Horsham Rural City Council has established a financial hardship co-ordinator to help residents who are doing it tough during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Visitor Information Centre team leader Andrea Hogan has been redeployed into the role and will be the first point of contact for any person who needs more time settle Council rates and other charges.
Chief executive officer Sunil Bhalla said Council was expecting a significant increase in people reaching out for help.
“I think we’re going to be in a difficult period for quite some time,” Mr Bhalla said.
“That includes everyone from residents, businesses, community and sporting groups and Council itself is facing financial challenges as well.
“We understand that Council has an obligation to help take some of the pressure off our community and we want to make it clear that we will not be adding unnecessary monetary pressure on people.