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Support during COVID-19 Crisis

As the COVID-19 crisis unfolds, people are doing it tough. Well-funded public services are vital, but everyday people coming together to help each other is important too. We will be updating this page with information, resources and support available to help people through the COVID-19 crisis. 

 

Health Advice

 

Income Support 

  • JobSeeker (ie. unemployment payment), has been increased to approximately $1,100 per fortnight from 27 April. If you need to claim JobSeeker apply online here
  • JobKeeper is the new federal wage subsidy is a payment from the federal government to employers, to be passed on to workers. It's a maximum of $1,500 per fortnight. Payments start 1 May but will be backdated to 30 March. Eligible employers should apply for JobKeeper payments via the ATO. 

 

Housing 

  • The Federal Government has announced a six-month moratorium on evictions. 
  • The Qld Government has banned evictions for people who are suffering "excessive hardship" due to COVID-19, but other evictions grounds (including new grounds for sale of property) remain. 
  • Rent reductions or deferrals can be negotiated between tenants and landlords and mandatory conciliation with the RTA is required if agreement can't be reached. Tenants Queensland have a draft letter to help people negotiating with their landlords.
  • Renters who've lost their job and are waiting for their Centrelink claim to be approved may be eligible for the Qld Government's one-off COVID-19 Rental Grant of up to $2000 to cover four weeks' rent. You can apply here.

 

Supermarkets and Food

  • Some supermarkets have suspended home delivery. Coles and Woolworths are holding a special community hour between 7am-8am reserved for the elderly and vulnerable. Woolies has an online form for "priority assistance" for delivery here.
  • If you need food and can't get it, call 13 HEALTH to register for Red Cross deliveries.

 

Local Mutual Aid Groups

There are a number of local facebook groups where local residents are coordinating support for people who are self-isolating. 

 

Local Organisations Seeking Donations

These local organisations are seeking donations of food and other essential goods.

  • West End Community House are seeking donations for their community pantry. 
  • The Romero Centre, who support refugees, are seeking donations of food and essential goods to their food bank. 
  • Sisters Inside are seeking donations of soap for people in prison. Find details about sending soap directly to prisons here.

 

Domestic Violence Support

if you or someone you know needs help, DV Connect offers 24hr domestic, family and sexual violence crisis counselling, intervention, information and pathways to safety via the following phone hotlines:  

  • DV Connect 1800 811 811 - a Queensland-based 24/7 crisis phone line for women. 
  • 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) - a 24/7 confidential information, counselling and support service for everyone affected by DV. 
  • Mensline 1800 600 636 - a crisis phone line for men experiencing or using domestic violence running 9am - midnight 7 days per week. 

 

The Disability Information Helpline

The Disability Information Helpline is for people with disability, their families and carers who need help because of coronavirus (COVID-19). It is free, private and fact-checked. You can contact the Helpline in the following ways:

  • Phone (free call): 1800 643 787
  • If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677.
  • More details here.