COVID-19 Community Support Hub

Eligible Baw Baw Shire residents can book their COVID-19 vaccination on the phone or online.

Residents can book to have their vaccination by:

 Calling the Department of Health Vaccination Hotline on 1800 675 398 or,
 Visiting the Victorian booking website

You can book to have your vaccination at a participating GP clinic. You can check your eligibility and a list of participating GP clinics at www.health.gov.au

All Victorians who are eligible for a booster are urged to book an appointment as soon as possible. COVID-19 booster doses are recommended for anyone aged 18 and over who had their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine four or more months ago.

You can get a booster dose from a GP, pharmacy or a Victorian vaccination centre.
For more information, including advice for workplaces with a confirmed COVID-19 case, please go to coronavirus.vic.gov.au. 

If deemed eligible, a vaccination provider can be found by clicking on the ‘make a booking’ button that will appear.

If you know someone who does not have access to the internet, or anyone who would prefer to speak to someone about eligibility, please call the National COVID-19 vaccine helpline: 1800 020 080

If you can't get to your appointment, funded travel to and from vaccine appointments is available for anyone who receives government benefits through Centrelink (other than the family tax benefit). To organise your trip call 1800 675 398. 

Vaccines for 5 to 11-year-olds

Children aged 5 to 11 can receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine from 10 January 2022. 

Bookings are available through GPs and pharmacies across Victoria. Find your nearest provider via the Australian Government’s Vaccine Clinic Finder. You can also get your child vaccinated at your nearest state vaccination centre. Find out more about vaccines for young children or book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment today.

By vaccinating your children, you can:

• Reduce the spread of COVID-19
• Protect them from getting sick from COVID-19  
• Keep schools open, so children can have more face-to-face learning and playtime with their friends.

The recommended interval for vaccination in this age group is two doses, 8 weeks apart.

The interval can be shortened to a minimum of 3 weeks in special circumstances. For example:

• as part of an outbreak response
• before the start of significant immunosuppression, or
• before international travel.

Find out more about COVID-19 vaccines for children. 

For information about Council's immunisation programs, please see our immunisations page.

From Tuesday 3 January, all community members who present to a collection site can receive up to 10 tests (2 kits) for themselves, plus up to 10 tests (2 kits) for each member of their household per visit.

Community members requesting tests do not need to verify eligibility and do not need to reside within the municipality. 

The current testing advice determines the following quantities for priority and high-risk community members (or someone collecting tests on their behalf).

• People with disabilities or their carer can receive 20 tests (4 kits) per visit including:
  
  • NDIS participants
  • Disability support pensioners
  • People with a disability who receive a Transport Accident Commission benefit
• People who are 70 years or older, immunocompromised or have a concession card can also receive 20 tests (4 kits) per visit.

Collection sites:

• Drouin Customer Service Centre, located at 33 Young Street, Drouin
• Warragul Library, located at 75 Victorian Street, Warragul
• Drouin Library, located at 136 Princes Way, Drouin

As funded by the Victorian Government, Council has been provided $30,000 to deliver the expanded program until 31 July 2022.

Community members who may be experiencing symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, are strongly advised to reach out to a guardian or carer to collect a free RAT kit on their behalf to protect those around them.

For more information about getting tested and reporting a positive RAT result, visit the Department of Health website or alternatively you can call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 675 398.

From 1 January 2023, those who need a PCR test will need to visit a GP respiratory clinic or have a GP referral to a private pathology provider.

A GP will decide whether you require a PCR test based on your symptoms and medical condition.

PCR testing will continue to be available only via medical consultation.

Find information on getting tested for COVID-19 in Victoria.

Baw Baw Shire Council's Corporate COVID Safe Plan outlines the protocols in place to mitigate the introduction of COVID-19 into Council workspaces during current restrictions set out by the Victorian Government for all staff, contractors and visitors that attend a Council workplace.

Click here to download the Baw Baw Shire Council Corporate COVID Safe Plan(PDF, 374KB) (version 2.1 - updated 6 May 2021).

Click here to download the COVID-19 Facilities and Services Reopening Information Pack.(PDF, 741KB)

In order to protect our community, there are some requirements that need to be met to ensure each facility and program can operate safely. We understand the challenges our community groups, clubs and organisations are facing, and are committed to working with you to support your planning and recommencing activities. 

The COVID-19 Facilities and Services Reopening Information Pack contains important information to assist with the resumption of services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This information applies to all Baw Baw Shire Council owned and managed buildings and spaces whether they are operated directly by Council - which includes Community Asset Committees (formerly known as Section 86 Committees) - or by a third party (which also includes incorporated groups) under agreement.

Baw Baw Shire Council has introduced several support measures to financially assist ratepayers in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Initial support measures include:

• Hardship Policy: If you are the ratepayer of a property in Baw Baw and are experiencing financial hardship then please complete the hardship assistance application form and make arrangements for your rates payments.
• Access to community support programs: Click here for available services and resources.
• Talk to us: If you need additional relief, please contact us as soon as possible to check your eligibility for other supports and make appropriate payment arrangements.

Pensioner Concession Card and Veterans Affairs Gold Card holders may be eligible for further rates and levy concessions through the Victorian Government. For more information visit https://services.dhhs.vic.gov.au/concessions-and-benefits 

For details of the support available, as well as further advice, updates and support to help your business respond to COVID-19, please go to the Coronavirus Business Support page.

If you need help, Council’s Economic Development team is ready to help you navigate through all the information available, obtain the right assistance (from local, State and Federal Governments) and access other support resources. For assistance, call 1300 229 229 or email economic.development@bawbawshire.vic.gov.au

People are social. Isolation can be hard. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed by everything that's going on, it’s okay to feel this way - and it's okay to get help and support. Whatever your age, background, gender or disability there's support waiting for you.

For an index of support services, please visit the Get Help and Support webpage. On this page you'll find contact information for a wide range of services in Baw Baw Shire.