How can we partner with our community to recover from Covid-19 stronger?
On 14 March 2020, the Victorian State Government declared a State of Emergency due to the Covid-19 virus. In response, Moreland City Council supported the emergency response and relief efforts for the local economy and community.
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected everyone.Financial hardship, mental health challenges, isolation and family violence have been of concern with many already vulnerable community members being further impacted.
Council has a lead role to play in supporting a community recovery while continuing its normal services. With a community led recovery, we can help address any inequalities and concerns in our community.
For more detailed information on this topic, please refer to the topic paper on this page.
Key Issues
Opportunities in this space might include:
- Gathering more information on the impact of the pandemic and the community needs to shape the community recovery.
- Strengthen the focus on mental health for relevant Council services.
- Promote community-led, local initiatives that support mental health and access to services.
- Promote opportunities for community participation to rebuild safe ways to connect with others and help address mental health issues.
- Help older and vulnerable community members to access online services.
- Support Moreland community services to better meet the needs of our most vulnerable community members.
Challenges for this topic might include:
- Uncertainty around employment rates and economic recovery.
- Maintaining the demand for food and material aid.
- Ensuring local mental health services and services providers can support different cultural groups and reasonable waiting times.
- The high cost of digital technology.
- The ongoing mental health risks of social isolation due to the restrictions.
- People not being able to access help.
