Hello to all across the Shire. We know these times are extraordinary but we all share in this together

and must remind ourselves that this will end at some time in the future. When we come out from the
social distancing measures we know we will see the continuation of the wonderful kindness and
patience demonstrated across South Gippsland at the moment.
As we continue through the COVID-19 crisis we want you to know that all Local Governments are doing
their part to help and are working together with the State and Federal Governments to consider relief
and recovery plans. This planning is essential for our future, so that once the Stay at Home provisions
are over we can come out strong. We are planning to make sure that all social, sporting and economic
activities can return once we beat this virus.
It is important to recognise that the Stay at Home provisions may not be easy for everyone but they are
essential to help flatten the curve. By only leaving home for essentials, exercise, medical
care/caregiving or work and education we all reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 further.
If you have been finding it difficult to adjust to self-isolation such as for those home with children,
living alone or coping with other difficult situations we urge you to please reach out for support. This
could be talking to a loved one or friend via phone or online or seeking support services such as
BeyondBlue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 and Kid’s Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
Council has also been taking some extra measures this week to support our community, our Economic
Development and Tourism team has worked with local businesses in the area to collate a business list
which notes any changes in their operations. We encourage all residents who are capable to support
local in any instance they can. To view this business list and support our local businesses you can visit
www.shopsouthgippsland.com.au
Due to the Stay at Home provisions we understand that some residents on a six-month kerbside waste
collection service such as in Venus Bay may require additional services at this time. If you wish to
discuss your service contact our Customer Service team on 5662 9200. In order to avoid bin delivery
delays please consider upgrading sooner rather than later if you require this service. Our transfer
stations also remain open for essential waste drop-offs from those who do not want to extend their
service.
All of Council’s services and these extra measures take significant effort by our staff and we thank
them for all of their work. Any worker and volunteer in our region providing essential services at this
time are doing a wonderful service for our community and we cannot thank them enough for everything
they do too.
Administrators’ Message
We would also like to wish everyone in South Gippsland a safe and healthy Easter. We know this Easter
is different to how we would usually celebrate but please continue to stay at home unless it’s
necessary and if you do need to leave for an essential reason continue to practice social distancing.
For all our South Gippsland children they should be pleased to know the Easter Bunny is considered an
essential worker and we hope that he was able to reach you with some Easter eggs to enjoy and bring
a smile and positivity to your homes. He has of course been very busy this year making sure his own
family is safe and healthy – so if he wasn’t able to come this year there are other Easter activities you
could do such as drawing a colourful egg or bunny. We’ve even heard that children are putting Easter
drawings in their front windows to enjoy just like the numerous teddies across our towns.
Happy Easter everyone and please take care!
Julie Eisenbise, Christian Zahra AM and Rick Brown
Administrators