Keep up to date with the latest news from the NSW Government.
Take a look at common COVID-19 questions on the NSW Government website.
Phase 1b COVID-19 Vaccinations
Adults aged 70 and over are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Phase 1b of the national vaccination rollout from Monday, 22 March 2021. The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine will be administered. Almost 200 general practices in South Western Sydney will be part of the roll-out, with practices coming on board progressively over four weeks.
You can now book your vaccine appointment via the Vaccine Eligibility Checker online or by calling the COVID-19 hotline.
Further information can be found in the Vaccinations Leaflet.
Getting Tested
Please visit the NSW Government website for testing locations.
Virus Status
For updates on the virus status please visit the Department of Health Coronavirus (COVID-19) page.
NSW Health has also produced a range of resources including frequently asked questions, posters, digital banners and videos to help inform and educate local communities. These resources can be accessed here.
If you are seeking information on coronavirus (COVID-19), call the Hotline on 1800 020 080. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Education Updates
Information for schools and parents can be found on the Department of Education's website.
Local Wollondilly Community Services Available for Support
Southern Highlands Homelessness Service- St Vincent De Paul Society
This service incorporates Bowral Youth Refuge, Pathways Mobile Casework Team and the Adolescent and Family Counsellor
Contact: (02) 4428 6230 or SHHSReferrals@vinnies.org.au
Disability service provider, most services still operational.
Contact: (02) 4621 8400 or information@mdservices.com.au.
Warragamba Silverdale Neighbourhood
Warragamba Silverdale Neighbourhood provides help and referral assistance.
Contact: (02) 4774 1273, Facebook message or submit an enquiry form.
Community Links Wellbeing provides are range of services and referral to a diverse range of community members including community engagement, allied health, family services, NDIS and mental health support. Most services are still operational in varied capacity. Contact Community Links directly to discuss your individual needs. Office is closed for face to face.
Contact: (02) 4683 2776
Argyle Housing is a local Community Housing provider. Argyle Housing is still operational however office opening hours are currently restricted 10am-12noon, please call to make an appointment.
Contact: 1300 274 953
Doorways for Men with Families
Support Service for single fathers or couples with children who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Macarthur, Camden and Wollondilly LGAs. We accept self-referrals and referrals from other agencies, please contact our central intake line or email for any questions or referrals.
Contact: (02) 4629 5159 or doorwaysfamilymac@uniting.org.
Support Service for young people 12- 24 years who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Macarthur, Camden and Wollondilly LGAs. We accept self-referrals and referrals from other agencies, please contact our central intake line or email for any questions or referrals.
Contact: (02) 4629 5110 or doorwaysyouthmac@uniting.org.
General Shop: Discounted groceries and household items, food hampers and click & collect meals. Follow on Facebook for regular updates on hours of operation and availability.
Contact: 0402 406 492
Nepean Food Services (Meals on Wheels- Warragamba/ Silverdale Area)
Meals on Wheels - still operational and taking new referrals.
Contact: (02) 4733 7200
Wollondilly Support and Community Care (Meals on Wheels)
Meals on Wheels & Social Support for Older People - still operational and taking new referrals.
Contact: (02) 4677 2524
ReFrame (Community Links Wellbeing)
Free mental health services for young people aged 12-25 years. Telephone and video consultations available. No referral required.
ReFrame walk-in has transitioned to a virtual walk-in on the Zoom platform that can be accessed at https://zoom.us/j/3525266065 Monday-Friday 9am-6pm.
Contact: 0455 104 104 or mhintake@communitylinks.org.au.
You in Mind (Community Links Wellbeing)
Free psychological therapy for eligible adults, aged 12 years +. Telephone and video consultations available. Talk to your GP for a referral.
Contact: 0455 104 104 or mhintake@communitylinks.org.au.
Free mental health coaching. Telephone and video consultations available. No referral required.
Contact: 1800 010 630
Employment Opportunities
While many businesses have been affected by COVID-19 and are reducing their workforces, there are some areas of the economy which have an increased demand for workers.
Department of Education Skills & Employment
The Jobs Hub on the Australian Government Website, provide assistance in finding advertised vacancies and offer connections to
- Employers with multiple job opportunities
- Search jobs by location
- Australian Government jobs
Centrelink is providing financial assistance to those affected by the coronavirus.
State and National Hotlines
Confidential counselling, information and support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse via phone or online chat.
Contact: 1800 727 732 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Domestic Violence Hotline
The DV hotline is a NSW state-wide telephone crisis counselling and referral service for women, including trans women.
Contact: 1800 65 64 63 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
The Elder Abuse Helpline is a first port-of-call for support, referral and information. The hotline provides free assistance to anyone who experiences, witnesses or suspects the abuse of an older person by someone they know or trust.
Contact: 1300 651 192 (9:00am - 5:00pm Monday to Friday)
Coronavirus (Covid-19) support and payments.
Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australian experiencing personal crisis with 24hr crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Contact: 13 11 14
Travel Updates
Travel restriction information can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website.
The latest travel advice can be found on the Smart traveller website.
Health and Aged Care Advice
For updates on health and aged care advice visit the Department of Health Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for the health and aged care sector page.
COVID Connect - Australian Red Cross
COVID Connect is a free service from Australian Red Cross to provide a friendly chat and a listening ear to help maintain or improve social connection to anyone who needs it during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dementia Help Sheets
Dementia Australia has released four Help Sheets outlining tips for people living with dementia, carers, families and friends of people living with dementia, residential care providers and home care providers.
Coping With Stress Related to Coronavirus
Headspace Wollongong's Autumn Newsletter has outlined some tips on coping with stress and remaining healthy during the Coronavirus outbreak.
The Primary Health Network (PHN) has listed some helpful mental health services within the South Western Sydney Region. These Services include those accessible through GP referral and self-referral.
Mental Health Services
Visit the South Western Sydney PHN website for a list of local Mental Health providers.
Rural Adversity Mental Health Program
Download information and support services for those living in rural communities.
Download ideas for connecting while in isolation.
Download information and support services for coping with uncertainty.
Picton Family Medical Centre
Picton Family Medical Centre has developed a Coronavirus Update communication sheet outlining what you should do before attending an appointment. Please read the document thoroughly to mitigate the spread of the virus.
Picton Family Medical Centre Becomes a Respiratory Clinic
From Monday 4 May, those experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 can get tested at the Picton Family Medical Centre.
Doctor referrals are not required and appointments can be made through www.health.gov.au for assessment, treatment and testing.
Contact details:
Phone: 1300 545 245
Location: Picton Mall, 9 Margaret St, Picton, NSW 2571.
Hours: Please check the NSW Government website
Changes to the NDIS
Plans extended by 12 months
The NDIA is saying that on the day a plan is due to expire, it will be automatically be extended by 365 days (replacing the previous 28 day rule).
If a participant wishes to extend for 24 months, they can request this at the end of their plan and if people require more funds now to cover their critical needs through this time, they should request an unscheduled plan review.
Further NDIS updates can be accessed through the NDIS website.
Explaining the Coronavirus to Children
MindHeart have developed a short booklet to help parents explain the Coronavirus in a simple, easy and non-scary way. Download the Coronavirus Booklet.
