COVID support for community and business

MEDIA RELEASE

Hunter’s Hill Council will extend its COVID-19 support package until the end of 2021 to support local organisations, businesses and the broader community.

At its meeting tonight (Monday 16 August), 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 yoga and playgroup sessions for families, with other activities set to include gardening, art and more.

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 tonight follows measures put in place in 2020 in response to last year’s COVID restrictions.

Also, at tonight’s meeting the Council:

• allocated funding to Weil Park to upgrade the aged play equipment, increase shade and provide inclusive play experiences in line with the organisation’s playspace strategy;
• received and noted a report on a draft State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing), which would replace five existing policies.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jacqui Jones, Communications Officer. Phone: (02) 9879 9400

Email: jonesj@huntershill.nsw.gov.au

Related news