Warrnambool City Council's COVID-19 Business Support Plan
Warrnambool City Councils COVID-19 Business Support Program (COVID-19 BSP) is designed to engage with local businesses and lessen the financial burden impacting them where possible, whilst planning for a rebuild of the important business community as restrictions are lifted.
Click Here to download the Warrnambool City Council Business Support Plan
- To keep up to date on all current guidelines and restrictions in place throughout Victoria please visit - www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/how-we-live
- For details about ongoing measures to help contain COVID-19 please visit the Department of Health and Human Services website.
- DHHS has a suite of translated resources available for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
- SBS provides news and information about COVID-19 (coronavirus) in 63 languages.
- More information about businesses support is available at www.business.vic.gov.au
- Business Victoria step-by-step instruction to developing your contingency plan
- COVID-19 Business restart services
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Health, Safety and Wellbeing team have created a COVID-19 Business Restart Checklist (exclusively for members) that can help support businesses to restart safely once restrictions start to ease. There are two versions of this checklist - non-editable and editable - for you to customise based on your business needs. Essential memberships are currently free for small businesses. - CPA information about COVID-19 impacts
Including high level tips, Detailed summary of potential actions, Example worksheet - List of potential implications, example checklist-Contingency plan - How to prepare an emergency management plan
You probably won't get much warning before an emergency. A good emergency management plan prepares you and your business for unexpected disruptions. Follow our steps to prepare an emergency management plan to help protect your business before, during and after an emergency. - Business recovery and resilience mentoring
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is partnering with the Victorian Government to deliver a business mentoring program to help small businesses navigate the economic challenges posed by restrictions to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Get in touch
The Economic Development and Business Support Unit are currently reaching out and making contact with as many of Warrnambool's 2,700 businesses as they can.
If we haven't reached you yet and you would like to get in touch, please fill in your details below
Keeping your business safe
Do you have your COVIDSafe plan?
In regional Victoria, a COVIDSafe Plan is mandatory for high-risk industries and advised for all other permitted work. Creating your COVIDSafe Plan is not complicated, but it will protect your staff, customers, and visitors. It also supports you in preparing for a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in your workplace.
For more information please visit the below link, which is updated regularly to provide you with the most up to date information.https://www.business.vic.gov.au/disputes-disasters-and-succession-plann…
A range of sectors/industries are subject to COVID-19 Restricted Activity Directions, and the following is provided to protect staff and patrons, and to comply with the government’s current restrictions.
- FACT SHEET_ How to create a COVIDSAFE worplace.pdf
- FACT SHEET_ What to do if a worker is unwell.pdf
- FACT SHEET_ What to do if a worker test positive.pdf
Advice on facemasks:
Up to date information on facemasks, including employer obligations and best practices.
https://www.business.vic.gov.au/disputes-disasters-and-succession-plann…
Cleaning and disinfecting a business after a COVID-19 case
This is a recently updated DHHS document which provides advice on cleaning and disinfecting for facilities or workplaces after an employee, resident or visitor has been diagnosed with COVID-19. While this advice is primarily for facilities and workplaces, the same principles apply for schools, childcare centres, accommodation facilities, factories and private homes.
A resource within the document of particular use is a demonstration video for the use of PPE if undertaking a COVID-19 deep clean. Although developed for use in education settings, the same principles would apply for any setting where PPE is needed.
Preventing infection in the workplace provides some further information on what to expect and what to implement if a case of COVID-19 is confirmed in your workplace.
South West Healthcare have created this video which provides advice on how to clean and disinfect non-healthcare premises (such as homes, motels and shops) to reduce COVID-19 transmission.
Mental Health Resources
SWH COVID-19 MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING SUPPORT LINE
This support line offers non-judgmental listening services to local people in our Corangamite, Moyne, Southern Grampians, Glenelg and Warrnambool communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
It's for anyone seeking guidance and support in accessing counselling or wellbeing support, for people experiencing emotional distress, and for people seeking basic information about how to access local support services and/or telephone and online support services to support their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
This support line will enable community members to access support from a qualified SWH professional, enhancing the community wellbeing guidance available on SWH’s website at www.southwesthealthcare.com.au
Call 1800 965 144 between 1–5pm Monday to Friday.
Mental Health resources for businesses:
Coronavirus is causing disruptions to many business owners across the state, increasing stress levels and impacting mental health. It is important you know how to look after your own mental health, as well as that of your employees. Here are some resources to help you deal with the stress of current circumstances:
https://www.business.vic.gov.au/disputes-disasters-and-succession-plann…
Tips to helping you cope with anxiety and worry during COVID-19 crisis:
- This page describes practical psychological skills to help you and your loved ones cope with anxiety and worry about infectious diseases.
https://headtohealth.gov.au/covid-19-support - Mindspot:
Free online assessment tool to assess risk of Anxiety and Depression, as well as practical tips to maintain mental wellbeing.
https://mindspot.org.au/coronavirus - Lifeline:
Information about how to maintain mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak, including links to helplines:
https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/topics/mental-health-and-wellbeing… - Headspace Warrnambool:
Support Services (including mental health) targeted at young people.
https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/warrnambool/ - Wellways:
Well Connected is a psychosocial support program for people who experience severe mental illness but who are not getting assistance from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
https://www.wellways.org/well-connected-support-program - Beyond Blue:
Specific information about how to deal with the COVID-19 crisis:
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/looking-after-your-mental-healt…
Find national helpline numbers for mental health, domestic violence, and suicide prevention:
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/national-help-lines-and-websi… - Kids Helpline:
Free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25, as well as parents, carers and teachers
https://kidshelpline.com.au/ - Public and Private Providers Mental Health Services in Warrnambool
Emotional Wellbeing.
These are stressful times. In this 25 minute webinar you will find some practical tips on how to ensure your emotional well-being during the COVID 19 crisis.
https://vimeopro.com/user65099910/emotional-well-being-covid-19
Marketing Materials for Warrnambool Businesses
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Click here to download a series of Get Around Warrnambool images and messagesthat Warrnambool businesses are encouraged to use. Please feel free to download them and use them on your social media platforms or, where appropriate, display in or at your business.
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Click here to download a series of Tiles sized for social media (1200px x 1200px)
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Click here to download these messages sized as A4 posters ready to print out and use in your business
Running my business online/virtually
- How to set your business up online
- Getting started online
- Social media and your business
- Sell in Online Marketplaces
- Buying and Selling Online