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COVID-19 Update
Please note this page was last updated 06/07/2020
Make sure you are staying up to date
To stay up to date with Federal Government updates:
Download the COVIDsafe app here
Or get messages from the government WhatsApp chatbot here
For the latest updates specific to your state or territory visit:
QLD, NSW, WA, TAS, NT, ACT, VIC, SA
Or visit the Department of Health’s website.
For more information from reliable sources visit:
• ABC Live Blog for up to date and accurate information
• The Hack by triple j for engaging news updates for young adults
Update: VIC Resources
While other states are easing restrictions, rising cases in Victoria has meant that the Government has reinstated stage 3 lockdown restrictions within certain postcodes in Melbourne. Make sure you follow health directions from the government, wash your hands frequently and maintain physical distancing measures when interacting with other people.
Here are some up to date sources and support for those in Victoria:
VIC Department of Health – Coronavirus
Up to date information from the Victorian Government
Coronavirus Advice: Victorian Government
Suburbs currently on lock down
Support for people who are renting
If the increasing of lockdown restrictions or the coronavirus is making you feel stressed or scared, that is totally normal. If you want someone to talk to or need some support, check out Headspace.
Advice from Victoria Legal Aid
Help and Support if you’re in care
The first thing to do is to tell an adult if you are feeling unwell.
Coronavirus symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat and a shortness of breath – go here to find more info. If you feel physically okay, but you are anxious about what’s happening, or if you are having trouble adjusting to social distancing, it’s important you talk to an adult or friend you can trust. Headspace have some good tips for this, but you also should talk to your carer or your caseworker about how you feel. Our friend Gus the Gorilla also has some advice on what things might look like for young people in care during the COVID-19 pandemic – check out Gus’ advice below and the other videos in this series here.
As a child or young person in care, you might have questions about what’s happening with coronavirus at the moment and how it affects you. It’s important you know who to call if you need to talk to someone about your care situation. It’s a good idea to make sure you have your caseworker’s, carer’s and any other important adult’s contact information safely stored so that you have it if you need it. If you need to contact your caseworker but don’t have their details, ask your carer or check out this link.
To read some other FAQs from children in care, take a look at our FAQ here.
Help and support if you are 18 or over
If you are a young person with a care experience living independently CREATE realises you might be doing it tough at the moment.
We are here to help with some information about support available to help you in a whole range of areas.
Need some help with the basics? Would you like to know where to find some emergency relief (food parcels, clothing, help with bills) in your area? Check out this handy search tool on the DSS website: https://bit.ly/3bzCOBR
Need help with your phone bill? Lots of companies are giving discounts and extra data now, check this page out – https://www.whistleout.com.au/Broadband/Guides/every-telco-COVID-19-coronavirus-assistance-package
For more information on financial support you may be eligible for, keep reading or click here.
Read some COVID-19-related FAQ’s from young people 18 and over here.
Help and Support for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families
We understand this is a challenging time for all, but with additional regulations on social distancing, maintaining cultural links is more important than ever. Here are a couple of useful resources to help nurture cultural connection and communication while talking about essential information throughout the COVID-19 situation.
COVID-19 Information in different languages
Information on remote area travel restrictions
Here are a couple of great video resources – the Baker Boy hand wash and a video from the Mulungu Health Service about preventing the spread of COVID-19 in communities:
OMG, do we have a treat for you! Don't know about you, but this made my day #fangirl. You're welcome!
Posted by Danila Dilba Health Service on Thursday, 2 April 2020
Understanding Coronavirus – what is it and how to prevent it
Coronavirus is a virus that presents with symptoms like the common cold or flu – fever, coughing and sometimes a sore throat. If you or anyone in your household shows any of these symptoms, tell an adult or seek medical advice as quickly as possible.
For more information on the coronavirus visit the Australian Government website or visit the Department of Health’s website.
For carers looking after young kids, check out these helpful links for explaining COVID-19 to kids:
Dr Norman Swan from the ABC answers kid’s questions about Coronavirus
A great book for children to explain the coronavirus and how we can all help
National Public Radio in the US has produced a great comic strip Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus.
Hand-washing can help stop the spread of coronavirus, so learn how soap works with this kid friendly explainer
If you’re a carer or parent looking to talk to your child about coronavirus, UNICEF’s website has a resource with tips to comfort and protect children
If you’re a teacher or worker looking for tips on talking to children about coronavirus, check out this UNICEF resource. While this resource was developed for teachers, it can be easily adapted for use by other professional groups.
If you’re a parent or carer seeking to better understand how to safeguard children throughout the pandemic, check out these resources from ACU
Social Distancing
The best way to help out and prevent the spread of coronavirus is to practice social distancing. For more information on what social distancing is check out this post from the Health Department.
Social distancing is very important to help stop the spread of coronavirus. Even with most states reporting very few cases now, it is important that we keep up high levels of hygiene and listen to social distancing instructions from health professionals to do our best to prevent further spread.
For younger kids, check out our series with Gus the Gorilla for kids impacted by COVID-19 – in this episode Gus explains social distancing.
Rolling back of Social Distancing restrictions in Australia
As the number of COVID-19 cases in Australia continue to drop, it is time for us to start getting society back to normal. This is a process that will take a long time – perhaps many months, as each state has begun to roll back restrictions with a staged approach. Each state and territory will implement these stages in line with health advice at their own pace, to ensure the safety of the citizens of that state.
The Federal Government outlined 3 stages which very broadly are:
Stage 1: This will allow more people to get back to work, and allows the opening of some cafes and restaurants if appropriate social distancing measures are taken. Playgrounds will reopen, and kids can begin to get back to school. You can have up to 5 guests in your home at any one time. You may also travel within your local region to visit friends or family, and get active outdoors with 10 people or less.
Stage 2: When stage two is invoked in your state or territory, more businesses will be allowed open for trade including gyms, cinemas and beauty therapists. You may have gatherings of up to 20 people. Most states in Australia have reached stage 2, but be sure to check out the latest news from your state below.
Stage 3: Stage three will continue to be developed as states and territories work through stages 1 and 2, however stage three will have life looking a little bit more normal. Gatherings of up to 100 people will likely be allowed, and most businesses will be able to open for trade, with appropriate sanitation and social distancing protocols in place.
Most states and territories have released a “road-map” to easing the restrictions which offers timelines and information specific to your state. Please be sure to check out what is legal and what is recommended within your state or territory.
For the latest restrictions and updates specific to your state or territory visit:
QLD, NSW, WA, TAS, NT, ACT, VIC, SA
For an overview of this information here’s a helpful article from the ABC.
COVIDSafe App
The Australian Government has released an app to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and help things get back to normal as quickly and as safely as possible. Click here for more information or to download the app.
What about Centrelink/Financial support?
Government payments currently include:
Coronavirus supplement: An extra $550 per fortnight over the next 6 months.
The Government announced it will provide a temporary Coronavirus Supplement of $550 a fortnight to new and existing income support recipients from April 27 2020 for six months. People will receive their usual payment plus $550 each fortnight for the six month period. This extra money applies to recipients of the JobSeeker payment, Youth Allowance JobSeeker payment and parenting payments.
Economic Support Payment: $750 payment to support households.
The Government is providing two separate $750 payments to social security, veteran and other income support recipients and eligible concession card holders. The first payment will be made from 31 March 2020 and the second payment will be made from 13 July 2020.
Job Keeper payment: A $1500 fortnightly payment for employers to keep people employed.
This is a payment of $1500 each fortnight that helps keep people employed who may have been at risk of losing their jobs. Your employer will let you know if they intend to claim this for you. More information can be found here.
For more information on assistance, visit the Department of Social Services website (in case the DSS website isn’t available, a link to their information and support on COVID-19 resource can be accessed here)
Information on what help you can get from Centrelink
Step by Step guide on applying for Centrelink
A podcast that explains many of the recent Centrelink changes
headspace explain Centrelink support available for young people
Do you live with a disability? For changes to the NDIS.
Important Information:
- Remember, this is a stressful time for lots of people needing extra support so you may need to be patient. With so many people impacted, Centrelink is experienced a huge increase in demand and has asked people not to come into centres unless there was a “critical need” to.
- If you are already getting a payment that is eligible for the Economic Support Payment or the Coronavirus Supplement, you do not need to do anything, you’ll get payment automatically.
- If you don’t currently get an income support payment and you need help because you’ve lost your job or had income reduced, please start your claim online.
- If proof of ID is required then those in self-isolation can provide it over the phone.
- A great place for general information about what you might need is here is on the Services Australia website.
For some specific information about support in your state
VIC
Support for people who are renting
SA
Support for people who are renting
QLD
Support for people who are renting
For information on Queensland’s $4 billion package, including $200 off utility bills for households
NSW
Support for people who are renting
Article on stopping renters affected by coronavirus from being evicted
Support from NSW Communities and Justice – includes housing support
Service NSW Announces COVID-19 hotline for non-medical advice – Call 13 77 88
WA
Support for people who are renting
Support for Aboriginal people to return to country during COVID-19
Support from WA Government, including a freeze on some household bills
ACT
A useful list of resources for ACT residents
ACT announces moratorium on eviction for those renting
Further support for people who are renting
Information on financial support available
Announcement of a Food Pantry service
NT
Support for people who are renting
Important COVID-19 information in a range of local Aboriginal languages
Help from the Northern Territory Government
Emergency relief help available
TAS
Support for people who are renting
Help from the Tasmanian Government
Mental Health Support
It is completely understandable that you might be struggling with your mental health at this time.
Big changes in the world can be scary, and the social distancing restrictions can make us feel isolated or alone. If you are feeling sad or alone and nothing is able to cheer you up, its really important to reach out to someone who can help. Places like Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) Lifeline (13 11 14) are always available to support you in times of need.
Here are some other resources and information that might help:
Headspace have information on how young people can cope with the stress of COVID-19.
You can also find help on strategies to look after your mental health during COVID-19 on Lifeline’s website or Beyond Blue’s website.
Carers should also take a look at Parental as Anything with Maggie Dent – How to talk to kids about coronavirus and guide your family through it AND this great video from the Child Mind Institute in the US
As a child or young person all the news on coronavirus might have you worried, but this article is here to tell you there’s good news too!
You should never be ashamed if you need to reach out and talk to someone. The following support services are open 24/7 and available for you to contact during this crisis:
Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
Young People dealing with Criminal Matters
If you are a young person currently dealing with criminal matters, some of the ways in which these proceedings take place has changed.
This could mean changes to hearings, with some hearings being delayed or done remotely via phone or video link. It could also mean changes to bail conditions and different visitation with family while in custody.
It is important that you consult with your lawyer to understand what these changes mean for you. Each state will be a little bit different, and so it is important that you are getting information that is correct within your state, and relevant to your individual circumstances.
For more information or for extra support, check out these resources:
Legal Aid Queensland and this COVID-19 Update
Legal Aid New South Wales and their Fact Sheet for Young People. See also these helpful podcasts
Northern Territory Legal Aid Service
Legal Aid Victoria and this information on Criminal Proceedings during COVID-19
Legal Services Commission of South Australia and these fact sheets for Young People
Legal Aid Tasmania and their Coronavirus Update
What does Coronavirus mean for CREATE?
There have been lots of changes lately with the Coronavirus pandemic; we need to stay at home more often and some people have lost their jobs because of the government changes to make sure Coronavirus doesn’t spread. All of the changes are about making sure people stay healthy but it doesn’t mean they are easy! There will also be some changes at CREATE for the next little while, to keep our team and you safe. We’re still here and wanting to hear what YOU think about the care system – we’ll still be advocating to decision makers on the issues YOU have told us about to make changes that are now even more important given the pressures Coronavirus puts on our community.
Here are some of the temporary changes at CREATE for the next little while:
- CREATE’s activities and programs continue to be offered, however, they will be in different formats including us using Zoom, Skype and teleconferences.
- CREATE is still running, however, to protect our staff many of our staff are working from home and most of our offices are unattended.
- Some staff at the moment cannot work from home as we just don’t have enough resources, but we are ordering them, and are waiting for government advise to change how we deliver our services. Then most of our staff will all be working from home.
- All birthday cards for clubCREATE members will be delivered electronically until further notice: this change is due to a shortage in available volunteer groups to do hand designed cards. If you are unsure of whether you have an email address registered with us and want to make sure you receive an e-card for your birthday, please email your name and email address to create@create.org.au. Welcome Packs to new clubCREATE members will still be distributed but may be delayed – this again is due to a shortage of volunteers.
How do I contact CREATE staff during this time?
Our State Coordinators around Australia are the best people to contact during this time. They will be working hard remotely from the office and will continue to support and advocate for young people. Here are the different email addresses and phone numbers to contact depending which state you are in:
ACT State Coordinator
Susan Pellegrino
act@create.org.au
0439 764 163
NSW State Coordinator
Mohita Kapoor
nsw@create.org.au
0432 670 443
NT State Coordinator
Rosalind Clarke
nt@create.org.au
0421 257 262
QLD State Coordinator
Rachael Donovan
qld@create.org.au
0402 441 621
TAS State Coordinator
Danni Ashton
tasmania@create.org.au
0491 204 363
SA State Coordinator
Amy Duke
sa@create.org.au
0434 020 905
VIC State Coordinator
Cathy Carnovale
victoria@create.org.au
0413 358 205
WA State Coordinator
Sarah Lewis
wa@create.org.au
0402 888 422
Can I still have my say about being in care?
Yes! During this time CREATE is continuing to do research projects with young people in different parts of Australia, hearing young people’s perspectives and experiences through telephone and online surveys. Got a view you’d like to share? Or a question during these uncertain times? Or a message of support for everyone in the CREATE community? Send us a message on social media or email create@create.org.au. We need your input now more than ever!
What’s going on with the clubCREATE magazines? Can I still enter clubCREATE magazine competitions?
The clubCREATE Magazines will continue to be produce once every three months and all our competitions are currently open, so if you have spare time at home why not getting work an entry for your chance to WIN!! Check out the magazines here: https://create.org.au/news/magazines/
