Statement from the Chair Administrator

Wednesday, May 05, 2021

At the Council Meeting on Tuesday 4 May, Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson read the following statement in regards to the situation in India:

“I feel compelled on behalf of the Council to express our deep concern about the current crisis situation in India in relation to COVID-19 with the highest ever daily count of cases globally and mounting numbers of deaths.

No one could fail to notice that medical facilities are overwhelmed and that families are desperately competing for scarce medicines and oxygen.

Our thoughts go out to the people of India and, of course to their many relatives and friends in other countries of the world including here in Whittlesea where we have a very significant Indian population. Please be assured we are liaising with key local agencies such as Whittlesea Community Connections to determine whether we can provide any additional relevant support at this very concerning time.”

If you have been directly or indirectly impacted by this situation, Whittlesea Community Connections can provide support - call 9401 6666, Monday to Friday (9am - 5pm).

Support options include:

Indian Care - indiancare.org.au/

Their Information and Support helpline provides safe, confidential, professional, culturally sensitive support, information and referral to help people of Indian origin.

People facing family/personal issues, or in need of support from within Australia can reach out. Contact: 03 8312 8805

Head to Health at DPV - headtohealth.gov.au/

Counselling for international students and others.

Call (free call) 1800 595 212 to talk with a HeadtoHelp team member.

Face to face services:

DPV Health 42/48 Coleraine Street, Broadmeadows
Banyule Community Health 21 Alamein Road, West Heidelberg

Other support services:

Lifeline Call: 13 11 14 (24 hours/7 days) Visit: lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue Call: 1800 512 348 Visit: beyondblue.org.au
Headspace Call: 1800 650 890 Visit: www.headspace.org.au
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support Call: 0437 425 903 Email: shontia.saluja@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Organisations accepting donations and assistance:

Khalsa Aid - https://www.khalsaaid.org/news

People can refer to their website for latest updated news/information on current COVID- 19 situation in India. If anyone is looking to make donations to support community back in India, they can via their website.

Turbans 4 Australia - https://www.t4a.org.au/

People wanting to make donations can reach out.

Currently working on collecting face masks to send to India. Contact: 0432017000

Hemkunt Foundation - https://hemkuntfoundation.com/

Based in India, currently providing oxygen cylinders for free for COVID-19 patients in India. Get in touch via email/ direct WhatsApp for assistance back in India. Refer to their website for more information and to make donations.

Contact: +91 8700013641

WhatsApp: +91 9990691313

Email: hemkuntfoundation13@gmail.com

Unicef Australia - https://www.unicef.org.au/appeals/india-covid-19-crisis

Care Australia - https://www.care.org.au/appeals/india-covid-19-appeal/

Oxfam - https://secure.oxfam.org.au/donate/coronavirus

Australian Red Cross - https://www.redcross.org.au/campaigns/covid-19-response

Human Appeal Australia - https://www.humanappeal.org.au/campaign/an-urgent-call-to-help-our-brothers-sisters-in-india/

World Vision - https://www.worldvision.com.au/end-corona

Reach out for support:

Lifeline Call: 13 11 14 (24 hours/7 days) Visit: lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue Call: 1800 512 348 Visit: beyondblue.org.au
Headspace Call: 1800 650 890 Visit: www.headspace.org.au
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support Call: 0437 425 903 Email: shontia.saluja@whittlesea.vic.gov.au