol support services
- Albury Wodonga Health Mental Health Triage Service | 1300 104 211 | 24/7 Mental Health Triage Line
More resources:
- Mental Health First Aid has a range of valuable resources.
- Advice from Dementia Australia for people caring for someone with dementia at home.
- Advice and resources for supporting mental health
- Tips from the Red Cross to help individuals and families maintain wellbeing and manage isolation
- ‘Taking care of yourself in isolation’ - a simple series of practical tips
Financial and Legal Support
- Rural Financial Counselling | 1300 834 775 | Website | Information and Financial Assistance for farmers
- Anglicare Victoria | 1800 244 323 | Financial counselling
- Legal Aid - Goulburn region | 5823 6200 - Shepparton | Website
- Insurance Council of Australia | 1300 728 228 | Website | Insurance assessments and advice
Maternal and Child Support
Communicating with your child about COVID-19 - Many parents and carers may be wondering how to talk with their child or children about COVID-19 and what information to share.
- Emerging Minds has a resource designed to help parents and caregivers to prepare for these conversations.
- Kids Helpline | 1800 551 800 | Website
Youth
We are conscious that our youth may be experiencing difficulties due to job loss, so sport, cancelled ski season and not able to attend school or university.
- Headspace | 1800 650 890 | Website
Translated resources
Aged and Carer Support
People over 65 years or over (50 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders)
- Visit the My Aged Care (MAC) website to enquire about extra support and services they might need during this time.
- Free COVID-19 support line for senior Australians | 1800 171 866 | Staffed with advisers who can offer practical help and advice. The support line operates Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 6pm, except public holidays. This support line is for senior Australians, their families and carers. They can now call a dedicated free support line aimed at supporting the mental health of those affected by the spread of COVID-19.
Carers
Carers Victoria | 1800 514 845 | Website
Maintains essential services for carers, including:
- Telephone advisory line
- NDIS advisory service
- Telephone and skype counselling
- Emergency respite
- Other carer support services such as purchasing goods and equipment
Food and Medical
Emergency Food Relief
Alpine Health has compiled an Alpine Communities Food Access Guide to support all community members to access local food.
Included are contact details of emergency food relief services in each Alpine township, as well as links to local food producers, food outlets, community gardens and food swaps.
Food Access – Collect and Delivery
Woolworths - Bright | 5732 3900 | Basic Box - Victorians also have the option of ordering a Woolworths Basic Box for $80. The box will contain meals, snacks and a few essential items. The price also includes contactless doorstep delivery by Australia Post within an estimated 2-5 business days of order. Please note, customers will not be able to choose, switch or select specific products.
If you have trouble ordering a Woolworths Basic Box online, you can call 1800 904 698.
- Priority assistance including home delivery
Coles - Myrtleford | 5752 1111 | Website
-
Coles Online Priority Service including home delivery
IGA Bright | 5755 1666 | Phone orders to collect and delivery services are available
FoodWorks Myrtleford | 5752 1575 | Website | Phone orders to collect and delivery services are available
FoodWorks Mount Beauty | 5754 1400 | Website | Phone orders to collect and delivery services are available
Arnolds Wodonga | (02) 6024 5322 | Website | Taking orders and are deliverying on specific days to across the Alpine Shire
Vegitation Mount Beauty | (03) 5754 4226 | Website | Wholesale supply and delivery of fresh fruit and vegetables, specialty cheeses, eggs and nuts across the Alpine Shire including Dinner Plain and Harrietville
Medical
Alpine Health | Website | Acute health, home support, residential and aged care, youth services and community health programs.
- Myrtleford | 5751 9300
- Bright | 5755 0100
- Mount Beauty | 5754 3500
Medical Centers
- Bright | 5755 0100
- Myrtleford | 5751 9300
- Mount Beauty | 5754 3400
Bright Pharmacy | 5750 1122 | 18 Ireland Street, Bright VIC 3741 | Offering delivery services
Myrtleford Pharmacy | 5752 1288 | 3 Clyde Street, Myrtleford VIC 3737 | Offering delivery services
Chemist King Myrtleford Pharmacy | 5751 1222 | 151 Myrtle Street, Myrtleford VIC 3737 | Offering delivery services
Mount Beauty Guardian Pharmacy | 5754 4224 | 11 Hollonds Street, Mount Beauty VIC 3699 | Offering Delivery Services
Transport
Alpine Community Taxi | 0427 553 330
Bright Taxi Service | 0423 015 152 | Offering Collection service for essential items
Staying Mentally and Physically Well
Keeping Active
For your physical and mental health and wellbeing, it’s important to stay active. Getting out for fresh air and exercise is important, but observe the following:
- Be sure to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres between you and others.
- Always practice good hygiene - when away from home, and on your return.
- As the situation is ever-evolving, please keep safe and monitor and stay within the current restrictions.
Try starting small – go for a regular walk or bike ride, dance, skip, stretch, run on the spot, kick a ball, play with your pet, play with your kids. You could also set up exercise stations in your garden or adapt a spare room or garage into a gym.
Learnings and Interests
Your local Neighbourhood Centre is a hub for local people of all ages to learn and connect. Keep checking back as they each continue to adapt to changing needs.
Reading and writing
- Our library services are now open.
- Subscribe to receive digital versions or deliveries of your favourite newspapers or magazines.
- Find audiobooks through paid services, such as Audible.
- Join or start a bookclub! Form a group with your friends, or see if any exist already through your local Neighbourhood Centre or other social networks.
- Hone your writing skills with Writers Victoria or Australian Writers' Centre online workshops.
Upskilling, Studying and Employment skills
- TAFE offers a number of fee-free courses to provide skills for priority jobs.
- Deakin University offers a range of free online courses to help build valuable work and life skills.
- Local Neighbourhood Centres are offering online classes and courses.
Arts, Entertainment and Events
- The Victorian Government has launched Victoria Together, an online collection of performances, articles, videos, podcasts and children’s activities.
- Take part in virtual tours and exhibitions
- Music and performances
- Music
- Listen to your own Spotify playlists, and share them with friends.
- Check out Isol-Aid Festival follow @isolaidfestival on Instagram to see the set list, then watch as each musician streams a live set through their Instagram account
- Delivered, Live presents weekly music and comedy events streamed live on YouTube and Facebook
- The Lounge Room Sessions feature Australian musicians broadcasting live from home every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday nights
- @PubChoir - Join in the Couch Choir on Facebook
- List of musicians who are live streaming concerts
- Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
- Australian Chamber Orchestra
- Performances and screenings
- Australian Ballet 2020 digital season
- Virtual Cinematheque is holding a free movie screening every Wednesday
- Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) at Home explore the archives for films, artworks, TV series and video games
- Podcasts – Listen and learn about various subjects of your interest.
Kids Activities and Resources
- Playgroup Victoria - Visit Playgroup at Home for ideas, activities, and stories for young kids
- Online activity and fitness for kids - There is a range of fitness videos for kids available on YouTube, including PE with Joe and Cosmic Kids Yoga
Mental Health and Wellbeing
As a community and as individuals, we’re experiencing a lot of change and uncertainty. No matter how coronavirus is affecting you, there are lots of ways to access information, strategies and expert advice to support your mental, social and emotional wellbeing at this time.
If you need immediate help see our Mental Health Support section.
Some suggestions to implement into your day:
- Set up a new daily routine.
- If you’re working from home, set boundaries for your work (and/or study), to ensure that you get time to take a break and relax.
- Make time for things you enjoy – listen to music or podcasts, read a book or magazine, do some gardening, phone a friend, bake something, or find the space for an uninterrupted cup of tea or coffee.
- When the sun is shining, take time out to enjoy its warmth.
- Go for a short walk or do some exercise to clear your mind.
- Stay in contact with friends and family
- Take a night off cooking and order takeaway from a local café or restaurant.
- Explore other sections of our Things to Do pages.
Information for NDIS and Carers
- NDIS – Check out your local NDIS provider to see if they have an online calendar of NDIS-friendly workshops, courses and events.
- Carers - Carers Victoria is running free online mindfulness and meditation sessions for carers three times a week, along with a variety of other online workshops.
- Autism - Carers Yoga and a variety of online Chat Groups are available with Spectrum Journeys Inc. (Autism and Carer support).
Local Groups and Community Support
Connecting to Volunteers
- Alpine Buddy Up – Community group helping neighbors with picking up shopping and supplies, posting mail, running errands or providing friendly phone calls | 0491 333 540.
- Local Traders of Bright and Surrounds – This Facebook page has been set up for businesses to share/keep community up to date with their venue offering
- Kiewa Valley Helping Hands – This Facebook page connect locals helping locals, along with practical support assistance
Ways to Help Others
- Connect with your neighbours
- Now is a good time to check in with your neighbours to see that they have the support they need.
- Remember to protect yourself and them by practicing physical distancing and good hygiene as advised by the Department of Health and Human Services.
- Extra support is available by calling the Coronavirus Hotline | 1800 675 398.
- Find some ideas to share with them on our Things to Do page.
- Neighbour Card - Various groups, including the Red Cross, have developed cards like these as a way for people to show support for their neighbours, and offer to help with essential tasks.
Volunteering
We’re currently working with local community groups to understand where extra volunteers are needed at the moment, so please check back again soon. In the meantime, look out for opportunities to volunteer via social media and local networks.
Advice from the Department of Health and Human Services about volunteering
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has a page of frequently asked questions about what we are able to do while the restrictions are in place.
One question they answer is: Can I leave my house to do volunteering work?
Their answer: Yes. Unpaid work can continue to be done while the organisation you are volunteering for is still operating. However, if the volunteer work can be done from home, it should be. You should also maintain appropriate physical distancing by keeping at least 1.5 metres between yourself and other people at all times and maintain sanitisation measures such as regularly washing your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds.
Business Support
You will find advice and links on support packages currently available to help your workplace plan and respond to COVID-19 on our Coronavirus Business Support page.
