Hi all,On Tuesday night Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced stage two measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. As part of these measures, he announced that community and recreation centres would be forced to close. The measures came into effect from 11.59pm yesterday, Wednesday 25 March.
Facilities may remain open for the purpose of hosting essential voluntary or public services, such as food banks and homeless services. However, we cannot provide a space for people to gather or socialise.
Where possible, we want to continue delivering essential services in ways that are safe for the community. Targeted Earlier Intervention services are critical to supporting children, young people, families and communities in NSW.
However, the closure of community facilities means you may need to change the way you deliver services. Consider alternative options for continuing service delivery, such as:
- virtual neighbourhood networks using social media to ensure people stay connected to their community and get the support they need
- small group teleconferences and online video meetings to facilitate group activities and hold community meetings
- one-on-one catch ups over phone or video to give people more targeted support.
We know that clear, concise information is vital at this time. Within the next few days you will receive:
- further information through updated frequently asked questions
- a joint video message from Simone Walker, Deputy Secretary DCJ and Joanna Quilty, CEO NCOSS
- an invitation to a web-based meeting for all providers.
This meeting will canvas further opportunities for all TEI providers to support and deliver the most essential services for vulnerable clients.
We want to reassure you funding will continue through existing contracts and recently renegotiated contracts. We know these changes may impact your performance and your ability to collect and report data. We will take this into consideration and remain flexible during this challenging time. Contract managers are meeting regularly to understand the pressures of the changing environment.
Please contact your contract manager to discuss any changes to service delivery.
Our efforts, together, during this time are vital in ensuring the safety and support for our communities. Opportunities to undertake other roles may be available for your staff in our widening COVID-19 efforts. Shortly, we will reach out to you with further information about this.
We value your services and the important role you play in your community, and thank you for your efforts during this difficult time.
Please continue checking the NSW Government website to stay up to date on COVID-19.
Kind regards,
Anthony Shannon
Director, Early Intervention, Volunteering and Youth