Melbourne coronavirus: How every council is responding
Libraries, sports centres, and other key public spaces have shut down across Melbourne. But what other services are closing? Here’s a list of what each metro council is doing during the coronavirus pandemic.
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How is your council responding to the coronavirus crisis?
Leader approached every metropolitan council in mid-March asking them how they would respond to the coronavirus pandemic. We think it’s information you have a right to know.
We asked them:
■ What actions are you taking in relation to public spaces (eg, libraries, sport centres) at the moment?
■ What will you do in the event of positive coronavirus results for council staff?
■ What are you doing in relation to the provision of public services including garbage collection, maternal child health care, child care, parking and patrols currently? What will you do in relation to these services in the event of positive coronavirus results for council staff?
■ Are your services desks still operating?
■ Are there executive measures to be implemented in the event councillors or executives cannot perform their roles due to coronavirus? If so, what are they? Are council meetings continuing?
■What is the council’s responsibility in relation to managing food services and the potential for outbreak of coronavirus at a restaurant? eg does the council have the power to shut a restaurant in the event of an outbreak?
See their responses below, as well as the latest updates up to March 31, when playgrounds and outdoor gyms were closed as part of the state’s Stage 3 shutdown
CORONAVIRUS LATEST
DAILY VICTORIAN COUNCIL CONFIRMED CASES
WHAT MELBOURNE EVENTS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED?
BAYSIDE
Playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gyms are closed as of March 31, in line with stage three restrictions announced by the State Government.
Bayside is among many councils who have closed its beaches, including Brighton, Sandringham and Black Rock, with people able to only use the foreshore for recreational exercise. Congregating is not permitted.
All sports pavilions and Brighton, Sandringham and Cheltenham golf courses have also been closed.
Previously:
The council, in a statement released on its website on Tuesday, March 17, says it is working to support it community and continue to provide services, saying that, while the coronavirus crisis is a dynamic situation, health and safety is its top priority.
Bayside says it is well prepared to manage the impact of the coronavirus and is following DHHS and federal advice.
“We are prioritising services to Bayside’s most vulnerable residents including our aged care and delivered meals clients,” the council’s statement read.
“Waste and recycling services, planning, building, animal management, environmental health, parking and traffic services continue to operate at the present time.”
Libraries and the Bayside Gallery are open but this will be reviewed as the situation progresses.
Events scheduled in coming weeks have been cancelled or postponed. These include:
■ Sandy Chalkfest, Sandringham Village
■ Bayside Chamber Orchestra, St Leonards Church
■ Ink Painting with Fiona McMonagle, Bayside Gallery, Brighton, on March 28 and April 2
■ Slow Art Day, Bayside Gallery, Brighton
■ Kindergarten and School Readiness session.
Council and committee meetings will proceed without members of the public present but will be live streamed on Bayside’s website.
Public questions and submissions will be read out at the meetings.
All visitors to Council facilities are encouraged to practice good hand washing hygiene. The best defence against the coronavirus is washing your hands and social distancing. Visit dhhs.vic.gov.au for more details on coronavirus and how to stay healthy.
For latest updates visit the Bayside website here.
BANYULE
The council did not respond to Leader’s questions, but its website states all customer service centres are closed until further notice.
Gyms, libraries and leisure centres have also been closed, with a full list of what is open and closed available here.
Many events have been cancelled.
All Yarra Plenty Regional Library programs and events have been cancelled. Latest library updates here.
For latest council updates, go to its website here.
BOROONDARA
All council events have been cancelled and a number of facilities, including libraries, aquatic and leisure facilities and the Hawthorn Arts Centre, have been closed until April 14. These closures may be extended.
Playgrounds are also closed.
Boroondara Mayor Cynthia Watson in mid-March said the situation was rapidly changing.
“The council will assess and provide updates on any changes to services,” Cr Watson said.
“The council has both a pandemic plan and business continuity plan in place and is working with the DHHS who are the leading health authority in Victoria. “
Cr Watson said the council’s business continuity plan would help deliver essential local services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The health, and safety of our community and council staff is always our top priority and we will continue to keep our community informed about the situation,” she said.
The council has also offered staff an extra two weeks sick leave specifically for the coronavirus.
For a full list of closures and latest updates visit the council’s website here.
BRIMBANK
The council did not respond to Leader’s questions, but its website states Sunshine, St Albans, Keilor, Deer Park and Watergardens libraries have been closed, as have neighbourhood houses, community centres and St Albans and Sunshine Leisure Centres.
Many events have been postponed or cancelled.
For the full list and latest updates go to the council’s dedicated page here.
CARDINIA
The council did not respond to Leader’s questions, but its website states all libraries are closed until further notice.
Several events have been cancelled. For a full list and latest updates visit the council’s dedicated web page here.
CASEY
Customer service centres at Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre and Bunjil Place have been closed until further notice.
Many Casey events, including the Casey Cup on March 27 and Casey Kids Carnival on March 28, have been cancelled, with the full list available here. Casey interim administrator Noelene Duff said these measures were taken to ensure that the community, including those most vulnerable to this virus, were looked after while protecting employees and ensuring vital services could continue.
“I want to stress to the community that the City of Casey is still operating. You will continue to see our officers continuing to deliver services in our communities,” Ms Duff said.
Council community life director Steve Coldham said on Friday, March 13, the situation with the COVID-19 continued to remain “fluid”.
Mr Coldham said the council was monitoring advice from the DHHS’ Chief Medical Officer daily.
“Following the recent announcement by the Federal Government regarding events with more than 500 people, we will be implementing contingency planning to ensure we can continue to deliver priority services to our community,” Mr Coldham said.
“To ensure we protect our community, we will be looking to reschedule large non-essential programs and events to be held at Casey facilities, including Casey Cardinia libraries, Casey Stadium, Casey Fields, Bunjil Place for the rest of March.”
For the latest coronavirus updates, visit the dedicated Casey Council page here.
DAREBIN
Major centres including Reservoir Leisure Centre and the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre, all Darebin libraries and the arts centres closed at noon on March 17.
The council has closed community venues and non-essential services until further notice.
Darebin Mayor Susan Rennie said community safety was their top priority.
“Now is the time to look after ourselves and each other,” she said.
“Essential services such as waste collection and meal delivery to elderly residents are continuing as normal.”
Several events postponed or cancelled include:
■ Meet the Makers – postponed to Sunday, September 13
■ Climate Quilting Workshop, Bundoora Homestead Arts Centre — postponed to a date to be set
■ Mums in Darebin Clothes Swap — postponed to between August and October
■ Keon Sparks, Keon Park Children’s Hub — cancelled
■ Fuse events, including its Open Air Film Night, Design Market and Closing Party
Chief executive Sue Wilkinson said Darebin Council was monitoring the situation closely and following advice from the state and federal governments.
More: darebin.vic.gov.au
FRANKSTON
Many Frankston events have been cancelled, while council-run community centres, Frankston Arts Centre and visitor information centre have been closed.
All libraries have been closed until April 13.
Mayor Sandra Mayer said council meetings could be closed to the public and there could be “some changes” made to maternal and child health non-critical services.
But Cr Mayer assured the council was “well-prepared” for a pandemic.
Workspaces of staff members with critical responsibilities will be separated. Contingency measures will be in place in the event officers are unable to work because they are unwell, in precautionary isolation or required to work from home.
The 2020 Waves and Wheels Film Festival — planned for March 27- 29 on Frankston Beach — is among the events cancelled.
Steps have been taken to ensure the Meals on Wheels service operates as usual.
Cr Mayer said the council recently conducted an extensive review of its pandemic plan, the overarching municipal emergency management plan and its business continuity plan.
“The implementation of the pandemic plan will be led by the State Government, which will support us in ensuring critical services, such as kerbside waste collection, continue to operate,” she said.
“In the meantime, we have taken a number of precautionary measures to protect officers and the community and will continue to act on the advice and recommendations of the DHHS.
“We will continue to update residents as this situation develops and further information comes to hand.”
For latest updates on advice, closures and support visit the dedicated council web page here.
GLEN EIRA
The council did not respond to Leader’s questions, but its website states all major events have been cancelled. Libraries and leisure centres are also now closed.
GESAC’s spa, sauna and steam room have been closed, as have playgrounds, fitness equipment, drinking fountains and park barbecues.
For latest updates go to the council website here.
GREATER DANDENONG
All libraries and aquatic centres have been closed until further notice. Customer service centres closed on March 19.
Cancelled events include:
■ Cinema in the Square
■ Keysborough’s Big Picnic
■ Sustainability Festival
“This is the biggest public health challenge the Greater Dandenong community has faced, and the council says it is committed to supporting all residents during these testing times,” the council’s statement on its website says.
“The council will continue to monitor the situation and will follow advice from authorities on how best to slow the spread of this disease.”
Latest updates can be found here.
HOBSONS BAY
The council has decided to close all its library branches for 30 days and cancel all council-delivered public events and community consultations for the next 60 days, or until further notice.
Customer services at the Altona Civic Centre is closed until further notice, while immunisations and community delivered meals will continue with online bookings.
Maternal and Child Health will deliver services remotely via phone and video, with limited face-to-face contact.
Early years playgroups, preschool officers and occasional care provision will be suspended until the start of Term 2, on April 14, or until further notice.
Hobsons Bay UP (Youth Services) will continue its youth counselling by Skype or phone.
Planned Activity Group (PAG), community transport and overnight respite for older residents will all be suspended until further notice, however the team will continue to closely monitor and support clients with regular phone contact.
The council will not be taking any bookings for events taking place on council land or at council facilities within the next 60 days.
Bookings may be made for beyond May 16, but may be subject to cancellation.
For the latest updates visit the council website here.
HUME
All council-organised events have been cancelled until further notice. All libraries, leisure centres, indoor sports stadiums and community facilities are closed until further notice.
Chief executive Domenic Isola in mid-March said Hume Council’s emergency management planning prepared for situations such as coronavirus through its influenza pandemic plan.
Mr Isola said the council’s influenza pandemic planning committee, with advice from the DHHS, was overseeing the management and implementation of its response.
He pointed ratepayers to the DHHS website — dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus — for the latest advice and information.
For the latest updates on council closures and advice, go to the council website here.
KINGSTON
All Kingston beaches are now closed to all gatherings and sun bathing. You are still allowed to walk, exercise or swim – so long as you do not sit on the beach or gather in groups.
Libraries and Waves Leisure Centre have been closed until April 14. There is a possibility these closures will be extended.
All cultural venues, including Kingston Arts Centre, City Hall and the Shirley Burke Theatre have also been closed until the same date.
Cheltenham and Chelsea’s customer service centres have been closed, but residents can phone 1300 653 356 or email info@kingston.vic.gov.au for assistance.
All childcare facilities are operating as normal at this stage.
Chief executive Julie Reid in mid-March said the council would continue to monitor daily health alerts issued by the government and assess the risk and make adjustments on a case-by-case basis.
“Council has enacted elements of its business continuity plan and pandemic plan to identify and implement measures to support and protect our community and staff,” Ms Reid said.
“(Proactive measures) include increased signage and awareness of the importance of personal hygiene, increased stock levels of hygiene products and enhanced frequency of cleaning across council buildings.
“Council is also working with its key contractors, for example our waste collection contractor, to ensure business continuity plans are ready to enact.”
Latest updates can be found here.
KNOX
All events and gatherings have been cancelled until further notice. The council will contact people who bought tickets regarding refund arrangements.
The following facilities have been closed:
■ Knox Civic Centre Customer Service Counter
■ Knox Regional Netball Centre
■ Knox Community Arts Centre
■ Ferntree Gully Arts Centre
■ Carrington Park Leisure Centre
■ Rowville Community Centre (immunisation sessions will continue)
■ Libraries
■ Leisureworks
Mayor Nicole Seymour said coronavirus was understandably causing concern in the community.
Cr Seymour said the council has been actively preparing for a potential pandemic situation for several weeks, including reviewing business plans with a focus on protecting staff health and safety while ensuring the ongoing delivery of critical services for our most vulnerable residents.
“Our executive team and key stakeholders across the organisation are meeting daily to review the latest situation and advice from DHHS and make decisions for our staff and our community under our Pandemic Plan,” Cr Seymour said.
“We’ve made the decision to cancel all non-essential events and gatherings for the foreseeable future, and we’re working with other community partners and organisations to reconsider their own events and gatherings and cancel these where possible.”
She said council meetings would go ahead and be live streamed, but urged people to view rather than attend in person.
“This situation is moving quickly and often changes by the hour,” Cr Seymour said.
“We’ll use every channel possible to keep people informed but ask the community to stay tuned to our Facebook page and website for the latest updates, and consider checking on vulnerable family members or neighbours who may not have access to this information.
“Help make sure they’re informed and check in with them to see if they need any assistance.”
She said in the meantime, the council encouraged all Knox residents and visitors to continue following the advice of State Government on hygiene and safety practices and to remain informed on the latest details at dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
For latest Knox updates, visit the council’s dedicated page here.
MACEDON RANGES
Playgrounds, skate parks, barbecues and 17 public toilets have, as of March 31, been closed, with signs erected, as the evolving response to the coronavirus continues.
The public toilets remaining open will go under increased cleaning. Soap and paper towels will be supplied to meet hand hygiene requirements.
Almost all community facilities have been closed by the council including service centres, libraries, gyms, pools and sports pavilions.
Libraries and community sport centres were closed from March 17, with events postponed or cancelled. Customer service centres were closed until further notice.
Service desks at council administration centres in Kyneton and Gisborne will shut, with Romsey and Woodend to follow on Monday, March 23.
Chief executive Margot Stork said the council would be taking a proactive approach to protect those most vulnerable.
“However it’s important to know council will continue to operate. Officers will still be available by phone and email, and payments will able to be made by phone, online and through other methods detailed on payment notices.
“We also have a financial hardship policy, which is available on our website, and which outlines the process to seek deferment or waiver of rates and charges.”
The Hanging Rock Discovery Centre has closed with rangers available via phone only.
Maternal and Child Health services will see changes to delivery, with parents contacted directly.
The citizenship Ceremony planned for 7 April has been cancelled.
From March 17 facilities were closed for at least one month, including:
■ Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre
■ Gisborne Aquatic Centre
■ Gisborne Fitness Centre
■ All leisure centres in all townships
■ Libraries in Kyneton, Gisborne, Woodend and Romsey
■ Council service desks at Romsey Community Hub and Woodend Community Centre
■ Kyneton Museum.
Council-run kindergartens and maternal and child health centres will stay open until advised by state government departments.
While closed, community members can access council services by emailing mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au, submitting a request at mrsc.vic.gov.au, or calling 5422 0333.
More information: mrsc.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
MANNINGHAM
Many facilities, including Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Manningham Art Gallery, Manningham Civic Centre, Manningham Stadiums and libraries, have been closed.
MC Square remains open but meeting rooms are closed. Tenants are following their own policies and procedures.
Council chief executive Andrew Day on Monday, March 16, said the council was following DHHS advice about COVID-19.
Mr Day said the advice was “guiding all council events, public spaces and services, and will be applied in the event that any staff or community members are directly affected”.
He said the council had “increased its vigilance in applying good hygiene practices in the workplace and at events”.
“We encourage everyone in our community to follow good hygiene practices and suggest people avoid hand shaking and close contact when greeting,” Mr Day said.
Council has not cancelled or reduced services at this point.
Mr Day said organised gatherings of 500 or more people would be cancelled from today as per advice.
He said the council had detailed business continuity and emergency management plans and delegations in place to guide actions in the event that the council was directly affected by the virus.
“We have an internal working group of senior leaders dedicated to monitoring the situation and taking any necessary actions based on DHHS advice and risk assessments,” he said.
For latest updates go to the council’s dedicated coronavirus page here.
MARIBYRNONG
All community centres, recreation centres and public libraries are closed from March 17 until further notice.
All playgrounds, outdoor gyms, public barbecue facilities and skate parks are closed as of March 31.
Maribyrnong Mayor Sarah Carter called for event organisers to “seriously consider” the best interests of the community.
“We ask organisers at smaller events to seriously consider whether they should proceed in the interest of the community’s wellbeing.
“There is no precedent for this, but I want community members to be assured that we are doing everything to ensure their safety.”
Council meetings will not be open to the public and will be available to view via lifestream.
Those with questions to address to the council at the time of the meeting should email their request by 6pm on the evening of the meeting.
The following centres will close from close of business today until further notice:
■ Maribyrnong Community Centre
■ Maidstone Community Centre
■ Braybrook Community Hub
■ Footscray Library
■ Braybrook Library
■ West Footscray Library
■ Yarraville Library
■ Maribyrnong Library
■ Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre
■ RecWest
■ Bluestone Church Arts Space
■ Phoenix Youth Centre
Essential council services including waste, recycling, park management and parking services will operate as normal.
For latest updates go to the council’s dedicated coronavirus page here.
MAROONDAH
Maroondah Council will shut its libraries and sports venues from Friday, March 20, until the end of Easter in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Mayor Mike Symon announced the shutdown this morning to further protect the community from the spread of the virus.
The venues to close from the end of Friday, March 20, until April 14 include Ringwood’s Aquanation and Maroondah Rings, Croydon’s Aquahub and its memorial pool and library, and Heathmont’s Maroondah Nets.
The REALM library in Ringwood Town Square will also close but its art gallery and the council’s customer service desk on the ground floor will remain open.
Gym members at Aquanation and Aquahub will have their memberships suspended.
The council’s two golf courses, Ringwood Golf and Croydon’s Dorset Golf, will stay open.
“This is the biggest public health challenge the Maroondah community has ever faced, and we are committed to supporting all residents during these testing times,” Cr Symon said.
“The council will continue to monitor the situation and will follow advice from authorities on how best to slow the spread of this disease.”
The council has also cancelled all community events, workshops and activities until the end of April, including its week-long Ringwood Carnival and performances at the Karralyka Theatre.
Its service centre and offices in Ringwood’s Braeside Ave remain open, however residents have been urged to use phone or online services instead.
For a full list of closures and latest updates go to the council website here.
MELBOURNE
The City of Melbourne has closed its public libraries, community hubs, visitor centres and cultural and recreation centres until further notice.
Visitor services offered by the council’s more than 400 “red coat” ambassadors will also be suspended until further notice.
Melbourne Town Hall and other council buildings are temporarily closed to the general public until further notice.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the council would work through other solutions to continue to provide services for our community.
“While none of our staff members have been diagnosed with COVID-19 we need to protect the safety of our staff and slow the spread of the virus within the community,” she said.
“Our libraries, recreation and cultural centres are important community meeting places so this is not a decision we take lightly.”
“It is important that we rise to this challenge and work together to find the best solutions for our community. Melbourne must continue to be a caring city during this period and look out for each other wherever possible.”
The libraries to close include City Library in Flinders Lane, Kathleen Syme in Carlton, Library at The Dock in Docklands, East Melbourne, North Melbourne and Southbank Library at Boyd.
Recreation centres to close include Melbourne City Baths, Kensington Recreation Centre, Carlton Baths and North Melbourne Recreation Centre.
Arts and cultural venues to temporarily close include Meat Market, Signal, ArtPlay and Arts House. This excludes artists’ studios.
All Council’s child care facilities will continue to operate as usual at this time.
For the latest updates go to the council website here.
MELTON
The council did not respond to Leader’s questions but its website states libraries, civic centres, leisure centres and community centres remain open for now.
Many events, programs and activities have been cancelled.
For a full list and latest updates go to the council website here.
MONASH
The council’s customer service centres on Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley and Atherton Rd, Oakleigh are open from 10am to 4pm.
A concierge service has been introduced. Interactions with council staff are limited to 15 minutes.
As of the morning of Thursday, March 19, all council services and facilities, including libraries and aquatic centres remained open but the council anticipates some may be reduced or closed in the future.
Monash Mayor Stuart James said they had put options in place for staff to work offsite if necessary and from home to ensure critical business is continued but service desks were still operating.
For the latest updates visit the council website here.
MOONEE VALLEY
The council announced many key public sites, including five libraries, would close from Monday, March 16.
The sites now closed until further notice are:
■ Ascot Vale, Flemington, Niddrie, Sam Merrifield and Avondale Heights libraries
■ Civic Centre
■ Incinerator Gallery
■ Flemington Community Centre
■ Niddrie Youth Hub space
■ Riverside Driving Range
■ Essendon Traffic School
■ Moonee Valley Athletics Centre (school bookings only)
■ The Depot
■ The transfer station remains open with a number of safety mitigation measures in place (e.g. cashier wearing gloves), but this will be reviewed daily
■ Waste collections will start from 5am across all areas and drivers will be staggering start times and rotating in line with public safety protocols.
The council said the closures was not a decision taken lightly but “evidence overwhelmingly supports a proactive approach”.
Mayor Samantha Byrne said several events — including Sunday’s Moonee Valley Festival Food Fair Festival at Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre, and the Queens Park Triathlon at Queens Park Swimming Pool — had been cancelled.
“I understand the cancelling of events will be disappointing for a lot of members of the community however the health and wellbeing of our residents, visitors and neighbours is the number one priority in this really difficult situation,” Cr Byrne said.
“Please rest assured we will do what we have to do to keep the community safe.”
The Eritrean Community’s festival at the council-run Flemington Community Centre (Sunday), the Harmony Week Flemington Twilight Market at Flemington Community Centre (Thursday, March 19) and Women in Business Luncheon at Flemington Racecourse (Friday, March 20) have also been cancelled.
Cr Byrne said the council played a vital role in ensuring public health and had been monitoring all new information about the spread of the virus.
She said due to the rapidly changing situation, council officers would continue to assess events on a case-by-case basis.
She said the community would be kept informed through a dedicated page.
MORELAND
Customer Service Centres have been temporarily closed.
The council is cancelling a number of events and programs, as well as temporarily closing some facilities.
Starting March 18, all libraries and leisure centres are closed until further notice.
Playgrounds, skate parks, outdoor gym equipment and other areas with outdoor recreation equipment are closed until further notice.
The school holiday program has been cancelled but the council’s Family Day Care service is still operating.
For a full list of cancellations and closures go to moreland.vic.gov.au
MORNINGTON PENINSULA
Libraries in Mornington, Rosebud, Somerville and Hastings, and the mobile library, have been closed until further notice.
The council is also postponing, cancelling or modifying non-essential services, programs, events and activities until further notice.
This includes: leisure centres, Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, Dromana Tourist Information Centre, Briars Visitor Information Centre and Shire Nursery.
Latest updates, and full list of closures, can be found here.
The council said all community questions regarding the coronavirus were being referred to the DHHS.
“Given that this is a fluid and fast moving issue, we are taking advice and guidance from the state and federal governments as the single source of advice,” a spokesman said.
The council confirmed it was “constantly monitoring the situation” and using its own channels and networks to share advice with the community.
“We also have robust business continuity plans in place to ensure continuity of service for our community.”
NILLUMBIK
All council-run events have been cancelled until at least Tuesday, April 14.
The customer service desk in Greensborough and the Recycling and Recovery Centre in Plenty are closed.
Chief executive Carl Cowie said it was a “rapidly-evolving situation”.
“Like all councils have been advised, we are reviewing our pandemic plan, which is in line with state and regional pandemic plans,” Mr Cowie said.
“We recommend all residents keep up to date with the latest information through the DHHS website.
All Yarra Plenty Regional Library branches have been closed. Latest library updates here.
Latest Nillumbik coronavirus information and updates can be found here.
*Note: Nillumbik Council did not receive the full list of questions as outlined above
PORT PHILLIP
All library branches have been closed until further notice. All council-managed community facilities are closed until April 13.
Adventure Playgrounds are closed until further notice.
The councils has closed all its beaches until further notice.
Childcare, maternal and child health centres and meals services are continuing but may be subject to closures or changes pending further government announcements.
Cleaning regimes have been ramped up at libraries, community buses and hubs and town halls in Port Phillip amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayor Bernadene Voss on Monday, March 16, said no staff had so far tested positive to the deadly virus but some had chosen to self-isolate “as a precaution”.
Cr Voss said essential services, including waste collection and customer service help desks, would continue as normal for now.
“We are … updating our business continuity plans to put us in the best possible position to keep delivering essential services,” she said.
“This includes looking at ways of redeploying staff and resources and implementing remote working, if necessary.”
For latest updates visit the council’s dedicated page here.
STONNINGTON
The City of Stonnington has closed all its libraries, Phoenix Park Community Centre, Chapel Off Chapel, Grattan Gardens Community Centre in Prahran, Alfresco Social Support Program day outings, Malvern Community Arts Centre and Orrong Romanis Recreation Centre until at least April 13.
Prahran Square remains open but organised events have been cancelled until April 13.
Formal council meetings have been postponed until further notice. Councillors will continue to meet regularly with the council chief executive via videoconference to speak on behalf of constituents.
All non-essential community transport programs have also been cancelled until the same date.
Several other centres have been closed and events cancelled. For the latest updates go to the council’s coronavirus community information page here.
Parking fine enforcement has been relaxed but clearways, no parking (excluding schools)) and loading, taxi and truck zones and permit zones will continue to be enforced.
“We will continue to support the Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as this matter evolves over the coming days, weeks and months,” chief executive Jacqui Weatherill said.
“The department is regularly updating advice and information, including how to protect yourself and others from coronavirus through good hygiene and self-isolation if you feel sick.
Shopping precincts remained open within restrictions put in place.
“We are in regular communication with our precinct associations. There is advice on our website for businesses on planning for and reacting to crisis situations,” she said.
“We’ll continue to liaise with the Victorian Government and monitor the situation for our future events, our weekly What’s On newsletter and social media are the best place to make sure you have up-to-date information.”
Ms Weatherill on Friday said staff were being regularly updated with the latest information.
”We have increased the availability of hand sanitisers in council facilities,” she said.
“We’ll follow DHHS guidelines and advice to enact appropriate isolation periods if a staff member contracts coronavirus and we have rapidly scaled up the ability for people to work from home.
“Where we can, we’re supporting our community by directing them to DHHS advice and guidance.”
Ms Weatherill said service desks continued to operate and council meetings would continue “at this stage”.
“Our business continuity planning ensures that nobody in our organisation is irreplaceable,” she said.
“Plans are being prepared for alternate approval and delegation processes to come into effect, should they be required.”
She said the council would follow DHHS guidelines and advice when it came to managing food services.
Keeping people safe and maintaining essential services were “number one” priorities, she said.
“We’ve been planning our response and business continuity plans for a number of weeks.”
For the latest updates visit the council website here.
WHITEHORSE
Whitehorse Council directed Leader to its website.
As of April 2, council-run centres, community centres, arts centres, libraries, skate parks, playgrounds and visitor centres have been closed.
Customer Service Centres are closed to visitors but will continue to provide services online via the council’s website, phone or email.
Hard rubbish, kerbside waste collection, home and community services and the Whitehorse Recycling and Waste Centre are operating as normal.
Do not visit the Maternal and Child Health Centre without an appointment.
The council has its own Pandemic Action Plan which would then also be activated.
The statement said the council would keep the community informed but was operating most services and facilities as usual.
The council has stopped its study support program until further notice. A number of events, including the Global Fiesta, have been cancelled.
For latest updates visit the council website here.
WHITTLESEA
Customer service centres, community centres, pools and gyms, neighbourhood houses, sportsgrounds, playgrounds, skate parks, Growling Frog Golf Course, outdoor gyms and barbecue areas are closed.
All non-essential events, activities and programs have been cancelled for the foreseeable future.
Spokesman Dean Jenkins said on Friday, March 13, the council had responded to the global health crisis by cancelling Sunday’s Community Festival.
“The situation is rapidly evolving and we continue to monitor and respond to the latest advice from the State Government,” Mr Jenkins said.
“Our decision to cancel the event is based on today’s (Friday’s) developments that include a strong recommendation from the Chief Medical Officer to cancel or postpone mass gatherings along with the first confirmed case where the disease was transmitted within the community.
“While cancelling events is disappointing, the City of Whittlesea has a responsibility to its staff and community to minimise the spread of infection.
“For more information visit dhhs.vic.gov.au.”
All Yarra Plenty Regional Library branches are closed. Latest library updates here.
For latest council updates go to its website here.
WYNDHAM
Wyndham Council has cancelled all council-run events, activities and programs until further notice, chief executive officer Kelly Grigsby said.
She said they had reduced the number of staff members working at council buildings and that service desks would remain open for the public, but noted it was preferable for people to conduct council business online where possible.
“Council has also ramped up its cleaning measures, with additional cleaning – especially in the high-contact areas – being carried out across all of council’s buildings,” Ms Grigsby said.
As of March 16, there was no change to child health services, kindergartens, immunisations, and youth counselling and support services.
If these services are located at a community centre, they will continue to operate in their usual locations.
“However, from March 19 our community centres, libraries, and Council-owned swimming pools and sporting facilitates will close, until further notice,” Ms Grigsby said.
“Council is working with food outlets to ensure staff are educated on the higher hygiene
requirements surrounding the preparation and serving of food.”
For the latest updates go to the council website here.
YARRA
The council is temporarily closing its libraries and leisure centres to try to help slow the spread of the coronavirus within its workforce and the community.
All library programs, including Storytime and after school programs will not run during this period.
A number of library services are still available online and over the phone.
The council’s transfer station at the municipal tip will be closed to the general public from close of business on Thursday, April 2.
The maternal child health centre in the Bargoonga Nganjin, North Fitzroy Library building will continue to operate and are still taking new bookings, but consultations will now occur over the phone.
The council is offering free childcare to families working in health or other essential services at Hoppers Crossing. Up to 40 places are available from Monday to Friday between 9am and 2pm.
Council customer service centres at Bargoonga Nganjin, North Fitzroy Library, Richmond and Collingwood town halls and the Connie Benn Centre in Fitzroy will continue to operate, however, the council encourages people to use its online services where possible.
Yarra Libraries does not charge late fees and is offering indefinite renewals on all items. Members are encouraged to keep their items at home and use the online library to access ebooks, audiobooks and more.
Council-run leisure centres Richmond Recreation Centre, Fitzroy Swimming Pool, Collingwood Leisure Centre and Collingwood Estate Gym will close until further notice.
All leisure programs, including group fitness classes, learn to swim and swim squad sessions, will be suspended during the closure period.
Household waste and recycling collections, planning, building, animal management, and parking and traffic services will also continue to operate as usual at this stage.
Yarra Council is working closely with service providers to ensure that the most vulnerable in our community can still access services – particularly the elderly and rough sleepers.
For the latest updates go to the council website here.
YARRA RANGES
The council has closed all libraries, aquatic, and cultural and recreation centres and its Healesville and Monbulk community links centres.
All playgrounds, skateparks and outside gym equipment in public places are closed.
All events and large gatherings are postponed.
Previously, Yarra Ranges director corporate services Andrew Hilson in mid-March said the council was assessing public events scheduled across the Yarra Ranges and developing advice to event organisers, based on state health advice.
“The council is reviewing its Business Continuity Plan, which details to staff how we would keep delivering services to the community, should there be any major disruptions from COVID-19,’’ he said.
For the latest updates visit the council’s dedicated page here.
ROLLING COVERAGE