Community Support and Wellbeing During COVID-19
During these difficult times, it is important to look after ourselves, stay connected, informed and safe. There are community supports available for your needs and we will endeavour to keep you informed. Please be mindful that information regarding COVID-19 is constantly evolving, and Council will make every effort to keep this information updated. To ensure that you are receiving the most updated information, we recommend that you go straight to the sources provided.
Download the official government Coronavirus Australia app in the Apple App Store or Google Play, or join the WhatsApp channel on iOS or Android.
Go to Council’s Mental Health Support Services page if you need someone to talk to. This can be really helpful, especially if you are feeling alone and unsure of the changes that are happening around you.
If you are experiencing a fire, medical or police emergency, dial 000.
I’m nervous about COVID-19, where can I find up to date information?
- Find up to date information, including in different community languages at www.swsphn.com.au/coronavirus
- Find essential information from the Australian Government, including updates and advice from different Government agencies at www.australia.gov.au
I’ve lost work or income, what financial support or advice is available?
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You may be eligible for a COVID-19 Disaster Payment. This is a support payment for workers adversely affected by a stat public health order. Check your eligibility.
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The NSW Government and the Australian Government provide financial assistance and support if you have been impacted by COVID-19 and you are experiencing financial difficulty.
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Contact Services Australia about payments and services for Medicare, Centrelink or Child Support.
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If you believe that you have been the victim of an unfair dismissal, contact Unfair Dismissals Australia.
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National Debt Helpline - Free, independent and confidential financial counselling. Call 1800 007 007
I have nowhere to live, who can help me?
- Contact Link2home Homelessness on this 24/7 number 1800 152 152 This is a statewide telephone service that provides help to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
I am unsafe in my home, who can I call for Domestic Violence assistance?
- Go to the SayNo2DV website or call 4640 7333. SayNo2DV which is managed by the Macarthur Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service and the Camden Wollondilly Domestic Violence Committee, for domestic violence support and crisis information.
- Other 24/7 hotlines for domestic violence support include:
- DV Line – 1800 65 64 63
- 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732
I need disability information.
- The NDIS website has lots of information and updates for you.
- Locally, Macarthur Disability Services also has information.
- The Disability Information Helpline is available for people with disability who need help because of coronavirus (COVID-19). The Helpline can help families, carers, support workers and services, providing information, and referring people to advocacy, counselling and other supports. The Helpline is free, private and fact-checked. Call 1800 643 787.
I’m an older person and need help.
- My Aged Care is the Australian Government start point on your aged care journey. Find information about help around the house or aged care homes as well as current heath alerts and information for older Australians.
- The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) organisations offer free aged care advocacy services that are independent and confidential. Visit their website or call 1800 237 981 (6am to 10pm, 7 days a week).
I’m a young person, who can I talk to right now?
- Headspace Campbelltown is still providing mental health support to young people within the Macarthur region. They are available at the Oran Park Library, remotely or from the Headspace Campbelltown Centre. To find out more information or to arrange an appointment, please call Headspace Campbelltown on 4627 9089.
- Kids Help Line caters for children and young people up to 25 years as well as their parents and carers. Call 1800 55 1800.
- Mission Australia provide an holistic AOD treatment and support service that aims to provide long term solutions to AOD issues for young people 12 –24 years old living in the Camden and greater Macarthur region. This service, like many of the other Mission Australia services, is now taking place via Skype or over the phone. For more information or to refer someone, please contact Bryson Crick on Crickb@missionaustralia.com.au or 0490 077 812.
I need support for my children and family.
- Family Connect and Support brings together families, support services and community resources so that our children and young people are safe and well.
- Karitane support new parents around sleep and settling, establishing routines, feeding and nutrition, toddler behaviour and pre and postnatal depression. Parents can now self-refer and access Karitane’s Telehealth Services. Visit their website or call 1300 227 464.
I have resources that I can share, who can help me organise this?
- Support your local community members by sharing your resources with those who are in need, are elderly, are immune-compromised, etc. Also, lend yourself to offer to pick up/deliver. Visit shareyourtp.com
I want to support local business.
Visit here for a directory of local businesses operating at this time.
Other Resources
- NSW Communities and Justice – Look here to read about how essential services will continue.
- Crisis numbers and helplines
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Ask Izzy - Free, anonymous and mobile friendly. Search over 360,000 services to find housing, meals, healthcare, counselling, legal advice, family violence services, addiction treatment etc. as well as links to COVID-19 health information and support. Phones on the Telstra mobile network can access Ask Izzy even without credit.
Legal Advice
- Macarthur Legal Centre provides a range of services, including free legal advice and assistance, South West Sydney Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service (SWSTAAS) and the Macarthur Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (MWDVCAS). Macarthur Legal Centre wants to make sure no one has less access to justice because of COVID-19. The Centre will continue to provide FREE legal advice, referrals and assistance to people living in the Macarthur region over the phone. Call 4628 2042 or email macarthur_admin@maclegal.net.au