COVID-19 Community Support Hub

The COVID-19 vaccine is currently being rolled out across Victoria. 

From Tuesday 8 June, a COVID-19 vaccination centre will open at The Goods Shed, Warragul. 

The vaccination centre will be open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9am – 3:30pm.

At this stage walk in appointments won’t be available, and all appointments must be booked via the Department of Health Vaccination Hotline by 1800 675 398.

Eligibility for the vaccine can be checked online using the COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker.

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

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

A snap lockdown is now in place across Victoria.

New changes have been introduced to slow the spread of COVID-19 by reducing the number of people leaving their homes and moving around Victoria.

This means that you cannot leave your home other than for one of the five following reasons:

• shopping for necessary goods and services
• care and caregiving, including medical care and getting a COVID-19 test
• exercise
• authorised work and permitted study
• to get a COVID-19 vaccination 

For full details on the current restrictions please visit the Coronavirus Victoria - COVIDSafe Settings webpage.

The below information may be superseded by the latest Victorian Government advice. For the latest information, please visit the Coronavirus Victoria website.

Services operating with restrictions

During circuit-breaker lockdown, Council’s Customer Service Centres will be closed, but our team will be available via phone on 1300 BAW BAW, live chat, email and direct messages on social media.

The following services will also experience some disruption for the duration of the lockdown, as directed by State Government advice:

• Customer service centres - Currently open, with health and safety measures in place.
• Council managed halls/spaces - Open with density limits of 1 person per 4 square metres up to 100 people.
• Markets - Produce markets only.
• Playgroups – Not currently operating.
• Skate parks – Open.
• Outdoor playgrounds – Open.
• Organised sport – Community sport is open for all ages, including training and competition. 
• West Gippsland Arts Centre – The ticket box and customer service are currently open with health and safety measures in place. 
• Swimming pools and fitness centres – Currently closed. Reopening information to be advised. 
• Baby capsule hire - Currently unavailable.
• Maternal and Child Health services:
  • Currently offering online appointments.

The following essential aged care services will continue where it is safe to do so:

• Meals - delivered to the home only.
• Transport - trips to essential medical appointments only.
• Domestic assistance and personal care.
• Social Support - phone and online-based services only, group activities suspended.

The following services are not impacted:

• Family Day Care (enhanced safety measures in place).
• Community immunisation sessions.
• Kindergarten enrolments.

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 

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.

The below information may be superseded by the latest Victorian Government advice. For the latest information, please visit the Coronavirus Victoria website. 

Council Meetings

Baw Baw Shire’s Council Meetings will re-open to members of the public from Wednesday 23 June 2021 following the easing COVID-19 restrictions across regional Victoria. 

Numbers are strictly limited to 30 guests (not including Councillors and staff), all of whom must register via Council’s website to attend. Booking is essential to allow staff to monitor and manage density limits. Please provide a copy of your booking upon arrival. 

QR Codes sign in, physical distancing measures and the wearing of masks will be in place at all meetings to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all attendees.

For more information, please visit www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/About-Council/Council-Meetings

Council meetings will be live-streamed, and archived recordings will be available on Council's website for viewing.

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.

The below information may be superseded by the latest Victorian Government advice. For the latest information, please visit the Coronavirus Victoria website. 

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.