COVID-19 Community Support Hub

For the latest Victorian restrictions and updates, please visit the Coronavirus Victoria webpage.

• The number of people who can visit a home per day (either at once or across the day) has been reduced to 15 from 30. Babies under the age of 12 months are not included in the cap.
• If you're leaving home, wearing a mask inside is mandatory unless you're eating or drinking.
• Avoid hugging and kissing.
• Practice good hand hygiene.
• If you are sick, get tested and stay home.

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, 419KB) (version 1.3 - updated 10 December 2020).

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 - COVID-19: The Hardship Policy - COVID-19 Addendum outlines options available to those facing financial hardship. Click here to access a copy of the policy(PDF, 58KB) or complete the COVID-19 Hardship Application form to make an arrangement.
  
  
• 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 

Baw Baw Shire Council has launched a support package to financially assist local businesses in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

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.

Services operating with restrictions:

• Customer Service Centres - The Drouin and Warragul customer service centres are open with safety measures in place. NOTE: The Warragul Customer Service Centre is open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm.
• Household waste and kerbside hard waste collections will continue as normal. Transfer stations will also remain open with physical distancing limits in place.
• Maternal child health centres can be accessed for face to face appointments with safety measures in place. Phone consultations are available.
• Immunisations – some locations and times may vary.
• Kinder enrolments will continue to operate online or over the phone.
• Family day care is still operating with strict hygiene protocols in place in accordance with government requirements.
• Home maintenance and modifications.
• Personal care.
• Council supported parent groups and playgroups will continue to operate virtually.

Council Meetings

Council Meetings will reopen to the public commencing with the meeting to be held on Wednesday 2 December 2020. 

Community members wishing to attend will be required to register in advance.

Numbers are capped at 40 (not including Councillors or Staff) so booking is essential. 

Click here to register to attend a Council Meeting.

Registrations will be checked at the door prior to admission to assist Council with any contact tracing. 

Sanitisation of equipment used will occur to ensure the safety of the community, staff and Councillors.

How to make a submission

Council will accept written submissions on any agenda item. Written submissions are to be received by 5.00pm on the Tuesday before the Council Meeting. Submissions can be made via email to via the online form found on this webpage.

Community Members may also contact Council on 5624 2411 and officers will transcribe a submission. Submissions will be limited to 500 words.

Transfer stations

Members of the community are able to attend transfer stations, provided they adhere to physical distancing requirements and wear a face mask as required. 

Please note that for the safety of all, EFTPOS transactions are the preferred method of payment at all Baw Baw Shire Transfer Stations.

Kerbside waste collection

Kerbside waste collection is continuing as normal.

Soft Plastics

There are no changes to the availability of REDcycle bins in Coles and Woolworths stores.

Bins may be moved occasionally for a variety of reasons, however both Coles and Woolworths remain committed to REDcycle in stores.

If you have any questions, please speak to the Store Manager.