Shire Signs Off on $2.5M Pandemic Fund RATEPAYERS in Corangamite Shire Obligation to Help Residents
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FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020 www.camperdownchronicle.com.au Rec. Retail $1.60 incl. GST BBearingearing uupp fforor thethe kkidsids Camperdown youngsters are going on a bear hunt. Residents around town are placing teddy bears in their windows for local kids to spot as a fun outside activity while still adhering to social distancing, or to spot from their parents’ cars. The initiative was suggested in a new Camperdown specifi c Facebook COVID-19 support page which has been set up in a community response to the pandemic. The teddy bear idea was inspired by the book ‘Going On A Bear Hunt’ by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury. Cali Howells (pictured) has already joined the fun and placed her teddy bears in the window. 2020D Turn to Page 3 to fi nd out more about the support page. Shire signs off on $2.5m pandemic fund RATEPAYERS in Corangamite Shire obligation to help residents. “In such a short time we’ve seen panic buy- been carefully set aside for an emergency. That have received a helping hand to off set “The omens aren’t looking good and I think ing in supermarkets, lockdowns, businesses emergency is now here.” some of the economic eff ects of COVID- we’re going to be in a period of downturn for closed, no sport being played, job losses, the Freezing rates would cost council $400,000 19. quite some time,” he said. stock market in freefall and social distancing. in 2020-21, according to director corporate “I think it’s fi tting that we take this oppor- “The impact on our community is and will and community services David Rae. At the March Ordinary Meeting of Council tunity when we’re in the fortunate position of continue to be very tangible for at least several He said the rate freeze, together with the held in Timboon last week, councillors unan- having been working on the Budget. We hav- months. $2.5 million earmarked would allow council imously voted to defer and waive interest on en’t fi nalised that yet and we can go back and “We need to look out for each other to make to inject $5 million into the community over rates due by May 31 until July 31, 2020 and make some adjustments. sure we come through this as unscathed as the next four years. to not apply a rate increase in the 2020-21 “It’s going to be very, very important for possible.” “It’s the right decision for this time. council Budget. our community to do that. The savings we’re Chief executive offi cer Andrew Mason said has its part to play,” Mr Rae said. Councillors also voted to recommend $2.5 going to make are not inconsiderable but there it was a “signifi cant decision” by the council “It’s not a signifi cant amount compared to million be set aside in next year’s Budget to is probably still going to be a lot of pain and and was an opportunity to support the shire’s the Commonwealth and State stimulus pack- fund measures which could support ratepayers we have to be prepared for that and I think the communities. ages, but it will still be of benefi t. and businesses aff ected by closedowns and job community has to be prepared for that. “Freezing rates and freeing up cash will “It was important to make this provision so losses caused as a result of the pandemic. “We have to do what’s in our limited capac- allow council to support the community and there is capacity in the Budget to deliver those As the coronavirus pandemic is a new and ity to do.” businesses over the coming period,” he said. measures.” evolving crisis, details of those are yet to be Deputy mayor Ruth Gstrein said it was the “We don’t know how long the pandemic and Property owners who are having diffi culty worked out. appropriate course of action. associated downturn are likely to take. paying their rates are encouraged to contact Mayor Neil Trotter said a “signifi cant “We’re certainly in unpredictable and un- “We’re in the position of being debt free and council on 5593 7100 to discuss their situation downturn was looming” and council had an precedented times,” she said. having some small cash reserves which had and see how the decision aff ects them. COVID-19 NOTICE Looking Did you know that Terang Co-op THERE WILL BE jobs are advertised on our for website and Facebook page? NO TUESDAY EDITIONS Keep an eye out for current opportunities by ! going to About Us / Careers / Current Opportunities PLEASE OF THE CHRONICLE FOR work? and like our Facebook page! NOTE THE FORSEEABLE FUTURE FRIDAY EDITIONS WILL CONTINUE Page 2 ~ The Camperdown Chronicle, Friday, March 27, 2020 We are Hospital restricts visitors, Merindah locks down more SOUTH West Healthcare (SWH) has “For patients in our palliative care, paediat- confi rmed cases of coronavirus here in our further tightened visitor restrictions at ric and midwifery units, other arrangements, local communities,” he said. than just a its facilities to protect its patients, aged where possible, will be individually made. “We need everyone to be responsible. Social “I really appreciate the understanding of our distancing is critical and hand hygiene is criti- CAMPERDOWN care residents, registered volunteers and Jewellers... consumers and their families and recognise cal. Lives are depending on it and every single workforce during the ongoing COVID-19 187-189 Manifold St, Camperdown | 5593 1387 this is diffi cult.” person has a pivotal role to play.” www.giftsandengraving.com.au pandemic. Mr Fraser said eff orts would be made to Mr Fraser also reminded parents, children CAMPERDOWNSHOWCASEJEWELLERS As of now: connect patients and visitors via phones and now at home from school, were not allowed to • The Warrnambool Base Hospital and the video links. gather in groups. Camperdown Hospital will only allow People were also reminded to not enter any “Our younger generation could unwittingly one visitor per day per patient, between SWH facilities if they were feeling unwell. be moving the virus across groups, so unfortu- 4–7pm. Examples being having a runny nose or a cold. nately, they too have to limit contact,” he said. • Merindah Lodge is closed to visitors. “I want to assure our communities that while “The actions of local councils will also hold • No visitor is to be aged under 16. a lot of our day, every day now, is being spent us in good stead by limiting tourists into our SWH chief executive offi cer Craig Fraser on addressing coronavirus developments we region and limiting further exposures.” WE CAN HOME said the tightened precautions would provide will not fail to continue our focus on caring Any person returning from overseas, or further protection against the spread of coro- for the patients we already have. who has had contact with someone recently DELIVER YOUR navirus for patients, the vulnerable elderly, “Our quality patient care will not be com- returned from overseas must phone before NEWSPAPERS staff and the general community. promised.” visiting any emergency department, urgent “The maximum one visitor per day per pa- Mr Fraser said his workforce was doing an care centre of GP clinic. & MAGAZINES tient is essential in doing everything we can to exemplary job during testing times. For other reputable up-to-date information protect everyone,” he said. SWH’s respiratory assessment clinic was and advice go to the Department of Health Delivery fees start “It goes without saying, though, that while experiencing increased demand from local and Human Services Coronavirus website at only $1.00 we must be vigilant we must also continue to people returning from overseas. at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus or call its be compassionate. “As days go by, it is likely there will be more Hotline on 1800 675 398. Please stay safe 5593 1138 Staff take on MoW deliveries SWH virus 211 Manifold Street, Camperdown VOLUNTEERS over the [email protected] age of 60 years have been tally climbs excluded from service at the Camperdown hospi- to four tal, with staff stepping up to fi ll the gaps. WARRNAMBOOL now has four confi rmed Pet South West Healthcare cases of coronavirus after a fourth person Camperdown manager Ja- tested positive for the disease on Wednesday. Advice nine Dureau-Finn said the South West Healthcare (SWH) chief executive move was made on Gov- offi cer Craig Fraser said the person was the second ernment advice individuals to test positive at a private clinic, with the other aged 60 years and over may two testing positive at SWH’s own Respiratory FIRST AID FOR YOUR PET be at an increased risk of Assessment Clinic. Most of the principles that apply to fi rst aid in humans, health implications due to “This fourth person has recently returned from also apply to animals. The most important thing is to COVID-19. not panic if your pet has injured him/herself, since this overseas,” he said. is the time your pet needs you. Remember, however, “Our aim is to protect our “Like the other three, this individual is comfort- that injured pets may react unpredictably, and can even valued volunteers who are ably recovering in self-seclusion. bite their owners. Always handle injured pets carefully. deemed to be in a vulnerable 1. Wounds. “Each is an unrelated case and the Department demographic,” she said. Depending on the size and depth of the wound, cuts of Health and Human Services is following up may or may not need veterinary attention.