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Financial and Food Relief

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

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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.

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 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.

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.au

No 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 450 909

Housing 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

www.moneysmart.gov.au

Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria

Saver Plus - matched savings and financial  education program

Renters  

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

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.

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.

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 the local supermarkets below.  A list of cafes, pubs and restaurants in Castlemaine, Maldon and surrounds and their operating details can be found here.

  • Castlemaine Maxi IGA

    • Delivery service available Monday-Friday
    • Call (03) 5472 2477 or email: homeorders@maxifoods.net.au for more information and delivery charges.

  • 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. 
    • 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 Wednesday 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:

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.