As our city comes to terms with increased cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), and adjust to further restrictions, we know many Yarra residents may be feeling overwhelmed about the situation and concerned for others.

Yarra Council shares this concern, particularly with the immediate lockdown of the public housing estates in North Melbourne and Flemington.

Yarra Mayor Cr Misha Coleman said Yarra is calling on the Premier and relevant Ministers to work with councils in planning for future lockdowns.

"We will continue to advocate on behalf of the community, and we want to avoid the sudden lockdown situation that we saw with Flemington and North Melbourne," Cr Coleman said.

"This includes appropriate and timely translated information, to help us plan and work with all our diverse communities, but particularly those who live in Yarra’s 12 housing estates."

"So we’re calling on the State Government to ensure public housing communities are given the best information and care possible."

"One tangible way to help prepare and support in the people in public housing is to establish free WiFi and we’re calling on the relevant State Government Ministers to get WiFi installed urgently."

Yarra Council will continue to work with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Chief Medical Officer to ensure the health and safety of our community, and is calling on the Premier for clear information to adequately plan for certain situations.

Yarra also recently ran translated radio announcements in our community’s five most spoken languages, as well as English, to provide important information about the support available.

This includes information about emergency food relief Yarra and other organisations are providing, available translated information, and support for families and young people.

Residents who want to help others during this time can look at our community kindness directory for a list of community networks, charities and groups that are accepting help during this time.