City's response to COVID-19

Last updated: Monday April 6, 2020 (4.30pm WST)

The City’s first priority is the health and safety of our community, customers and staff.

We are monitoring developments in relation to COVID-19 very closely, and proactively working on a range of matters that relate to our business and the way we may be impacted and can continue to function. 

We are guided by what is happening around us in the local government sector as well as directions that may be made by the State and Federal governments. 

Community is at the heart of everything we do and the City has taken the following steps to protect our community and staff from the potential spread of COVID-19:

 The following areas and services are currently closed:

  • Playgrounds, outdoor gyms, BMX tracks and skate parks will remain closed until the end of April.
  • Agenda Forums have been suspended. Members of the public can no longer attend Council Meetings in person for the foreseeable future, however you are invited to live-stream the meetings.
  • The City will no longer be taking booking for its facilities.
  • Drinking fountains and BBQs in public areas have been switched off.
  • The Ellenbrook Water Play (Rainbow Waters) is closed.
  • The Swan Valley Visitor Centre is closed but is taking phone calls and emails.
  • The City’s six libraries are closed but are taking phone call enquiries.
  • The City's three Swan Active facilities are closed but are taking phone call enquiries. The Ellenbrook Sports Hub's programs have also been cancelled.
  • Midland Junction Arts Centre has temporarily closed until further notice.
  • The Tip Shop in Bullsbrook is temporarily closed and Recyclable Goods Drop Off Days have been cancelled.
  • The Swan Volunteer Resource Centre will no longer be conducting face-to-face interviews. Interviews will be covered by phone or electronically.
  • All citizenship ceremonies are currently postponed until further notice.
  • Youth outreach sessions at the Cool Room in Ellenbrook and Bullseye in Bullsbrook have been cancelled.

  • Drop-in sessions for Dungeon Youth Centre in Ballajura, operated by Whitelion, have been suspended. Contact the Youth Centre directly for further information and enquiries.

Latest update from Mayor about the City's response to COVID-19 (March 31)

Latest update from Mayor about the City’s response to COVID-19 (March 24)

Update from Mayor about the City's response to COVID-19 (March 19)

Mayor's Message regarding COVID-19 (March 19)

Agenda Forums have been suspended. Council meetings will continue on a four-weekly cycle, however members of the public will no longer be able to attend Council meetings in person for the foreseeable future.

The following changes are now in effect:

  • Written deputations on agenda items will be received and these will be provided to Councillors.  All deputations will also be published on the City's website as Notes of the Agenda Forum.
  • All written deputations are to be submitted in writing to the City via council.meetings@swan.wa.gov.au by noon on the Wednesday on which the Agenda Forum would normally be held.
  • The deputation should contain the following information:
    • If you agree with or object to the staff recommendation in the report.
    • Your reasons for agreeing with or objecting to the recommendation.
    • Contact details (phone or email) for questions from Councillors via phone or email (only if you agree to have these provided to Councillors) so they can follow up any queries with you directly.
  • Council meetings are still held at 6.00pm in the Council Chambers, however members of the public will not be permitted to attend in person but are invited to live-stream the meetings.
  • Questions for Council meetings will need to be submitted in writing prior to the meeting. The process for receiving and providing answers to written questions will remain unchanged.
  • The City requests that only questions relating to items on the agenda or essential questions be submitted at this time to allow staff to focus on their duties during this challenging time.

Following the most recent government advice, Swan Active Ballajura, Beechboro and Midland, will close from 12noon, Monday March 23, until further notice.

All customer payments have ceased. Payments will not resume until the centre is re-open.

  • We have suspended all direct debits for group fitness, gym, aquatic/pool access and swimming lessons; and
  • Upfront membership will be placed on hold and when we re-open your membership will continue with time added.

We want to thank the Swan Active community, including members, casual users, sporting teams and staff, for your ongoing support and overwhelming positivity during this difficult time.

Please stay connected and active with us through our Swan Active social media channels and website:

The City’s six libraries in Ballajura, Beechboro, Bullsbrook, Ellenbrook, Midland and Guildford, closed at 3pm, Monday March 23, and will remain closed until further notice. 

While the library’s doors will be shut, our services continue to operate and should you require assistance, the phone lines to all of our libraries will remain open. 

The City is looking for ways to support our community digitally, and we will provide more information on how you will be able to access our virtual library in due course. 

Online resources such as eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines and movies are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via eLibrary.

We sincerely thank all of our library members for their ongoing support during this difficult time. 

In the meantime, please stay connected with us:

The Swan Volunteer Resource Centre continues to be your local point of contact for all things volunteering. However, in line with Government guidelines of social distancing, we will no longer be conducting face-to-face interviews.

Until further notice our interviews will be covered by phone or electronically. Our online forms are available and should be completed prior to any interview.

So, what to do:

Our work will continue connecting people with Volunteer positions and if you have any questions please give us a ring or email us, rather than coming into any of our offices:

Phone: 9278 9690
Email: Swan.volunteers@swan.wa.gov.au

We are continuing to support our member agencies with their volunteer needs and happy to take on new members who may want to get things up and running for when this crisis is over.

Most major events organised by the City, including Drug Aware Hyper and Altone Comes Alive, have been cancelled or postponed.  No bookings will be accepted for indoor or outdoor community facilities until further notice.

Our waste and recycling services are being maintained so please continue to put your bins out.

  • The Tip Shop in Bullsbrook is temporarily closed until for the foreseeable future.
  • Recyclable Goods Drop Off Days are cancelled until further notice. 

The Australian Government has announced a $17.6 billion economic stimulus package and provided information and advice to help support business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Australian Banking Association

Download the Australian Banking Association fact sheetOpens in new window to see some of the ways your bank can help you when you're experiencing financial difficulty and see a list of Australian bank hardship team contact detailsOpens in new window.

Australian Taxation Office 

The Australian Tax Office has support available for businesses experiencing financial difficulty.

Backing Business Investment

Backing Business Investment (BBI) is a time-limited 15 month investment incentive to support business investment and economic growth over the short term, by accelerating depreciation deductions.

This applies to eligible assets acquired from March 12, 2020 and first used or installed by June 30, 2021. Businesses with a turnover of less than $500 million will be able to deduct 50 percent of the cost of an eligible asset on installation, with existing depreciation rules applying to the balance of the asset cost.

Boosting cash flow for employers

Boosting cash flow for employers provides up to $100,000 back to small and medium-sized businesses, with a minimum payment of $20,000 for eligible businesses. The payment will provide cash flow support to businesses with a turnover of less than $50 million that employ staff. The payment will be tax free.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA)

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA has published some useful videos to assist businesses in preparing for coronavirus.

Increasing the Instant Asset Write-Off

Increasing the Instant Asset Write-Off threshold from $30,000 to $150,000 and expanding access to include businesses with an aggregated annual turnover of less than $500 million (up from $50 million). This applies from March 12, 2020 until June 30, 2020, for new or second-hand assets first used of installed ready for use in this timeframe.

Small Business Development Corporation 

The State Government has announced $114 million in measures to support Western Australia small and medium business. Business owners are encouraged to call the Small Business Development Corporation on 133 140 or visit their website.

Supporting apprentices and trainees

If you employ an apprentice or trainee, you may be eligible for a wage subsidy of 50 percent of their wage paid from January 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020. You can register for the subsidy from early April 2020.

The City of Swan has dedicated resources to assist business. Get in touch with our Economic Development team via business@swan.wa.gov.au

Midlas

Midlas, in partnership with Foodbank, are providing City of Swan residents in need with an Emergency Relief Isolation Pack.  Midlas can offer essential items delivered to your door, including food hampers, nappies and baby formula, and toiletries. Apply online.

ERConnect

ERConnect is a free directory for service providers, and people looking for assistance. Find information on food relief, financial counselling and emergency accommodation, among other services, and get a list of services that can provide assistance in a location that is convenient. 

Red Cross

Red Cross has numerous resources for families on surviving self isolation or taking to your kids about COVID-19. 

YACWA Youth Service Directory

Your one stop location for youth services. YACWA provides direct contact to the people that are here to help young people on their path through life. 

Aboriginal Health Council of WA

The Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia (AHCWA) is the peak body for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) in Western Australia and has relevant updates on COVID-19.

CALD Communities

COVID-19 information has been translated into different languages and is available from the Department of Health or SBS Radio. 

WACOSS

WACOSS provides a valuable resource for community services. 

Lotterywest

The State Government, through Lotterywest, is committing $159 million into a COVID-19 Relief Fund to respond to the hardship being experienced by the Western Australian community as a result the COVID-19 pandemic. 

RUAH Community Service Directories

Community directories listing all available services for vulnerable communities. 

Dreambuilders

Dreambuilders provide free meals and hot drinks at their Community Meals Café, 334-336 Great Eastern Highway, Midland, each Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 6pm -7pm.

Dreambuilders low-cost supermarket and op-shop

The supermarket and op-shop is open Monday to Friday between 9.30am - 4pm. The supermarket offers a variety of low-cost pantry staples, and fresh fruit and vegetables.  The op-shop sells quality second-hand goods, including clothes and household items.

Disclaimer: Please contact all services prior to attending, because during the COVID-19 pandemic various services are implementing social distancing and may not be operating face to face services at this time.

During the COVID-19 pandemic there are a range of support services available to seniors.

Department of Health

The Department of Health has developed an information sheet for older Australians, their family and friends on how to support seniors from the spread of COVID-19. This can be downloaded by visiting the Department of Health website.

Healthdirect

The Federal Government’s Healthdirect is an essential resource for older Australians who have concerns or questions about COVID-19, including information on:

  • Additional healthcare services and how to access them.
  • Home Care Packages.
  • How to remain in contact with friends, family and relatives.
Alzheimer's WA

Alzheimer’s WA has developed a range of resources with advice and activities for families and carers of people living with dementia who may be self-isolating.

Red Cross

Red Cross' volunteer-run telecross service offers daily wellbeing check-ups to seniors.

Council of the Ageing (COTA)

COTA Australia has developed a website to make sure older people are getting clear and consistent information. 

My Aged Care

My Aged Care is the starting point to access Australian Government funded aged care services.

Coles/Woolworths Community Hour

Woolworth and Coles stores are open from 7am-8am every day for seniors and people with a disability.

Woolworths Priority Assistance/Coles Online Priority Service

To ensure vulnerable customers in the community have access to home delivery services at this time, both Coles and Woolworths are providing a priority services with dedicated delivery windows. Eligible customers include seniors, people with a disability and those with compromised immunity or who are required to self isolate.

Australia Post Pharmacy Home Delivery

The Pharmacy Home Delivery Service assists vulnerable members of the community who may in isolation and unable to access essential medications due to COVID-19. Speak to your pharmacy to see if they are a part of this scheme or offer their own pharmacy delivery service.

Being concerned about COVID-19 is a normal and understandable reaction. However, too much worrying can affect both our mental health.

Some ways to stay mentally healthy:

  • Stay informed with the right information (either the WA Department of Health of Australian Government Department of Health).
  • Stay connected with family and friends via phone, social media or digital tools.
  • Maintain healthy routines.
  • Access support.

Organisations that provide support, resources and services:

Mental Health Commission WA

The Mental Health Commission WA strives to establish mental health, alcohol and other drug systems that meet the needs of Western Australia’s population and deliver quality outcomes for individuals and their families. Visit their website for information and resources.

Think Mental Health

Think Mental Health provides information on how to maintain mental health and wellbeing, provide information on what you can do when things aren’t going so well and where to get help when it is needed. 

Head to Health

Head to Health is committed to providing Australians with trusted information and digital supports to help support everyone's mental health and wellbeing during this pandemic. 

Lifeline Australia

A crisis support service that provides short term support at any time for people who are having difficulty coping or staying safe. The websiteOpens in new window has resources or call 13 11 14 to speak to someone.

Beyond Blue

Beyond BlueOpens in new window provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live. Call 1300 22 4636 to speak to someone. Youth Beyond BlueOpens in new window has resources for people aged 12-25.

Kids Helpline

A free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling serviceOpens in new window for young people aged 5 to 25 years. Call 1800 551 800.

Headspace

HeadspaceOpens in new window is a one-stop-shop for young people who need help with mental health, physical health (including sexual health), alcohol and other drugs or work and study support. Call 1800 650 890. 

Strong Spirit Strong Mind

Strong Spirit Strong MindOpens in new window promotes the uniqueness of Aboriginal culture as a central strength in guiding efforts to manage and reduce mental health and alcohol and other drug related harms in Aboriginal communities.

The City recommends residents follow health advice issued by the WA Department of Health:

  • If you experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath, seek immediate medical advice and stay home.
  • Frequently wash your hands with soap and water, front, back and between the fingers, for at least 20 seconds.
  • Practice good respiratory and hand hygiene (cover coughs and sneezes, dispose of tissues in the bin) and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser or wash your hands with soap immediately afterwards.
  • Slow or stop the spread of coronavirus by practicing social distancing at home, in the workplace and in public.
  • All members of the community should practice social distancing of 1.5 metres where possible.

Download the Federal Government Coronavirus Australia app via the App Store or Google Play.

Important numbers and websites

 Health

 Community

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