Redeployed staff keep Meals on Wheels turning

When I visited Scarborough Beach during the Easter break, it was brilliant to see our community spirit in full effect with beachgoers practising social distancing. It really showed that we are all in this together and committed to stopping the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Keeping 1.5 metres apart is a simple thing we can all do to help resolve this unprecedented situation sooner rather than later, and I thank everyone across the City for doing their bit and thinking of others.

Now, moving onto the City’s ongoing COVID-19 response efforts - Council has agreed to develop and implement a comprehensive Economic Stimulus and Community Recovery Package. Part of a broader COVID-19 Response and Recovery Plan, the package will assist households, businesses, community organisations and employees. Immediate measures include ensuring there is no increase to this year’s rates and the introduction of a Tenancy Relief Action Plan.

Valued at $500,000, the Tenancy Relief Action Plan includes a 12-month rent-free period for community, social, cultural and sporting club tenants who lease City land or property. The plan also suspends rent reviews, rent abatement and/or deferrals, release of bank guarantees or tenancy bonds, and early termination options.

The Economic Stimulus and Community Recovery Package outlines a range of other initiatives to support the community including implementing a COVID-19 Community Group Assistance Fund to help community groups and sporting clubs get back into action. In addition, we are looking to expand the City’s Meals on Wheels service to support those in need, particularly the vulnerable in our community.

On the topic of Meals on Wheels, several City of Stirling staff members whose roles were affected by facility and service closures have since been redeployed to the service to meet the growing needs of our community. In the lead up to Easter, I joined one of our parking inspectors to deliver meals to residents through Hamersley, Watermans and North Beach. It made me so proud to see our team members from across the City’s workforce step up to deliver these essential services to the vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the past few weeks, the City’s Meals on Wheels team has increased its meal delivery by more than 20 per cent and the service currently has almost 4,000 frozen meals in reserve. Phone the City’s Community Services Hotline on 1800 729 655 to find out more about the service.

To support our business community during this difficult time, we have launched the ‘Support Your Local’ register. The online directory available on the City’s website is a great resource to continue supporting local businesses that are still trading. 

There is some good news for the golfers out there with Hamersley Public Golf Course now re-open to the public. To abide by social distancing requirements, please be aware that bookings are for one or two players only, cart hire is one per person, and the tavern and kiosk will remain closed and pro shop entry is limited. Click here for bookings.

At this stage, all local playgrounds, barbecues, drinking fountains, enclosed dog exercise areas, skateboarding facilities, public courts and fitness stations remain closed until further notice. The City’s parks are still available for exercising, but please follow the Department of Health’s 1.5m social distancing requirement.

If you’re looking for home-based ways to keep a healthy mind and body, we have produced a series of ‘At Home Wellness’ online sessions. Whether it’s exercises, yoga, mindful mobility techniques or tai chi moves, there’s sessions available via Youtube to suit just about everyone. Several of the sessions have already popped up on the City’s Facebook page or just click here to visit the City’s dedicated Youtube channel.

While our popular Tree Trail activity has been re-scheduled to the spring school holidays, we have put together a few fun, home-based activities for kids these school holidays. The entertaining nature-based art tutorials ‘Natural loom weaving’ and ‘All about sticks’ are available via the City’s Youtube channel by clicking here.

We also have a Tree Tales contest where three lucky children will win a win a Fuji Instax Mini 70 camera for making a short video (up to one minute) about what a local tree might be thinking or why they love trees. Just share the video on Instagram by Tuesday 28 April 2020 and remember to tag the City @citystirlingwa as well as include the hashtag #mytreetale to be in the running.

The continuing COVID-19 situation has caused such a big shake up to our lifestyle, and one major change is its effect on Anzac Day services this year. In-line with the latest health advice, we have all been encouraged to commemorate Anzac Day at home.

One way to honour the Anzac spirit is to be part of the Driveway Dawn Service movement at 5.55am on Saturday 25 April. Simply light a candle and stand at the end of your driveway or balcony at that time and tune into ABC Radio for the dawn commemoration, which will include The Ode, The Last Post and one minute’s silence. During this time of isolation, it’s a way we can all embrace the spirit of mateship and connect our community.

To help you share the details of the Driveway Dawn Service, we have made an ‘Embracing the Spirit of Mateship’ postcard to place in the letterboxes of your neighbours and older residents.