Gannawarra services & recreation changes for COVID-19 lockdown: Aug 21

Published on 21 August 2021

Gannawarra Shire Council will implement changes to some of its services following today’s advice from the State Government that as of 1.00pm regional Victoria will be returning to lockdown conditions until 11.59pm Thursday, 2 September.

In addition, as of 1.00pm Saturday 21 August 2021 playgrounds, exercise equipment and skate parks throughout the Gannawarra are closed as part of efforts to stop the spread of Coronavirus.

“With the number of cases detected continuing to increase across Australia, and in recent days within regional Victoria, Council is continuing to play a key role in preventing the risks for residents,” said Gannawarra Chief Executive Officer Tom O’Reilly. 

Council’s Customer Service centres will be closed to face-to-face transactions. Residents can communicate with Council in the following ways:

• By phoning the Cohuna Customer Service Centre on (03) 5456 5222 during business hours;

• By phoning the Kerang Customer Service Centre on (03) 5450 9333 during business hours;

• By e-mailing council@gsc.vic.gov.au at any time;

• By visiting www.gsc.vic.gov.au and chatting live with a staff member during business hours;

• By lodging a request form at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/request at any time; and

• By writing to PO Box 287, Kerang VIC 3579.

“During this time please be advised that customers may experience some delays when contacting Council at this time,” Mr O’Reilly said.

The following Council services will also be impacted by the State government lockdown restrictions:

• The closure of Gannawarra Library Service branches at Cohuna, Kerang, Leitchville and Quambatook.

• The closure of the Kerang Exercise Pool, with Warra Waders swimming lessons cancelled;

• The closure of the Gateway to Gannawarra Visitor Centre;

• The cancellation of any facility bookings during this time;

• The cancellation of Social Meals sessions planned during the lockdown period;

• The cancellation of the L2P Learner Driver Mentor Program; and 

Residents will still be able to access Gannawarra Library Service’s online resources during this time. This includes Beamafilm, BorrowBox and Story Box. Details on all of these resources are available at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/libraries. 

At this time, Council is awaiting further advice as to what impact the current lockdown will have on Council-managed kindergarten, family day care and long day care services. Families impacted by any changes to services will be contacted as soon as possible. 

“Council thanks the community for their patience and understanding at this time as staff navigate the change in service delivery.” 

Council reminds residents that there are currently only five reasons to leave your home:

 - To get the food and supplies you need

 - To exercise for up to two hours no more than 5km from your home

 - For care or care giving

 - Authorised work or education if you can’t do it from home

 - To get vaccinated at the nearest location 

Face masks are mandatory indoors and outdoors, except at your home, unless an exemption applies. 

For more information regarding Coronavirus and Council’s efforts, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

Residents who are concerned regarding Coronavirus are encouraged to phone the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 or visit www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

For more information please contact Council on (03) 5450 9333 or visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au

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Date: 21 August 2021

Media contact:  T: (03) 5450 9333 M: 0409 616 627