Click here(PDF, 153KB) to download a printable fact sheet of some of the support services available in Murrindindi Shire.
Are you feeling lonely or socially disconnected?
You are not alone. For many Victorians, physical distancing and social or work-related restrictions have led to feelings of loneliness and disconnection. All of us need social connection to feel happy and well.
That’s why in conjunction with the Victorian Governments Community Activation and Social Isolation initiative, Council has launched our FREE ‘DindiLink’ service.
What is the DindiLink service and am I eligible?
DindiLink is aimed at helping connect people in our community to the services they may need. It is a service available for anyone who would benefit from being connected into their local community and linked into practical, emotional or social support.
What help can I get from the DindiLink service?
Our local DindiLink team member will call you to help link you in with the support services available in your area. These support services may include
- Emotional support such as connecting you with a local counselling service
- Practical assistance from helping you organise home delivered groceries to using video chat platforms to stay connected with family and friends, or linking up to aged or disability support services
- Linking you into community groups and social activities within the Shire, or helping you to re-connect with the members of your existing community group
What number do I call?
If you need help with connecting to local support services or know someone who does, our DindiLink team can support you to get the help you need - safely and locally.
Residents of the Murrindindi Shire can also call Council's DindiLink team on (03) 5772 0333. Our team look forward to connecting with you.
If you already receiving services from Nexus Primary Health or Menzies Support Services, please ring them first. They may be able to change your services to meet your needs. You can contact Nexus Primary Health on 1300 773 352 or Menzies Support Services on (03) 5772 1888.
There are a range of services and information available to help you during the COVID-19 pandemic. Council's DindiLink team has compiled the Murrindindi Shire Services Guide to help connect you to the right organisations to help with your needs.
Click here(PDF, 153KB) to download a copy.
What is Be Connected? Be Connected is an Australia wide FREE initiative empowering all Australians to thrive in a digital world. They have online learning resources as well as a Network of community partners - the Be Connected Network - who offer support so you can develop your digital skills and confidence.
Look out for the postcards in your local community or download it (PDF, 16MB)here.(PDF, 16MB)
You can build your online skills with one of these free courses
- The absolute basics: New to computers? This is the perfect place to start. Learn the essentials of how to use a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone and find out how you can access the internet
- Getting to know your device: This topic will teach you the basic functions of a keyboard, mouse and computer, including how to change settings and manage your files
- Getting started online: Navigating the online world can be a little tricky at first, but this course will teach you some essential skills to getting started online
- Safety first: Protect your personal information and money with hints and tips to help you stay safer online. More online skills: Develop your online skills by learning how to shop online, watch catch-up TV online, and connect with others using Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook
- Connecting to others: Need a helping hand with video calls? Find out how to get set up from your phone, tablet or computer. Wi-Fi and mobile networks: How do you set up a Wi-Fi network to use the internet at home? Is it safe to connect to public Wi-Fi? We answer these questions and more in these courses
- Online hobbies: Time for a bit of fun. Learn how you can build your family tree, travel to places far and wide without leaving your chair, and how to create your very own blog to share your experiences and knowledge
To learn more, visit the website www.beconnected.esafety.gov.au and to Be Connected today.
If you are over the age of 65 (or over 50 for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people), and wondering if you can get some help with day-to-day tasks around the house, you may be eligible to access services through My Aged Care. They provide services that can help you maintain a good quality of life.
You need to register for My Aged Care by calling 1800 200 422, and request an assessment for services. My Aged Care will work with our local aged and disability support providers, such as Nexus Primary Health and Menzies Support Services to make sure you get support that you need.
You can visit their website at www.myagedcare.gov.au for more information.
The Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) is a free service, funded by the Australian Government, which provides friendship and companionship to older members of our community by connecting them with local volunteers who arrange regular visits. The Scheme provides a great way for volunteers to give back to their community, by helping to improve the quality and enjoyment of life for older people who may be feeling lonely or isolated. This is particularly important at the moment, during COVID-19.
What is a CVS Volunteer?
A CVS Volunteer visits and befriends an older community member either living in an aged care facility or their own home.
Who can be a CVS volunteer?
The program seeks a diverse range of volunteers, of all genders, cultural backgrounds, ages and abilities who enjoy connecting with older members of the community. CVS volunteers must be over 18 years of age.
How do CVS Volunteers improve a person's social connectedness?
The CVS program fills an important role by ensuring those socially isolated, in need of companionship and a friendly face, feel cared for and connected within their community.
Who can access CVS?
The CVS is available to recipients of Australian Government subsidised residential aged care services or Home Care Packages (including those on the waiting list), who have been identified by their aged care provider as at risk of isolation or loneliness.
How is the visit spent?
Time can be spent in a variety of ways such as working on a hobby together, having a cuppa and a chat or if the resident is able, a walk or outing together.
If you’re interested in becoming a CVS volunteer, or would like to find out about being matched with a volunteer, you can contact the CVS customer service team on 1300 843 236 or (03) 5721 0200. Alternatively, you can email cvs@thecentre.vic.edu.au
If you are under 65 and living with a disability in the Murrindindi Shire there is support available.
- For services in the west of the Shire please call Nexus Primary Health on 1300 773 352 or visit their website, nexusprimaryhealth.org.au
- For services in the East of the Shire please call Menzies Support Services on (03) 5772 1888 or visit their website, menziessupport.org.au
Both Nexus Health and Menzies Support Services offer
- Meals on wheels program
- Personal care assistance
- Support to participate in the community
- Social and recreation activities
- Supported outings
- Assistance to attend appointments
- Building skills to enhance independent living
- Meal planning and cooking
- Shopping and budgeting
- Support to complete household tasks
- Support to attend courses and work
Please note: If you are already receiving services from Nexus Primary Health or Menzies Support Services and you are experiencing additional or new needs, please ring them first. They may be able to change your services to meet your needs.
Many people don’t see themselves as carers. They are just children, parents, partners or friends who care for someone close to them.
A carer can be defined as someone who cares for another person, for example a parent, child, sibling or friend that requires assistance to live their daily life.
If you are a carer, there is a range of support available through government and other community organisations.
Carer Gateway
Carer Gateway is an Australia-wide network of service providers. They will talk through what you need and help you to find local services and support to help you. You can call them on 1800 422 737 or visit their website at www.carergateway.gov.au to discuss how they can support you.
Carer Support Groups in the Murrindindi Shire
Pathways for Carers
Connect, make friends, share ideas and knowledge.
What - Come along to connect with other carers and spend time outdoors for a gentle stroll through the park!
When - Held on the last Friday of each month, meeting at 9.45 am to begin walking by 10.00 am.
Where - The Rotunda at Rotary Park, Alexandra.
Contact - Anthea Forbes for more information on 0418 402 455 or anthea.gary.forbes@bigpond.com
Inspired Carers
Reaching for a brighter future together.
Meets regularly for coffee catch up sessions at Grant Street Grocer: Alexandra and Songbird Cafe & Larder: Kinglake
Contact- Liz Klein for more information on 0497 483 319 or coordinator@inspiredcarers.org.au
www.facebook.com/INSPIREDCARERS
Do you, or someone you know need a little extra support right now? This is a challenging time for many people in our community. Council have put together a list of mental health support services that are available.
Click here for more information.
If you are facing homelessness, at risk of losing your private rental or need an affordable place to live during this challenging time - SalvoCare or Beyond Housing may be able to help.
Beyond Housing
Beyond Housing provides assistance to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The service includes financial assistance, transitional housing, advocacy and assistance with both public and private housing applications. The service is free and available to all residents of Murrindindi Shire.
In response to COVID-19, Beyond Housing has changed how they are providing services. You can contact them on 1800 825 955 or find out more information here. You can also email them at info@beyondhousing.org.au or send a message via Facebook. Beyond Housing offices are closed during this time.
SalvoCare - Northern Victoria
SalvoCare provide support to families and individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness and immediate crisis. Call SalvoCare on (03) 5735 8400 or 0429 513 002, or visit the website.
The Orange Door (Goulburn)
The Orange Door is a new way for women, children and young people who are experiencing family violence or families who need assistance with the care and wellbeing of children to access the services they need to be safe and supported.
The Orange Door also works with people who use violence to help them change their behaviour. This is a free service. The Orange Door Goulburn provides services to people living in Moira, Greater Shepparton, Strathbogie, Mitchell and Murrindindi shires.
Get in touch with the Orange Door between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm Monday to Friday, by calling 1800 634 245, emailing goulburn@orangedoor.vic.gov.au or online at orangedoor.vic.gov.au for more information. For after hours support, call Safe Steps on 1800 015 188.
If you have been threatened or you are fearful for yourself, a child or family members, please call 000 Emergency or Police.
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre is Victoria’s state-wide first response service for women, young people and children experiencing family violence. The safe steps 24/7 response phone line connects callers with specialist support workers who can help them explore their options, develop a safety plan, access to support services and provide emergency accommodation.
Safe Steps operate 24/7, 365 days a year. If you need support, contact them by phoning 1800 015 188, emailing safesteps@safesteps.org.au or visiting their website.
For immediate emergency food and material aid relief please call the coronavirus (COVID-19) hotline on 1800 675 398 or our own DindiLink team on (03) 5772 0333.
We have a number of local emergency food relief services within the Murrindindi Shire. These local agencies are providing a mix of food vouchers and food boxes.
You can also download 'Food for Thought' here(PDF, 5MB) - a booklet that helps to find local, affordable and healthy food.
SalvoCare- Northern Victoria
SalvoCare provide food and petrol vouchers by appointment. For more information, please phone Sue on (03) 5735 8400 or 0429 513 002.
For Community House contact details and further information please see the list below:
Alexandra Community Hub
38A Downey Street, Alexandra
(03) 5772 1238
Alexandra Community Hub, while not a dedicated office, is your local Services Australia (Centrelink, Medicare, Child support) agency.
Community Hub at Taggerty (CHAT)
19 Taggerty-Thornton Road, Taggerty
0466 868 842 / taggertychat@gmail.com
Fresh food from the Community Garden or home grown food donated by local residents, during Spring to Autumn.
Eildon St Matthews Church Food Cupboard
Food cupboard- free food and toys/donation
Located in the carpark of the church (40 Center Avenue, Eildon 3713)
Flowerdale Community House
36 Silver Creek Road, Flowerdale
(03) 5780 2664 / fch@fchadmin.com.au
Food relief packs can be organised by the Flowerdale Community House
Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House
6 McMahons Rd, Kinglake
(03) 5786 1301 / admin@kinglakeranges.com.au / kinglakeranges.com.au
Open 9.00 am – 5.00 pm from Monday to Thursday during School Terms
Kinglake West Food Share
1050 Whittlesea-Kinglake Road, Kinglake West
(03) 5786 5661
Located opposite the Primary School
Marysville Food Bank
FREE food parcels delivered within the Triangle area. Please contact Dindilink for further information.
Yea Community House
The Semi-Circle, Yea
(03) 5797 3070 / info@yeahouse.org.au / yeahouse.org.au / Facebook
Food Table – food for free /donation /swap, Little Free Library – books for free/swap, Food Relief, Firewood