Wimmera public and health-service organisation leaders have joined forces in a collective response to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. 

They have formed a committee to discuss and gauge the Wimmera’s readiness to respond to circumstances that represent some of most significant contemporary challenges the district has faced.   

The group is made up of representatives from Horsham Rural City Council, Wimmera Health Care Group, Lister House medical clinic in Horsham, Uniting Wimmera, Grampians Community Health, Christian Emergency Food Centre, Centre for Participation, schools, Ambulance Victoria, Country Fire Authority, Victoria Police, Red Cross, Department of Health and Human Services, Wimmera Primary Care Partnership and Salvation Army.

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy and Horsham councillor John Robinson, chair of Horsham Municipal Emergency Management Committee, also attended a foundation meeting.

Horsham mayor Mark Radford said service leaders wanted to ensure that vulnerable members of the community were well cared for during these unprecedented times.

“Items discussed included how agencies will work together, the current supports available for the community and what gaps need to be filled,” he said.

“It was reassuring to know that each agency had enacted a plan to respond. 

“It is important people know that community and health services are working together to ensure everyone is cared for over the coming weeks and months.” 

Lister House medical centre’s Amanda Wilson said co-ordination was vital because community support agencies had never been exposed to disruption on this scale.

“It was great to bring together all the key players locally to get an understanding of where we are at and identify how we can best support our community,” she said.

Mrs Wilson said Lister House patients could access COVID-19 information by calling the centre on 5382 0011 or via the clinic’s website
listerhouseclinic.com.au.

Uniting Wimmera has provided phone number 1800 195 114 for the community to access information about district support.

Horsham district people can also obtain information from Horsham Rural City Council on 5382 9777, email, council@hrcc.vic.gov.au or website, www.hrcc.vic.gov.au.

Leaders will continue to meet using video-conferencing technology during the coming weeks and months.

Community leadership call | COVID-19

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