Issue 1

30 March 2020

As the community would be aware, COVID-19

(Coronavirus) is currently having a significant impact and

leaving virtually no community anywhere around the globe

untouched.

I, Council and Staff at the Shire of Gingin, would like to

assure the community that we are working hard to put in

place measures to support our communities including

businesses, residents and visitors currently staying in our

Shire during this crisis.

The situation continues to change rapidly and the Shire

endeavours to enact new measures as quickly as possible

based upon the latest advice received from the State

Government and Federal Governments, the Department of

Health and other authorities. Our number one priority is the

wellbeing of our communities and supporting those most in

need however we may during this challenging period.

As your Shire President I would like to remind everyone

that we are in this together. We have a very long road ahead

of us as we head into the cold and flu season. I would like all

community members to in particular, adhere to the following:

Social Distancing Measures & Other Health Advice

I cannot stress this clearly enough: please follow the

recommendations being put out by the Department of Health

and the State and Federal Governments. Our Premier and

Prime Minister are both very insistent upon these points and

I concur with their stance.

These restrictions are being put in place to protect the

most vulnerable in our communities. We need to work

together to make sure we slow down the spread of COVID-

19 as much as we can so that we are not unduly taxing our

Health systems and exposing the vulnerable.

At a basic level this includes:

Social distancing – please maintain at least 1.5 meters

between yourself and other individuals especially when

you are in a public place. Aim to minimise all

unnecessary contact with others.

Gatherings – the advice remains to avoid having

gatherings (even at home) of more than a few people.

Further details relating to exactly what type of restrictions

are in place for public venues and public areas, etc. can

be found via www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-

the-premier-and-cabinet/coronavirus-covid-19-community

-advice.

Use ‘Tap and Go’ – most places where you can

purchase goods and services have this option to pay for

your purchases by tapping your credit card/debit card on

the EFTPOS machine as opposed to paying with cash.

Please utilise it if you can.

Wash your hands regularly – use soap and water for at

least 20 seconds which is best practice but hand sanitiser

is also very effective.

Avoid shaking hands – not easy to remember to do but

very necessary.

Cover your mouth/nose when you cough/sneeze –

use a tissue or cough/sneeze into the inside of your

elbow. Do not cough into your hands and if you do, wash

them immediately.

Stay home if you are sick – even if you haven’t

contracted COVID-19 and simply have a regular cold,

please do not go out in public or to work or school.

Remain at home.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and

surfaces – this includes things like mobile phones, table

tops, door handles, etc.

Further information and advice is available via:

Department of Health WA – www.healthywa.gov.au

WA State Government – www.wa.gov.au

As much as is possible, the Shire of Gingin is aiming to continue with as many of its services. The following is a list of currently operating services, albeit with restrictions, i.e. those wishing to utilise these services are being asked:

Do you need to conduct your business with us in person? If not, please email us via mail@gingin.wa.gov.au or call us on 9575 5100 (Gingin Administration) or 9575 5155 (Lancelin Office)

Are you sick? If so stay home and contact us via email or telephone. If you need us to process something then you can drop it off in the Drop Box available at both of our Shire offices just inside the front door

Can you pay using the ‘Tap & Go’ feature? Paying with your credit or debit card as opposed to cash minimises the risk to both yourself and our staff being exposed

Shire Services STILL AVAILABLE to the Public

Front counter for all transport & licensing services

Cat & Dog Registrations

Building Services

Planning Services

Ranger Services

Fire permits (limited)

Caravan Park (travellers with no fixed abode only)

Rubbish Bin collection & Landfill Sites

Road Works

Gingin Medical Centre

Council Meetings (restricted numbers due to social distancing measures)

Shire Services that have CEASED INDEFINITELY

Bookings for the Shire’s Community Bus Service and the

Granville Civic Centre

The Gingin Aquatic Centre has closed

The Gingin & Lancelin Libraries, playgrounds and skate

parks have been closed indefinitely

A complete list of all restrictions and banned activities in

WA is available on the WA Government’s website. Visit

www.wa.gov.au/government/covid-19-coronavirus.

Those kind Canadians are inspiring us all with their “Care-

mongering” campaign. This campaign is designed to identify

those in our community in need of help and those wanting to

offer their help.

The Shire has established a Vulnerable Person Register to

launch our own #Caremongering campaign. If you know

someone in need of assistance to get essential items or who

An Open Letter from the

Shire President to the Community

Shire of Gingin Services may need checking up on or a phone call once a week then

please encourage them to register themselves on the

Vulnerable Person Register. Contact Cher on (08) 9575

5138 or register online via the Shire’s website -

www.gingin.wa.gov.au.

Someone may be considered vulnerable if they:

Are frail (single or couple)

Have mobility issues

Are aged and live alone

Are not aged but have significant barriers, no local

support or they live alone

Other considerations may include:

People who have recently moved to the area and have

not yet established community connections

Households with disabled family members

Stranded Interstate and International travellers

Can you Help instead?

If you would like to make an offer to your fellow community

members in the Shire or you would like to volunteer in some

way then the Shire has also established an Offer Register.

Contact Cher on (08) 9575 5138 or register online via the

Shire’s website - www.gingin.wa.gov.au.

You could offer things like:

Pick up of essentials for those on the Vulnerable Persons

Register

To share excess essential items that you have bought

with your fellow community members, e.g. maybe you

have extra toilet paper, etc. that is surplus to your needs.

#Caremongering

A: 7 Brockman Street (PO Box 510) Gingin WA 6503 P: (08) 9575 5100 E: mail@gingin.wa.gov.au W: www.gingin.wa.gov.au

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is general guidance and should not replace professional advice concerning individual circumstances. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve rapidly and the accuracy of the information contained in this

newsletter cannot be guaranteed should the situation have changed following the date of issue for this newsletter.

The Shire of Gingin encourages all our community

members to support our local businesses

#ShopLocal #BuyLocal

Let’s work together to stop

the spread of COVID-19 Please practice good hand hygiene

and social distancing

CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION HOTLINE

1800 020 080 For more information visit

wwwwa.gov.au/covid19

For the information of the community, local government

(meaning the Shire of Gingin) is not privy to any details

regarding anyone that has contracted the virus who resides

in our Shire. That information is being retained at a State

level.

We are in this together. Our country and indeed, all

nations around the world, are facing extraordinary times.

We’ve seen some great examples of community spirit online

in all sorts of forms already and we will surely see more as

these trying times bring out the best in humanity.

Please take care. Look after each other and practice the

compassion, kindness and understanding that I have taken

pride in witnessing so often in our communities.

Cr Wayne Fewster

SHIRE PRESIDENT

Our libraries in Lancelin and Gingin might be closed but

this competiton is still open until 3 April. Enter for your

chance to win an Easter Hamper!

Entry forms are available to download from the Shire's

website - www.gingin.wa.gov.au/community/library-

information.aspx. Colour it in and drop it off in the drop box

in front of either Library for your chance to win!

Queries may be directed to:

- Karina (for the Gingin Library) on 9575 5147

- Shana or Lyn at the Lancelin Library on 9575 5155

Travel (including Caravan Parks)

As the community would be aware Domestic, International

and State Border controls have been put in place by the

State and Federal Governments. The community is strongly

encouraged not to travel at this point in time unless the need

is absolutely essential.

I would like to ask that the community to please have a

care for those who are in our Shire at this point in time who

may be very far from home including grey nomads, foreign

backpackers and other travellers.

Caravan Parks are allowed to remain open along with

other accommodation facilities such as hotels, hostels, etc.

This is because these travellers need somewhere to reside

during this crisis. Consequently, the Guilderton Caravan

Park will remain open although non-essential visitors are not

encouraged to visit by the Shire.

The community should also be aware that when the Prime

Minister makes an announcement imposing new restrictions,

it is up to the individual States and Territories to enact these

measures. This means that the application of these

restrictions is not always instantaneous and there may be

delays before new restrictions come into place in WA.

Community Support

It is inevitable that COVID-19 will eventually be contracted

by one of our community members (if it hasn’t been

already). If you contract the virus then you will be issued a

directive to stay at home for 14 days and to self-isolate.

During this period you are free to move anywhere within the

boundaries of your property but you may not leave. If you

choose to disobey the directive then you could face a

maximum penalty of up to $50,000 in WA. Therefore, I

implore you to please do the right thing. If you need

groceries or other activities carrying out then you will have to

arrange for a third party to do this for you.

Likewise, I ask that the community act sensibly and

respectfully if and when it becomes public knowledge that an

individual in any of our communities has contracted COVID-

19. Please remember that firstly it is not the individual

person’s fault and that secondly, after the crisis has passed

you will continue to inhabit the same community as they do.

If you become concerned that the individual in question

has breached the conditions of the directive to self-isolate

then the Shire of Gingin recommends that you question the

individual first (via telephone or email) and if you are not

satisfied with the response then contact WA Police on 131

444.

Please also respect the rights of your fellow community

members (and family members for that matter) to put in

place whatever social distancing measures they would like.

What they chose to put in place they are generally not

putting in place to specifically offend you personally.

Stay calm, avoid myths and resist panic. We have seen

how panic buying groceries and toilet paper

unnecessarily can lead to shortages and make life

difficult for many people, particularly those most in need.

Buy additional items but be sensible.

Check in on others. Look after those most at risk – your

neighbour living alone, elderly friends, people with a

disability and people with existing medical conditions,

someone new to the area, someone from another country

identified as high risk.

Consider your travel plans carefully.

Check you have at least 2–3 weeks' supply of any

prescription medicine and any other health supplies.

Learn how your children’s school, childcare centre, and

your place of work plan to handle any outbreak.

Act

Take action to protect yourself and others should symptoms

appear

Seek medical care early if you have a fever, cough or

difficulty breathing.

If you have travelled to any at-risk countries and feel

unwell, call the healthdirect hotline on 1800 022 222 or

visit www.healthdirect.gov.au/coronavirus.

Call ahead of time to book a doctor’s appointment and

tell your doctor of your symptoms.

Wear a face mask only if you are unwell to protect

others. You don't need to if you are well.

Follow advice from the Australian Government and your

state/territory government.

Manage your stress by using calming techniques.

Managing Stress

It is normal to feel stress about this uncertain situation. Use

your normal stress management techniques. Some tips:

Get good rest.

Watch your diet and physical health.

Look after your relationships. Communicate with people

close to you and accept or ask for their support if it helps

you or your children.

Do things that make you happy. As much as possible,

take part in activities and interests that make you feel

good.

Stay connected with your community, neighbours and

other groups. Don’t become isolated, as an individual or

as a family.

Check In

Get checking on family, friends and people who might need

extra care in your community

COVID-19 is not the fault of any individual or community.

It is not an excuse for racism and intolerance.

Help others understand the facts and how to protect

themselves. This prevents misinformation and stress.

Show empathy to people who have been quarantined or

isolated. This is a stressful situation for them and stigma

will make things worse. Check in using video phone

apps, so you can have a face-to-face conversation.

If you have elderly parents or relatives have a plan in

place for caring for them if they fall ill.

Have open conversations with children about what is

happening. Share the facts and be respectful and

supportive towards each other to help fight the spread of

harmful myths.

Follow advice from government health authorities.

Warnings and alerts can change at any time, so keep

your family and friends informed if something changes.

Organise

Get organised, plan ahead and take simple precautions

Have an emergency plan for your family. This is helpful in

any emergency situation. Prepare your own with one of

our simple tools (visit www.redcross.org.au/prepare).

Plan to be able to work from home or keep children

occupied if they are sent home from school.

Did You know the Easter

Colouring Competition is still on?

Information, Tips &

Other Advice from the

Australia Red Cross

WA TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

New travel restrictions will be put in place from Tuesday

night 31 March 2020 (12.00am AWST Wednesday morning

1 April 2020), to assist in reducing the spread of COVID-19.

You will not be able to travel between regions which in WA

are Perth & Peel (combined as one region), South West,

Great Southern, Goldfields-Esperance, Mid-West,

Wheatbelt, Gascoyne, Pilbara & Kimberley

Exemptions will apply for employment purposes, medical

reasons, health and emergency services, people living in

‘border communities’, who may not have access to groceries

or supplies within their region, transport of essential goods

and also for compassionate grounds.

Further information is available from www.wa.gov.au

For the information of the community, local government

(meaning the Shire of Gingin) is not privy to any details

regarding anyone that has contracted the virus who resides

in our Shire. That information is being retained at a State

level.

We are in this together. Our country and indeed, all

nations around the world, are facing extraordinary times.

We’ve seen some great examples of community spirit online

in all sorts of forms already and we will surely see more as

these trying times bring out the best in humanity.

Please take care. Look after each other and practice the

compassion, kindness and understanding that I have taken

pride in witnessing so often in our communities.

Cr Wayne Fewster

SHIRE PRESIDENT

Our libraries in Lancelin and Gingin might be closed but

this competiton is still open until 3 April. Enter for your

chance to win an Easter Hamper!

Entry forms are available to download from the Shire's

website - www.gingin.wa.gov.au/community/library-

information.aspx. Colour it in and drop it off in the drop box

in front of either Library for your chance to win!

Queries may be directed to:

- Karina (for the Gingin Library) on 9575 5147

- Shana or Lyn at the Lancelin Library on 9575 5155

Travel (including Caravan Parks)

As the community would be aware Domestic, International

and State Border controls have been put in place by the

State and Federal Governments. The community is strongly

encouraged not to travel at this point in time unless the need

is absolutely essential.

I would like to ask that the community to please have a

care for those who are in our Shire at this point in time who

may be very far from home including grey nomads, foreign

backpackers and other travellers.

Caravan Parks are allowed to remain open along with

other accommodation facilities such as hotels, hostels, etc.

This is because these travellers need somewhere to reside

during this crisis. Consequently, the Guilderton Caravan

Park will remain open although non-essential visitors are not

encouraged to visit by the Shire.

The community should also be aware that when the Prime

Minister makes an announcement imposing new restrictions,

it is up to the individual States and Territories to enact these

measures. This means that the application of these

restrictions is not always instantaneous and there may be

delays before new restrictions come into place in WA.

Community Support

It is inevitable that COVID-19 will eventually be contracted

by one of our community members (if it hasn’t been

already). If you contract the virus then you will be issued a

directive to stay at home for 14 days and to self-isolate.

During this period you are free to move anywhere within the

boundaries of your property but you may not leave. If you

choose to disobey the directive then you could face a

maximum penalty of up to $50,000 in WA. Therefore, I

implore you to please do the right thing. If you need

groceries or other activities carrying out then you will have to

arrange for a third party to do this for you.

Likewise, I ask that the community act sensibly and

respectfully if and when it becomes public knowledge that an

individual in any of our communities has contracted COVID-

19. Please remember that firstly it is not the individual

person’s fault and that secondly, after the crisis has passed

you will continue to inhabit the same community as they do.

If you become concerned that the individual in question

has breached the conditions of the directive to self-isolate

then the Shire of Gingin recommends that you question the

individual first (via telephone or email) and if you are not

satisfied with the response then contact WA Police on 131

444.

Please also respect the rights of your fellow community

members (and family members for that matter) to put in

place whatever social distancing measures they would like.

What they chose to put in place they are generally not

putting in place to specifically offend you personally.

Stay calm, avoid myths and resist panic. We have seen

how panic buying groceries and toilet paper

unnecessarily can lead to shortages and make life

difficult for many people, particularly those most in need.

Buy additional items but be sensible.

Check in on others. Look after those most at risk – your

neighbour living alone, elderly friends, people with a

disability and people with existing medical conditions,

someone new to the area, someone from another country

identified as high risk.

Consider your travel plans carefully.

Check you have at least 2–3 weeks' supply of any

prescription medicine and any other health supplies.

Learn how your children’s school, childcare centre, and

your place of work plan to handle any outbreak.

Act

Take action to protect yourself and others should symptoms

appear

Seek medical care early if you have a fever, cough or

difficulty breathing.

If you have travelled to any at-risk countries and feel

unwell, call the healthdirect hotline on 1800 022 222 or

visit www.healthdirect.gov.au/coronavirus.

Call ahead of time to book a doctor’s appointment and

tell your doctor of your symptoms.

Wear a face mask only if you are unwell to protect

others. You don't need to if you are well.

Follow advice from the Australian Government and your

state/territory government.

Manage your stress by using calming techniques.

Managing Stress

It is normal to feel stress about this uncertain situation. Use

your normal stress management techniques. Some tips:

Get good rest.

Watch your diet and physical health.

Look after your relationships. Communicate with people

close to you and accept or ask for their support if it helps

you or your children.

Do things that make you happy. As much as possible,

take part in activities and interests that make you feel

good.

Stay connected with your community, neighbours and

other groups. Don’t become isolated, as an individual or

as a family.

Check In

Get checking on family, friends and people who might need

extra care in your community

COVID-19 is not the fault of any individual or community.

It is not an excuse for racism and intolerance.

Help others understand the facts and how to protect

themselves. This prevents misinformation and stress.

Show empathy to people who have been quarantined or

isolated. This is a stressful situation for them and stigma

will make things worse. Check in using video phone

apps, so you can have a face-to-face conversation.

If you have elderly parents or relatives have a plan in

place for caring for them if they fall ill.

Have open conversations with children about what is

happening. Share the facts and be respectful and

supportive towards each other to help fight the spread of

harmful myths.

Follow advice from government health authorities.

Warnings and alerts can change at any time, so keep

your family and friends informed if something changes.

Organise

Get organised, plan ahead and take simple precautions

Have an emergency plan for your family. This is helpful in

any emergency situation. Prepare your own with one of

our simple tools (visit www.redcross.org.au/prepare).

Plan to be able to work from home or keep children

occupied if they are sent home from school.

Did You know the Easter

Colouring Competition is still on?

Information, Tips &

Other Advice from the

Australia Red Cross

WA TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

New travel restrictions will be put in place from Tuesday

night 31 March 2020 (12.00am AWST Wednesday morning

1 April 2020), to assist in reducing the spread of COVID-19.

You will not be able to travel between regions which in WA

are Perth & Peel (combined as one region), South West,

Great Southern, Goldfields-Esperance, Mid-West,

Wheatbelt, Gascoyne, Pilbara & Kimberley

Exemptions will apply for employment purposes, medical

reasons, health and emergency services, people living in

‘border communities’, who may not have access to groceries

or supplies within their region, transport of essential goods

and also for compassionate grounds.

Further information is available from www.wa.gov.au

Issue 1

30 March 2020

As the community would be aware, COVID-19

(Coronavirus) is currently having a significant impact and

leaving virtually no community anywhere around the globe

untouched.

I, Council and Staff at the Shire of Gingin, would like to

assure the community that we are working hard to put in

place measures to support our communities including

businesses, residents and visitors currently staying in our

Shire during this crisis.

The situation continues to change rapidly and the Shire

endeavours to enact new measures as quickly as possible

based upon the latest advice received from the State

Government and Federal Governments, the Department of

Health and other authorities. Our number one priority is the

wellbeing of our communities and supporting those most in

need however we may during this challenging period.

As your Shire President I would like to remind everyone

that we are in this together. We have a very long road ahead

of us as we head into the cold and flu season. I would like all

community members to in particular, adhere to the following:

Social Distancing Measures & Other Health Advice

I cannot stress this clearly enough: please follow the

recommendations being put out by the Department of Health

and the State and Federal Governments. Our Premier and

Prime Minister are both very insistent upon these points and

I concur with their stance.

These restrictions are being put in place to protect the

most vulnerable in our communities. We need to work

together to make sure we slow down the spread of COVID-

19 as much as we can so that we are not unduly taxing our

Health systems and exposing the vulnerable.

At a basic level this includes:

Social distancing – please maintain at least 1.5 meters

between yourself and other individuals especially when

you are in a public place. Aim to minimise all

unnecessary contact with others.

Gatherings – the advice remains to avoid having

gatherings (even at home) of more than a few people.

Further details relating to exactly what type of restrictions

are in place for public venues and public areas, etc. can

be found via www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-

the-premier-and-cabinet/coronavirus-covid-19-community

-advice.

Use ‘Tap and Go’ – most places where you can

purchase goods and services have this option to pay for

your purchases by tapping your credit card/debit card on

the EFTPOS machine as opposed to paying with cash.

Please utilise it if you can.

Wash your hands regularly – use soap and water for at

least 20 seconds which is best practice but hand sanitiser

is also very effective.

Avoid shaking hands – not easy to remember to do but

very necessary.

Cover your mouth/nose when you cough/sneeze –

use a tissue or cough/sneeze into the inside of your

elbow. Do not cough into your hands and if you do, wash

them immediately.

Stay home if you are sick – even if you haven’t

contracted COVID-19 and simply have a regular cold,

please do not go out in public or to work or school.

Remain at home.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and

surfaces – this includes things like mobile phones, table

tops, door handles, etc.

Further information and advice is available via:

Department of Health WA – www.healthywa.gov.au

WA State Government – www.wa.gov.au

As much as is possible, the Shire of Gingin is aiming to continue with as many of its services. The following is a list of currently operating services, albeit with restrictions, i.e. those wishing to utilise these services are being asked:

Do you need to conduct your business with us in person? If not, please email us via mail@gingin.wa.gov.au or call us on 9575 5100 (Gingin Administration) or 9575 5155 (Lancelin Office)

Are you sick? If so stay home and contact us via email or telephone. If you need us to process something then you can drop it off in the Drop Box available at both of our Shire offices just inside the front door

Can you pay using the ‘Tap & Go’ feature? Paying with your credit or debit card as opposed to cash minimises the risk to both yourself and our staff being exposed

Shire Services STILL AVAILABLE to the Public

Front counter for all transport & licensing services

Cat & Dog Registrations

Building Services

Planning Services

Ranger Services

Fire permits (limited)

Caravan Park (travellers with no fixed abode only)

Rubbish Bin collection & Landfill Sites

Road Works

Gingin Medical Centre

Council Meetings (restricted numbers due to social distancing measures)

Shire Services that have CEASED INDEFINITELY

Bookings for the Shire’s Community Bus Service and the

Granville Civic Centre

The Gingin Aquatic Centre has closed

The Gingin & Lancelin Libraries, playgrounds and skate

parks have been closed indefinitely

A complete list of all restrictions and banned activities in

WA is available on the WA Government’s website. Visit

www.wa.gov.au/government/covid-19-coronavirus.

Those kind Canadians are inspiring us all with their “Care-

mongering” campaign. This campaign is designed to identify

those in our community in need of help and those wanting to

offer their help.

The Shire has established a Vulnerable Person Register to

launch our own #Caremongering campaign. If you know

someone in need of assistance to get essential items or who

An Open Letter from the

Shire President to the Community

Shire of Gingin Services may need checking up on or a phone call once a week then

please encourage them to register themselves on the

Vulnerable Person Register. Contact Cher on (08) 9575

5138 or register online via the Shire’s website -

www.gingin.wa.gov.au.

Someone may be considered vulnerable if they:

Are frail (single or couple)

Have mobility issues

Are aged and live alone

Are not aged but have significant barriers, no local

support or they live alone

Other considerations may include:

People who have recently moved to the area and have

not yet established community connections

Households with disabled family members

Stranded Interstate and International travellers

Can you Help instead?

If you would like to make an offer to your fellow community

members in the Shire or you would like to volunteer in some

way then the Shire has also established an Offer Register.

Contact Cher on (08) 9575 5138 or register online via the

Shire’s website - www.gingin.wa.gov.au.

You could offer things like:

Pick up of essentials for those on the Vulnerable Persons

Register

To share excess essential items that you have bought

with your fellow community members, e.g. maybe you

have extra toilet paper, etc. that is surplus to your needs.

#Caremongering

A: 7 Brockman Street (PO Box 510) Gingin WA 6503 P: (08) 9575 5100 E: mail@gingin.wa.gov.au W: www.gingin.wa.gov.au

Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is general guidance and should not replace professional advice concerning individual circumstances. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve rapidly and the accuracy of the information contained in this

newsletter cannot be guaranteed should the situation have changed following the date of issue for this newsletter.

The Shire of Gingin encourages all our community

members to support our local businesses

#ShopLocal #BuyLocal

Let’s work together to stop

the spread of COVID-19 Please practice good hand hygiene

and social distancing

CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION HOTLINE

1800 020 080 For more information visit

wwwwa.gov.au/covid19