With approximately 20,000 residents currently isolating at home due to a growing list of exposure sites, assistance has been provided by local services and personnel who have arrived in the region.
During times of emergency Greater Shepparton City Council plays a lead role in co-ordinating the relief and recovery effort, in partnership with a range of state and local agencies.
“Council provides assistance in a range of ways including case management services that are referred via the likes of Red Cross, our Customer Service Team and other key agencies,” Mayor Cr Kim O’Keeffe said.
“Through this system, Council have been able to access agency resources to assist people with getting food, pet food, nappies, medical, personal and other essential supplies, as well as welfare support needed to manage in isolation during the outbreak.”
Agencies at the forefront of this assistance include the Red Cross, Shepparton FoodShare, GV Cares, Shepparton and District Ethnic Council, Shepparton Family and Financial Services and SalvoCare Shepparton.
Council is working closely to support these agencies who are working around the clock to package and distribute much needed food and care parcels. To date approximately 450 food packs have been delivered across Greater Shepparton in the past 72 hours, with an additional 150 families to receive food pack deliveries today, Friday 27 August.
“Council extends a sincere and massive thank you to each of the volunteers and support agencies working to ensure the demand for food and supplies is met, especially following the initial onset of the outbreak,” Cr O’Keeffe said.
“Support is out there for everyone so please reach out if you need assistance, there are services and people working tirelessly to ensure every need is met.”
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) arrived in Greater Shepparton on Wednesday to help assist with the response effort underway. Cr O’Keeffe said since their arrival the ADF had been on the ground visiting residents to ensure they have the necessary assistance and resources while at home.
“We welcome the support of the ADF who have been checking in on people’s health and wellbeing and have been working overtime to get food and supplies to members of our community who are unable to leave their homes and are needing some additional assistance,” she said.
More information about food relief and where to get assistance.
