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News and updates

From the Victorian Government

The Department of Health and Human Services is the lead Victorian agency dealing with the coronavirus disease. We encourage you to stay informed directly through:

The DHHS website
The Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398 (open 24 hours, 7 days)
View the confirmed cases in Victoria

From the Commonwealth Government

“Coronavirus Australia” app, available on Apple and Android devices
WhatsApp channel, which you can access by entering aus.gov.au/whatsapp into your internet browser.
Head to Health website (how to maintain good mental health during the coronavirus pandemic)

Other information sources

VicEmergency advice notification
Consumer Affairs Victoria “COVID-19 and your rights” webpage

Reporting wrong-doing

Victoria Police are out in force keeping Victorians safe. To report people violating directives of the Chief Health Officer, please call 131 444.

Latest news from Surf Coast Shire Council

Watch Dr Rob Gordon, a clinical psychologist who has spent the past 30 years working with people affected by emergencies and disasters, explain the value of community leaders in the COVID-19 pandemic:

Australian National Surfing Museum now running virtual tours for schools

While the Australian National Surfing Museum’s doors may be closed for the time being, its virtual doors are wide open for school groups.

In an innovative move to ensure the museum’s work can continue throughout the pandemic, museum staff have been running educational virtual tours for students.

The online school sessions are being run via the museum’s Google arts and culture platform, which includes outstanding walk-through vision as well as 3D and high-definition images of objects.

Surf Coast Shire Councillor David Bell said it was a fantastic way to ensure students could still access the museum.

“Throughout the pandemic we’ve seen all the clever and creative ways businesses have adapted to continue operating; it’s caused everyone to think outside the box,” he said.

“The virtual tours have allowed the museum to share its collection and support the education sector during lockdown.”

“Year 12 students from Albert Park College recently took part in a virtual tour and the museum is now using feedback to refine its presentation, meet curriculum requirements and expand potential audiences in primary and secondary schools across Australia,” Cr Bell said.

Teachers can call the Australian National Surfing Museum on 5261 4606 to arrange a tour.

Confirmed cases

There are currently nine people in Surf Coast Shire who have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).

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. Here are also the official Government Easy Read coronavirus resources.

Watch the latest video message from Surf Coast Shire Council Mayor, Cr Rose Hodge: