News and events COVID-19 information and resources COVID-19 information and resources Neighbourhood Houses Victoria is committed to supporting and keeping its members up to date in responding to the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19). Neighbourhood Houses Victoria is providing this information as general information. The information provided by Neighbourhood Houses Victoria is not legal advice. If you are seeking further clarification or have specific matters of concern, you should seek independent legal advice. On this page: Directions for neighbourhood houses Relevant information and resources Business support packages Translated resources Online training Promoting the vaccination program Mental health resources We are here for you Directions as of w/c 25 April 2022 Proof of vaccination status is no longer required to attend venues - this means Neighbourhood Houses can resume offering their services to everyone. Checking into venues using the Services Victoria app is no longer required - venues will no longer need a Check-In Marshall or paper-based attendance records. Masks are no longer required in early childhood, hospitality and retail settings, or at events of any size. Close contacts no longer have to quarantine – provided they wear a mask indoors and avoid sensitive settings. They will also need to undertake at least five negative rapid tests over the seven days that would previously have been the self-quarantine period. Individuals are required to notify their workplace contacts, in addition to informing their social contacts. Workplaces don’t have to individually identify and notify each potentially exposed worker. It is an essential requirement to isolate for seven days following a COVID-19 diagnosis Existing two-dose and three-dose vaccination mandates for workers remain in place. Ensuring COVID-Safe practice Please ensure everyone is observing the highest standards of COVID-Safe practice. This includes: Reviewing and updating your COVIDSafe Plan on a regular basis Providing hand sanitizer at entry and other key location points Physical distancing (1.5 meters recommended, including no hugs or hand shakes) Regular disinfecting of high touch points and surfaces Clear signage displayed at your premises and messaging via your regular channels Find out more The latest directions can always be found on the coronavirus restriction levels page. For neighbourhood houses that are Learn Local and/or RTOs, find out more here. For neighbourhood houses that provide early childhood services, find out more here. Information and resources for reopening Pandemic Order Register The Minister for Health can make pandemic orders to protect public health if the Premier has declared a pandemic. Before a pandemic order comes into effect, a copy of the order is published on this Register. The Register also includes details of any changes made to these orders, including variations, extensions or revocations. COVID Safe Plan All neighbourhood houses across Victoria which are operating on-site must have completed a COVID Safe Plan. Signs, posters and templates for your workplace A collection of templates, questionnaires, signage and posters to promote a COVIDSafe workplace. Cleaning and disinfection Workplaces need to clean and disinfect surfaces - both steps are essential. High touch surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected regularly, at least twice daily. Confirmed case in the workplace Information and advice for businesses who have a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the workplace. Employers must notify WorkSafe of COVID-19 cases Timely notification of potential workplace transmission of coronavirus (COVID 19) is critical for effective management of related health and safety risks and the prompt investigation of potential breaches of employer duties. Face masks in the workplace Information for employers about the mandatory wearing of face masks. Signage templates Prepared by Neighbourhood Houses Victoria. Simple instructional signage which you can edit and print to your needs. This document will open in Microsoft Word. Logistics checklist for reinstating in person activities Prepared by the CHAOS Network. This is a brainstorm of planning and practical considerations as houses move towards reopening. This document will open in Microsoft Word. Factsheet - What if our organisation becomes a site linked to COVID-19 infection? Prepared by the CHANH Network. Despite the easing of restrictions, COVID-19 is still present in the Victorian community so there is a risk that your neighbourhood house could become a site linked to coronavirus infection. It is important to take all the necessary precautions and manage community perception before and after a potential COVID-19 incident. Safe Work Australia - COVID-19 workplace tool kit Includes a range of resources for organisations to download and display in their workplaces, including checklists, infographics, fact sheets for industry and posters on handwashing, hygiene and physical distancing. Volunteering Victoria - Leading people during Covid-19 Resources include Re-starting Your Volunteer Program and the Welcoming Volunteers Back Safely Checklist. VMIA - Community Service Organisations Program All NHCP-funded neighbourhood houses receive this coverage. Find out what is and isn't covered. Justice Connect - Covid-19 response Justice Connect has created a range of initiatives to provide legal help to community organisations affected by the pandemic. This includes free resources and webinars on issues not-for-profits are facing, including managing contractual obligations, holding meetings and navigating employment challenges. Business support packages The State Government announces business support packages with each lock down. Find out more. Neighbourhood houses are eligible if their ANZSIC code is 8219 (Adult Community and Other Education). Find out how to view and update your ANZSIC code. If you have any enquiries, please contact our Chief Operating Officer Cameron MacRae at [email protected] Posters Wash your hands regularly posters Cover your cough and sneeze posters Slowing the spread of coronavirus posters Signage for businesses Translated resources State translated resources SBS - news and information in 63 languages Department of Health vaccine rollout information Online training Department of Health - COVID-19 infection control trainingOnce you register, a list of courses will appear. We recommend you only complete the course titled 'Infection Control Training - COVID 19'. Promoting the vaccination program Here are some campaign resources to help you promote getting vaccinated to your local community: Neighbourhood Houses Victoria / State Government - There's One Million Reasons to Get Vaccinated(to be part of this campaign, email [email protected]) VCOSS - Back to the Good Things North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network - Goodbye COVID Australian Government - Vaccination Campaign Materials Victorian Aboriginal COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign - Community Unity Immunity State Government - Voices for Vaccines State Government - Voices for Vaccines - promoting for early childhood You may want to purchase a batch of badges for your staff and volunteers to wear - these are a highly visible way of demonstrating vaccine pride and a great conversation starter. Make Badges (Made in Australia, based in Thomastown, Victoria) Mental health resources Beyond Blue - Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support ServiceRegularly updated with information, advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during this time. DHHS - mental health resourcesIncludes links for where to get help. World Health Organisation - Mental health and psychosocial considerations during the COVID-19 outbreakMessages targeting different groups to support mental and psychosocial wellbeing during COVID-19 outbreak. We are here for you While the NHVic Office is closed with staff working remotely from home, we continue to be here for our members during this period. Our main number (03) 9602 1228 is being redirected to the mobile number of a staff member if you want to have a chat. Our main email inbox continues to be monitored at [email protected] if you want to send us updates or forward on useful information. We are also keeping our members updated directly via our e-bulletins, online sessions via Zoom, and our private Member's Facebook Group. This group is specifically for neighbourhood house managers, staff and committee members to stay connected with the sector, seek advice, discuss response measures, and receive the latest information. We also have three other targeted groups which may be relevant to you: Finance, Childcare and Adult Community Education Providers.