COVID-19 updates

Rates rebate

Following a resolution of Council at its meeting on 20 September 2021, and a 28-day public notice period that ends on 22 October 2021, a one-off rates rebate of $400 for eligible ratepayers who are eligible recipients of either the Commonwealth COVID-19 disaster payment, the small and medium term business support payment, or the federal and state grants program for micro businesses be included for this financial year.

Application details will be published following the 28-day notice period.

For enquiries please contact Customer Service on 9879 9400 or customerservice@huntershill.nsw.gov.au.

Support package

Our Council is extending its COVID-19 support package until the end of 2021 to support local organisations, businesses and the broader community.

At its 16 August meeting, the Council endorsed a COVID community response package, noting the work already undertaken, as well as ongoing initiatives and local economic stimulus.

As part of the package, the Council is waiving sporting field hire fees and community facility hire fees for regular users and on-street dining fees for businesses until 31 December 2021.

It will also adapt its Community and Business Support Program to compliment State and Federal assistance packages.

Other measures include maintaining a series of programs, provided at no cost to residents, such as online events and workshops.

Phone calls to check-in with households that may need support, and assisting local organisation Sydney Community Services (SCS) with food donation drives and administrative services to help SCS give assistance to some of the most vulnerable members of the community are also part of the package.

The Council will also actively pursue partnerships and funding for community programs aimed at reducing social isolation and increasing digital literacy and internet access.

For businesses, the package includes placemaking activities in village centres, grants, and assistance with promotional services and networking.

Throughout the present lockdown, the Council has increased its communication to all sectors of the community and is offering services via phone, email and online.

Works and compliance teams have continued work in the field, with COVID safety measures in place.

The package adopted in 2021 follows measures put in place in 2020 in response to COVID restrictions.

Please see our Events and The YARN library and community services pages for more details.

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Sydney Community Services

Our friends at Sydney Community Services (SCS) continue to support the local communities of Hunters Hill, Lane Cove and Ryde during the lockdown period.

Essential services such as nursing, home-delivered meals, in-home respite, disability support, hardship assistance and assisted activities continue to operate and are open to new referrals. Although the services might look different, customer, staff and community safety is the primary focus at this time.

The organisation’s Group Disability Services have transitioned to virtual platforms and are open for new referrals.

SCS is also seeking donations of food and pantry staples to help individuals and families to get through a crisis.

If you would like any information about how SCS can support you or someone you know, or if you would like to make a donation, please contact 8598 7051 or support@sydneycs.org.

Stryder – community transport services

Henley-based transport company Stryder remains available to assist the Hunters Hill community during the lockdown.

As an essential service it is still operating, with COVID safety measures in place.

Transport to medical appointments including COVID and flu vaccination appointments is one of Stryder’s most popular services and it provides this service to the frail and disadvantaged.

Check the Stryder website for more information or phone 9816 5000.

Shopping – priority Assistance service

Woolworths is offering a priority assistance service: https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/discover/priorityassistance

Other assistance and support

• NSW Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline: 1800 628 221. Available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
• If you would like to ask for assistance for yourself or a neighbour, please call 98799 400 or email people@huntershill.nsw.gov.au.

For support in a crisis please call the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or in an emergency call 000.

• Lifeline Australia: 24-hour telephone crisis support and suicide prevention: 13 11 14
• Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467
• Headspace: Online and telephone counselling for young people
• Kids helpline: 1800 551 800
• Beyond Blue: 24/7 support line and chat line available: 1300 224 636
• Transcultural Mental Health Service

State support:

https://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/news/new-package-support-small-business-during-lockdown

https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/financial-support

https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/businesses-and-employment/financial-assistance

Commonwealth support: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/affected-coronavirus-covid-19

ATO Support: https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/dealing-with-disasters/

Fairwork: https://coronavirus.fairwork.gov.au/

Renters: https://www.tenants.org.au/blog/renting-and-covid-19-information

Council meetings will be held using video conference and live streamed.

For latest updates on public health orders visit: nsw.gov.au/covid-19

Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers via the website nsw.crimestoppers.com.au or phone 1800 333 000.

NSW Police will be ensuring compliance with public health orders and have the power to deliver on-the-spot fines to individuals who breach the rules.

NSW Health regulations apply to restaurants, cafes and food courts.

Further information can be found on the NSW Food Authority website.

Council is waiving on-street dining fees for businesses until 31 December 2021.

Our community is reminded to follow rules from NSW Health and the Australian Government in accordance with public health regulations.

Please remember to follow the rules to keep everyone safe.

Council is waiving sporting field hire fees and community facility hire fees for regular users until 31 December 2021.

Council’s parking officers will prioritise public safety issues.

Waste services continue, with some changes to the times of collection to enable the waste contractor to protect the health of staff.

There is a large number of our residents now working from home who are unfamiliar with the level of daytime noise such as construction, lawn mowing etc.

We are receiving a significant amount of complaints.

There are legislation and controls in place to allow this noise, which limits councils ability to respond to the complaints.

Please consider this before making a call or emailing our Customer Service staff.