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Frequently asked questions

Financial and Food Relief

Find information and support to access financial relief, food relief and essential goods

Financial support Support to access food relief and essential goods

Financial support

Help is available if you are experiencing financial distress. To find out what financial relief measures Council has announced please visit our Coronavirus page on our website.

For a full list of Australian Government assistance please click here.

Centrelink

Call 13 61 50 or visit https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/affected-coronaviruscovid-19

This includes information for:  families, job seekers, older Australians, people with a disability, students and trainees and carers.

National Debt Helpline

For free financial counselling if you are experiencing financial hardship.

Call 1800 007 007 (Mon-Fri. 9:30am to 4:30pm)

Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Centre

For free legal advice re: child protection, family violence, parenting arrangements, debt.

Call 1800 450 909

Housing Justice

For free tenancy support.

Call 1800 450 990

Financial counselling services

Moneysmart.gov.au
Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria

Renters – Know your rights

Consumer.vic.gov.au

Utility costs

If you are worried about the cost of your utility bills due to COVID-19, talk to your local utility provider to find out what financial relief they are offering.

Support to access food relief and essential goods

For some people it is difficult to access food, medicine and other essentials for themselves during self-isolation and they may need additional support to do this at the moment.

If you are self-isolating due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic you may be eligible for a food or care package from the Victorian Government. Emergency food relief care packages are a box of basic supplies including essential food and personal care items. Relief packages will be distributed by partner organisations including the Red Cross, and Foodbank Victoria.

If you are in urgent need and don’t have a support network who can help you, call the Victorian Government’s coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398. The hotline can also refer people to other support services if needed.

Food relief

If you cannot afford food and are unable to get it yourself or with the help of family and friends, contact:

Mount Alexander Community Pantry

This is a locally run volunteer service which provides pre-prepared frozen meals or food packages, made with community spirit. Make a request by phone or email between 9am – 3pm on weekdays.

Orders can be picked up by appointment from 66 Blakeley Road in Castlemaine or delivered to your door. To access this service call 0472 537 866 between 9am-3pm (Monday to Friday) or email mtalexcommunitypantry@gmail.com. For more information please visit Mount Alexander Food Pantry

Delivery Services

If you can afford food but are unable to get it yourself or with the help of family and friends, the below delivery services are available from these local supermarkets:

  • Castlemaine Maxi IGA

    • Delivery service available Monday, Wednesday and Friday
    • Orders to be made by calling: (03) 5472 2477
    • Orders can be made either the day before delivery or on the day by 12.00pm
    • Set delivery fee of $5.00 and do and food can be ordered on these days or the day before.
    • Payment method: Cash or cheque (on request)

  • Castlemaine IGA

    • Delivery service available Monday, Wednesday and Friday around town (Approx 5km radius)
    • Orders to be made by calling: (03) 5472 1140
    • Orders can be made either the day before delivery or on the day by 12.00pm
    • Set delivery fee of $5.00 if within 5km radius. Outside 5km may be possible but may incur $10.00 fee
    • Payment method: Cash (cheque on request)

  • Newstead IGA

    • Delivery service only to those in need (Elderly or isolated people) upon request in local area.
    • Orders to be made by calling: (03) 5476 2400 or a note can be dropped off at the store by a family member
    • No delivery fee charged
    • Payment method: cash on delivery or credit card over the phone (receipt then provided on delivery)

  • Maldon IGA

    • Delivery service available Monday to Friday in the local area
    • Orders to be made by calling: (03) 5475 2458 between 9.00-10.30am on the day. Anything later may be picked up the same day or will be done the following day.
    • No delivery fee charged
    • Payment method: Credit card over the phone and also accept cheques (not accepting cash)

For an updated list of all local food businesses available for takeaway and delivery as well as online shopping options:

Other essential goods

You can still get your medications through your local GP or pharmacy. The following pharmacies are also providing a delivery service:

  • Amcal Castlemaine

  • Thomas & Chong - Terry White Chemist

    • Call: (03) 5472 1872
    • Email: Castlemaine@TerryWhiteChemmart.com.au

  • Maldon Pharmacy

    • Call: (03) 5475 2102
    • Email: maldonpharmacy@yahoo.com.au

  • Newstead Pharmacy (located at the Post Office)

    • Call: (03) 5476 2203

Australia Post has also implemented a Pharmacy Home Delivery service which allows vulnerable members of the community to get free delivery on medication and other essential supplies.

To find out more visit: https://auspost.com.au/pharmacy-home-deliveries