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.
Council has a Covid-19 hardship policy(PDF, 294KB) to provide flexibility to those experiencing financial hardship. This includes the waiving of penalty interest until 30 June 2021, flexible repayment schedules (including up to 3 months with no repayments) and repayments that better suit your individual circumstances. If you are experiencing financial difficulty we strongly encourage you to enter into a rates payment arrangement.
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.
DHHS has a list of financial support options available for individuals, families and businesses
Financial support for individuals and families
For people whose work is based in Melbourne and in a sector that is closed, there is financial help available: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/financial-and-other-support-coronavirus-covid-19.
Australian Government Federal Treasury information
Centrelink Coronavirus Payments and Support
Jobs Hub
Red Cross Extreme Hardship Support Program(PDF, 46KB) (for Victorians who cannot access Commonwealth - such as JobKeeper or JobSeeker - or International Student Emergency Relief Fund financial support packages, including temporary and provisional visa holders and undocumented migrants with little or no income, savings or community support)
Red Cross Emergency Relief for People on Temporary Visas – Financial Assistance
Emergency Relief services
Emergency Relief is a service for those experiencing financial hardship.
Emergency Relief can include food parcels, supermarket vouchers, assistance with bills and other financial support services.
Bethany Community Support (03) 5278 8122
Catholic Care Geelong (03) 5221 7055
SalvoConnect Barwon (03) 5223 5400
Uniting Barwon (03) 4210 1100
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.