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Support

Support Services

Anyone experiencing hardship, needing information and support can contact Whittlesea Community Connections on 9401 6644 from 9am until 1pm Monday to Friday.

Call the Victorian Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 for information or visit the DHHS website.

Call the Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service 24/7 to access trained counsellors on 1800 512 348 or visit the website.

For financial counselling call 1800 830 029 or visit the government's energy info hub for details on webinars to help households manage their energy costs.

SafeSteps is Victoria's 24/7 Family Violence Support Service on 1800 015 188 or visit the website.

Coronavirus Test Results Hotline on 1800 573 222 Mondays to Fridays between 8am to 8pm or visit the website.

Call-to-test for vulnerable Victorians to get tested at home on 1800 675 398 and select option 9 or visit the website.

Interpreting service on 131 450 or visit the website for translated resources

To report a suspected breach of public health restrictions visit the Victoria Police website

For support to apply for the $450 coronavirus test isolation payment call 1800 675 398 and select option 8 or visit the website.

Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment - contact Services Australia online

Business Victoria can help with details about workplaces.

What does Whittlesea Community Connections do?

Whittlesea Community Connections has been providing vital services for disadvantaged people and emerging communities since 1973.

Why has the City of Whittlesea provided this organisation with money?

This organisation has a deep understanding of the needs of our community. It can help with practical support like food and other material necessities. By supporting them, we are supporting you.

What will $50,000 provide to our community?

These funds will provide hundreds of vulnerable people in our community with support they need right now. Anyone experiencing hardship in Whittlesea can contact Whittlesea Community Connection’s Response line 9401 6644 for help with food, financial assistance and casework support. Response line is open Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm.

Resources available through Whittlesea Community Connections

Whittlesea Food Collective 

We have provided $25,000 from our COVID-19 Community Relief Fund to Big Group Hug in Bundoora.

Big Group Hug provides material relief to around 100 vulnerable children each week. It relies on volunteer help, donations and community fundraising which have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more about Big Group Hug.

Council has provided $18,000 to Encompass Care who are packaging and delivering food parcels and meals to those in the community who need support.

Read more about Encompass Care.

Council has provided financial help to a variety of community organisations who are supporting our local community:

  • Infinity Church - emergency food relief
  • Countrywide Community Missions - food relief
  • Hope Centre - food hampers
  • Sikh Community Connections - supporting international students and Sikh and Indian communities
  • ADRA - food hampers
  • From us 2 you - helping with fuel, power and work expenses
  • Heavenly Feast Revival Church Australia - food hampers in the Epping/Lalor area
  • Moreland City Council/Rooming House - care packs for people living in rooming houses in the City of Whittlesea.

Download our Community Support Services list here.

Headspace Greensborough and South Morang are continuing consultations via phone and zoom. Call 9433 7200 or email headspacegreensborough@mindaustralia.org.au

Lifeline has Mental health and wellbeing during coronavirus advice on their website.

Whittlesea Community Connections has a new response number for anyone experiencing hardship, needing information or support. Call 9401 6644 from 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday.

Free legal assistance is available through Whittlesea Community Connections on 9401 6655 from 9am until 5pm Monday to Friday.

If you would like to volunteer or you feel isolated and would like a phone friend call Whittlesea Community Connections volunteer line on 0473 019 831 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Food Collective and Whittlesea Emergency Relief Network

Any offers of food donations can be sent to Ginette Beguely on 9401 0666 or  GBeguely@whittleseacc.org.au

Helpful links

Coronavirus hotline: 1800 675 398

Interactive coronavirus self-assessment on the DHHS website

COVID-19 FAQs on the DHHS website

Transmission reduction measures  on the DHHS website

DET advice for early childhood education services, outside school hours care (OSHC) and Vacation Care

VicEmergency advice notification 

Business Victoria hotline: 13 22 15

Mental health and wellbeing during coronavirus on Lifeline website.

City of Whittlesea's Calendar of Emergency Relief Support Services operating during COVID-19.

Even in Stage 4 restrictions you are allowed to leave your home if you or your children are at risk of harm from family violence.

  • If you are in danger call 000
  • Safe Steps 24/7 on 1800 105 188. Email safesteps@safesteps.org.au or webchat at www.safesteps.org.au/chat.
  • 1800 respect offers confidential information, counselling and support 24 hours a day to people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. Call 1800 737 732 or chat online. 
  • Men's Referral Service is a free, confidential telephone helpline that offers counselling, advice and support to men who have anger, relationship or parenting issues. The service also provides help to women (or other family members) who are experiencing violence or controlling behaviour by men. Call 1300 766 491 or visit the Men's Referral Service website.