Praise for community spirit in lockdown

Moonee Valley’s community spirit is shining through the current COVID lockdown despite an increasing number of community locations being declared Tier 1 or 2 exposure sites, Mayor Cam Nation said today.

Mayor Nation has thanked the large number of community groups, sporting clubs and members of our community who have demonstrated generosity, kindness, a willingness to help and by sending offers of support to residents or spreading the message to get tested after COVID-19 was detected in wastewater supply.

“At the moment, it is the smallest gesture that can help others in our community – so thank you,” Mayor Nation said.

Residents told us that a healthy city is the top community priority, and we made this our priority in MV2040, our long-term strategy which launched 3 years ago. This enables us to work together with our community to create and continually improve conditions that enable all of us to enjoy the highest level of health and wellbeing possible.

Sometimes this long-term priority needs an immediate focus – and none greater than the past few days where Flemington public housing estate residents have again faced isolation in line with COVID-19 protocols. Lockdown has also impacted on residents in the Ascot Vale housing estate and we are aware many other people in our community, including local business owners, are going through a hard time.

“We are particularly aware of the Flemington housing estate community and the stress and trauma these residents faced last year – confirmed by the Human Right’s Commissioner’s report which openly criticised the State Government’s actions in handling last year’s lockdown,” Mayor Nation said.

“I am pleased all agencies involved in this year’s required isolation process at the towers are well aware of the need to be respectful of this community, and to understand the trauma that some of our residents still feel from past lockdowns and this pandemic in general.

“I am proud to say Moonee Valley City Council is primary agency for food relief for the Flemington housing estate and residents experiencing vulnerability in Ascot Vale. We are taking care of our community,” Mayor Nation said.

“Our Council teams have helped lead the support, engagement and wellbeing of our residents, and since Saturday, we have provided and secured 150 care packs, 520 culturally appropriate meals, 150 loaves of bread, 90 dozen eggs, along with Halal meat, cheese, tuna, tinned tomatoes, vegetable oil and pasta. All of these items were purchased from local supermarkets and businesses.

“Additional meals are being prepared or sourced on a daily basis. We have also delivered activity packs from our libraries and care packages including homemade playdough to make the days a little brighter for children and parents while in isolation.

“A special thank you to all of our Council staff for your work, particularly when you step up to meet the needs of our community with tasks that are outside of your normal roles. It is very much appreciated,” said Mayor Nation.

On Sunday, Moonee Valley City Council also wrote to the State Government urging them to find an innovative and safe solution that will allow isolated residents access fresh air and exercise. To assist residents to stay active while isolated, we are planning on providing online exercise classes for residents that can be done safely in a small location, such as an apartment.

If residents or business need support during this lockdown, please call 9243 8888 or visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/covidsupport for details on how Council can assist you.

Please visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au for details on State Government support, as well as COVID-19 exposure, testing and vaccination sites.