Financial support Support to access food relief and essential goods
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.
Victorian workers can apply for a $450 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Test Isolation Payment that provides financial support while they self-isolate to wait for the results of a coronavirus (COVID-19) test. Further details and eligibility requirements for this payment can be found here.
For a full list of Australian Government assistance please click here.
Call 13 61 50 or visit www.servicesaustralia.gov.au
This includes information for: families, job seekers, older Australians, people with a disability, students and trainees and carers.
The Centrelink Agency Service at Castlemaine Community House is operating from 1 June 2020. For an appointment, call Castlemaine Community House on 5472 4842.
Mutual Obligation information for job seekers during COVID-19 www.jobsearch.gov.au/covid-19-information.
For free financial counselling if you are experiencing financial hardship.
Call 1800 007 007 (Mon-Fri. 9:30am to 4:30pm) or visit www.ndh.org.au
By appointment only at Castlemaine Community House. For an appointment call 5472 4842 or visit www.nils.com.au for further information.
For free legal advice re: child protection, family violence, parenting arrangements, debt.
Call 1800 450 909
For free tenancy support.
Call 1800 450 990
A Justice of the Peace will be available at CHIRP Community Health on Tuesdays between 1pm and 3pm by appointment only. Call 5479 1000 to make an appointment.
Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria
Saver Plus - matched savings and financial education program
Rent Relief Grant - The Victorian Government has established an $80 million rental assistance fund to provide rent relief payments of up to $3,000 to Victorians experiencing rental hardship due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. More information can be found here
Know your rights: Consumer.vic.gov.au
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.
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.
If you cannot afford food and are unable to get it yourself or with the help of family and friends, contact:
Salvation Army (Castlemaine Corps)
The Community Service Centre provides emergency relief in the form of food parcels and vouchers as a way of assisting people who find themselves in difficult circumstances (operates Wednesday and Friday 9:30am – 12:30 pm)
Address: 47 Kennedy Street, Castlemaine, Vic, 3550
Call: 5470 5389
Website: www.salvationarmy.org.au/castlemaine
St Vincent de Paul
If you need assistance with food due to financial pressure, please call St Vincent de Paul on 5470 6091 and leave a message. A staff member will return you call as soon as possible.
For an updated list of all local food businesses available for takeaway and delivery as well as online shopping options:
You can still get your medications through your local GP or pharmacy. The following pharmacies are also providing a delivery service:
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: www.auspost.com.au/pharmacy-home-deliveries or contact your local pharmacy for more information.