Financial and Food Relief
Find information and support to access financial relief, food relief and essential goods
On this page
Financial support Support to access food relief and essential goods
Financial Support
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Help is available if you are experiencing financial distress. Find a list of supports here…
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.
Centrelink
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 open by appointment only – please call 5472 4842 to book.Mutual Obligation information for job seekers during COVID-19 www.jobsearch.gov.au/covid-19-information.
National Debt Helpline
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.auNo Interest Loans Scheme (NILS)
By appointment only at Castlemaine Community House. For an appointment call 5472 4842 or visit www.nils.com.au for further information.Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Centre
For free legal advice re: child protection, family violence, parenting arrangements, debt.
Call 1800 450 909Housing Justice
For free tenancy support. Call 1800 450 990.Justice of the Peace
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.Financial counselling services
Moneysmart
Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria
Saver Plus – matched savings and financial education programRenters
Victorian Government Rental Assistance information – www.housing.vic.gov.au/help-renting
Know your rights: Consumer.vic.gov.auUtility costs
The State Government is offering a Power Saving Bonus – a one off payment to help eligible Victorians experiencing energy bill stress. For more information visit: Victorian Energy Compare. If you are unable to access online, you can call Good Shepherd on 1300 026 500 for further information and online assistance.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.
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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.
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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/castlemaineSt 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. -
If you can afford food but are unable to get it yourself or with the help of family and friends:
The supermarkets below offer delivery services.
- Castlemaine Maxi IGA – (03) 5472 2477
- Castlemaine IGA – (03) 5472 1140
- Newstead IGA – (03) 5476 2400.
- Maldon IGA – (03) 5475 2458.
A list of cafes, pubs and restaurants in Castlemaine, Maldon and surrounds and their operating details can be found here.
For an updated list of all local food businesses available for takeaway and delivery as well as online shopping options:
- Call the Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre on 1800 171 888 (Freecall), or
- Visit the Visit Castlemaine and Surrounds website or the Castlemaine & Surrounds – COVID19 website
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How to access 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
Call: (03) 5472 1019
Email: platinum.service@signet.com.au
Thomas & Chong – Terry White Chemist
Call: (03) 5472 1872
Email: Castlemaine@TerryWhiteChemmart.com.au
Maldon Pharmacy
Call: (03) 5475 2102
Email: maldonpharmacy@yahoo.com.auNewstead Pharmacy (located at the Post Office)
Call: (03) 5476 2203Australia 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.
