Get Help

This page will be updated as more sources of help become available.

Check out the categories of help available below:

Food

Need immediate help?

Emergency relief packages  with food and essential items are available to eligible households quarantining due to coronavirus. To register, phone the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.

Torquay Food Aid can help people in the local Torquay community access additional food sources. torquayfoodaid@gmail.com

Ongoing support getting food and groceries

Local Supermarkets

Supermarkets are offering online ordering and deliveries across the Surf Coast Shire and many local grocers and food shops have adapted their businesses to provide great services to our communities. Check the buysurfcoast.com.au website or give them a call.

Food relief providers

Social media groups

Longer Term Supports

Housing and Accommodation

Salvation Army
1300 371 288

Barwon Child Youth and Family - Youth Homelessness Services
5226 8900

Safe Steps
Confidential crisis support, information and accommodation.
1800 015 188
If it is unsafe to call, email safesteps@safesteps.org.au

Disability Resources

Food

  • Priority home delivery is available for anyone with an NDIS package and their carers
  • Coles and Woolworths are operating a Community Hour from 7am–8am Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
  • Basic Box - Woolworths are also delivering an $80 box of basic food and hygiene supplies for people with a disability, those with compromised immunity and people in mandatory isolation. Order online or on the telephone 1800 904 698 (be aware of long hold times in busy periods).
  • If you require emergency food relief, please see the Food section of the Get Help page. 

Medicines and prescriptions

  • If you or someone you care for has a chronic medical condition, you can now get prescriptions via free home delivery.
  • The Home Medicines Service is available for people in home isolation and for vulnerable patient groups who wish to limit their potential exposure to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the community.

Mental and Physical Health

Internet Access and Mobile Data

Through certain mobile phone and internet providers, you may be able to access additional free data. Some providers are doing this automatically, for others you will need to contact your provider.

General Supports

The Australian Government has funded a dedicated helpline – the Disability Information Helpline: 1800 643 787 – to provide accessible information, counselling and outreach services for people with disability (and carers) who are concerned about or affected by coronavirus (COVID-19). For more information, visit www.dss.gov.au/disabilityhelp

WCIG offers a range of supports including links to events, social connections and employment programs

Carer Gateway 1800 422 737
the new Integrated Carer Support System (ICSS) is now live. Carers can jump online or call to access a wide range of help – from counselling and peer support groups to respite care, home help and equipment.

Family Violence

1800Respect App for Women with Disability - Designed by women with disability and 1800RESPECT, Sunny is a free new app that supports women with disability to understand sexual assault, domestic and family violence, know their rights and reach out for support.

Social Connections

NDIS Events
WCIG offers virtual activities such as yoga, meditation, social groups and employment skills.

Virtual happy hour connecting the blind community
Probono News, 28th March: As people across Australia retreat into their homes and stay there, Blind Citizens Australia has launched daily virtual happy hours to connect socially isolated people who are blind or vision impaired.

For other ideas, check out our Things to do pages, or contact your local disability service provider.

Job matching

Working for Victoria Fund $500 million from the Victorian Government to VCOSS and the Victorian Trades Hall Council to develop a scheme that matches people out of work with jobs that need doing during the pandemic.

Mental and Physical Health

Coronavirus Hotline and Information

The Department of Health and Human Services is the lead Victorian agency dealing with the coronavirus disease. We are encouraging people to stay informed directly with DHHS via https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus or the 24 hour hotline 1800 675 398.

Need immediate help to support your mental health?

     General hotlines

  • Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
    Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service
  • Headspace Online service
    Mental health support for young people (and their families)
  • MensLine 1300 78 99 78
    Men’s mental health and family violence prevention service
  • Mindspot 1800 61 44 34
    Online assessment and treatment for anxiety and depression
  • Directline 1800 888 236
    24 hour alcohol and drug counselling and referral service

Youth focused mental health and support services

  • Headspace Online service
    Mental health support for young people (and their families)
  • Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
    Phone support for any reason (5-25years)
  • ReachOut
    Mental health resources for young people

 Other sources of information, advice and support

For more tips see our Things to do page

Financial Hardship

Payments to Council

We understand our community is facing unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will exercise reasonable flexibility about payment dates.

At all times, low income ratepayers and cardholders of a valid Pensioner Concession, Health Care, Commonwealth Seniors, Department of Veterans Affairs or Repatriation Card may apply to defer rate payments if they are experiencing financial hardship.

Find rates forms on the Forms and Permits page

Please contact us on (03) 5261 0600 as early as possible if you wish to discuss this with us.

Financial support for individuals and families

Australian Government Federal Treasury information

Centrelink Coronavirus Payments and Support

Jobs Hub

Local Services 

Bethany Community Support 03 5278 8122

Catholic Care Geelong 0428 898 645

SalvoConnect (03) 5223 5400

Uniting Care 1800 060 543

Having trouble paying your bills?

Contact your electricity, gas, phone and/or internet provider, insurance company/ies, private health fund, and bank (if you have mortgage repayments), to see what they have in place to support their customers/members experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19.

Support for businesses

Businesses are facing unprecedented challenges as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, but there is support available. Take a look at our page dedicated to supporting business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Employment skills and workshops

The Gordon Geelong Skills and Jobs Centre offers many free events, workshops and services for anyone to access. Get help with your resume or interview skills, find ways to upskill, create work/career goals or perhaps take the first steps to explore a new industry.

See more tips and resources for job seeking, upskilling and studying on our Learning and Interests page. 

Family Violence and Sexual Assault

Anyone in immediate danger should call 000.

Safe Steps
Confidential crisis support, information and accommodation.
1800 015 188
If it is unsafe to call, email safesteps@safesteps.org.au.

The Orange Door  
Free service for adults, children and young people experiencing family violence, and for families needing support with care of children.
1800 312 820

1800Respect
1800 737 732

MensLine
1300 78 99 78

Men's Referral Service
1300 766 491

With Respect
Specialist LGBTIQ family violence service
1800 542 847  

1800Respect App for Women with Disability
 Designed by women with disability and 1800RESPECT, Sunny is a free new app that supports women with disability to understand sexual assault, domestic and family violence, know their rights and reach out for support.

Internet Access and Mobile Data

Through certain mobile phone and internet providers, you may be able to access additional free data. Some providers are doing this automatically, for others you will need to contact your provider.

If you're still having trouble finding help, call our Covid Relief Team on 5261 0600 or send us a message online.

Back to top