On this page
For the latest COVID-19 information and for information in your language, visit the Victorian Government's Coronavirus website-external site.
Our road to recovery
COVID-19 restrictions have been removed by the Victorian Government, and our focus is now on supporting our community on their road to recovery.
We have a number of support services available to businesses and residents as outlined below.
Coronavirus support hotline
Residents have access to a dedicated support team who can arrange local emergency relief support or refer people to partner organisations and agencies who can help.
If you need help, call us on (03) 9278 4444 between 8:30 am and 5:15 pm and ask to speak to a member of our support team. You can also email [email protected].
Community RAT Program
Free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) are now available for all Victorians to collect at the following locations:
- Ashburton Library at 154 High Street in Ashburton
- Balwyn Library at 336 Whitehorse Road in Balwyn
- Camberwell Library at 340 Camberwell Road in Camberwell
- Greythorn Library Lounge at 2 Centre Way in Balwyn North
- Hawthorn Library at 584 Glenferrie Road in Hawthorn
- Kew Library on the corner of Cotham Road and Civic Drive in Kew.
For library branch opening hours, please visit our Contact the library page.
Please note: if you have symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, please do not collect RATs until you are well. If you can’t get to a location, please ask someone to collect your free RATs for you.
Who can get free RATs?
All Victorians are eligible to collect 2 test kits per visit for themselves and each member of their household. Community members requesting tests do not need to verify eligibility and do not need to reside within the municipality.
People with disability or their carers can receive 20 tests (4 kits) per visit, including:
- NDIS participants
- Disability support pensioners
- People with a disability who receive a Transport Accident Commission benefit.
More information
For more information about getting tested and reporting a positive rapid antigen test result, visit the Victorian Department of Health website-external site.
You can also call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 675 398.
Support for business
The following information is available on our Support and resources for your business page:
- Grants and financial support
- Mental health and wellbeing support
- Starting or growing your business
- Recruiting staff
- Looking after your business
- Promoting your business
- Expanding your knowledge and skills.
Community services
We have existing relationships with key service providers and community organisations that are well-placed to provide emergency relief and services.
You can download our Community Services Directory from the downloads section below, to find contact details and more information. You can also call us on (03) 9278 4444 between 8:30 am and 5:15 pm to speak to a member of our support team.
For a copy of the Community Services Directory, see the downloads section below.
Family violence
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000.
Support is available for people experiencing family violence. You can find out more on our Family violence page.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
For information on what you can do to help keep mob safe and protect them from coronavirus (COVID-19), you can download the Victorian Health and Human Services’ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people fact sheet from the downloads section below.
Gambling support
Gambler's Help support services are available for anyone affected by gambling issues. You can find out more on the Gambler's Help website-external site.
Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling 1800 858 858.
Other support services
There are a range of support services available to help you through this challenging time, including:
- Centrelink (Job Seekers) - find out more on the Services Australia website-external site or call 132 850
- National Debt Helpline - call 1800 007 007
- Tenants Victoria - find out more on the Tenants Victoria website-external site
- Victoria Legal Aid - find out more on the Victoria Legal Aid website-external site or call 1300 792 387
- Lifeline - find out more or use the online chat tool on the Lifeline website-external site, or call 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue - find out more or use the online chat tool on the Beyond Blue website-external site, or call 1300 224 636.