Service changes due to coronavirus

This page was last updated Tuesday 26 May 2020

Yarra is committed to the health, wellbeing and safety of our community and workforce.

As a result of coronavirus (COVID-19) and following Victorian Government restrictions, we have made several changes to our services, events and programs. We will continue to update you with new information as restrictions are eased.  

You can still get in touch with us via online services, calling 03 9205 5555, emailing us, or reaching out on social media.

We have reviewed and updated the information on this page following a Victorian Government announcement on Sunday 24 May 2020 easing some COVID-19 restrictions. 

View changes to services

Aged and disability services

We continue to deliver essential services for Yarra's older people and people with a disability, with a range of precautions taken to protect our clients' health. 

This includes physical distancing where appropriate, working with clients to tailor services to their needs and following the advice of the Victorian and Federal governments. 

The following services are continuing with modifications to protect our clients and staff:

  • delivered meals services
  • home care, personal care and respite care 
  • home maintenance
  • assessments for care and services.

The following services have been suspended or cancelled:

  • Willowview Seniors’ Centre and exercise / art groups
  • seniors’ social groups 
  • community transport. 

Should a Yarra staff member or client contract COVID-19, we'll be working with other government departments to determine the impact on our services and options for continuing care or alternative arrangements.

Essential shopping assistance

If you need support with shopping, accessing emergency food or any other essential needs, please contact us on 03 9205 5285.

Annual flu immunisation

All older residents are encouraged to get our annual flu immunisation. If you need assistance attending a GP, pharmacist or one of our immunisations sessions, please call us on 03 9205 5285. 

Customer service centres

Our customer service centres at Richmond Town Hall, Collingwood Town Hall, Bargoonga Nganjin North Fitzroy Library and the Connie Benn Centre are closed until further notice.

You can still contact us by:

Libraries

Our five library branches are closed until further notice. All library programs, including Storytime and after school programs, will not run during this time.

The Home Library Service will continue to operate in a limited capacity for existing customers.

All return chutes are closed until further notice to prevent overflow. We don't charge late fees and are offering indefinite renewals on all items. Keep your borrowed items at home and use the online library to access our wide range of online resources of e-books, audiobooks and more. 

Leisure centres

Yarra Leisure’s Richmond Recreation Centre, Fitzroy Swimming Pool, Collingwood Leisure Centre and Collingwood Estate Gym are closed until further notice.

All programs, including group fitness classes, learn to swim and swim squad sessions have been suspended.

Burnley Golf Course

Burnley Golf Course reopened on Friday 15 May 2020 following the easing of some Victorian Government restrictions.

Wellness Locker

To help you remain healthy, connected and balanced, Yarra Leisure has created the Wellness Locker, packed with fitness videos and workout plans, mindfulness tips, snack ideas, mental health resources and more.

Playgrounds and exercise equipment

Our parks and gardens are open to the public. Outdoor playgrounds, skateparks and outdoor communal gym equipment reopened on Tuesday 26 May 2020 following the easing of some Victorian Government restrictions.

Please continue to be mindful of social distancing and personal hygiene when using these facilities. 

Tennis, bowls and sporting pavilions 

The Mayors Park tennis and netball facilities, Fitzroy Tennis Club and Alphington Bowls Club reopened on Friday 15 May 2020. Please be mindful of social distancing when using these facilities.

Youth Services

Yarra Youth Services programs and activities are suspended until further notice. This includes the temporary closure of our Youth Centre at 156 Napier Street, Fitzroy.

The L2P program is also suspended until further notice.

We’re still here for you – get in touch by calling us on 03 9426 1455, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. If you, a friend or loved one need urgent support, contact Triple Zero (000), Lifeline (13 11 14) or Kids Helpline (1800 551 800).

Business support

We are committed to supporting our business community through this challenging time. If you run a business in Yarra, we've put together a list of resources to help you, including:

  • what businesses can open and what businesses must close
  • a map of more than 100 local food and drink businesses offering takeaway/delivery options
  • refunds on council health registrations and footpath trading permits
  • free mentoring sessions
  • free membership to the Victorian Chamber of Commerce
  • information from the Australian Government, Victorian Government, Australian Taxation Office, Australian Banking Association and other entities
  • how to best support local business at this time

Visit our Business page for the latest information.

You can also contact our Economic Development team via email.

Events and venues

We’re following the Victorian Government’s restrictions on public gatherings, and will continue to do so when considering future event cancellations.

We'll endeavour to inform event attendees about any cancelled events on an event-by-event basis, and encourage you to regularly check our Events page for current information.

Town hall and meeting room bookings

All current bookings until 1 July 2020 have been cancelled and will be refunded in full. 

We currently are not taking new booking requests for our town halls and community spaces until further notice. 

Family and children's services

Long day care

Current service hours have been reduced. We're not accepting new bookings until current restrictions are lifted, unless special circumstances apply.

If you believe your circumstances are unique, please contact us on 03 9205 5555 to discuss. Families who were enrolled from the week beginning 16 March 2020 will have the option to restart their enrolment and bookings when these restrictions are lifted.

If you are currently enrolled and need a casual booking, please contact your centre directly to book sessions.

After school care

After school care is available to families whose children are attending school in person. Children who are learning remotely aren't eligible for this service.

If you would like to know more about our after school care service, please email us or call 03 9205 5555.

Occasional care

Our occasional care service is suspended until further notice. If you have any questions, please email us or call the Connie Benn Centre on 03 9426 1500.

Vacation care

We will update you soon on vacation care, including whether it will proceed for the winter 2020 holidays.

Parent activity programs, external programs and playgroups

Parent activity programs and all external programs at Connie Benn Centre have been postponed until further notice. Supported playgroups have also been suspended until further notice. Contact your centre for more information.

Federal Government’s childcare subsidy

The Federal Government has announced subsidised childcare for eligible families who need support through the COVID-19 pandemic. We are working with families who access our long day care services about what it means for them.

Maternal child health centres

Our maternal child health centres are currently open, with some changes to services. We will no longer be seeing clients face-to-face – all consultations will be via phone. After you make a booking we will send you more information before your appointment.

You can also contact the maternal and child health booking line on 03 9205 5599 for more information.

Immunisations

Our immunisation program continues to operate with additional safety precautions in place. View our upcoming immunisation sessions online.

So we can practice physical distancing, we've allowed more time for sessions and changed some of our venues. Read more about what we're doing to keep you safe at our immunisation sessions. 

Flu vaccinations

Our $15 flu vaccine protects against four currently circulating influenza strains. It does not protect against COVID-19.

We encourage everyone to get the flu vaccination as soon as possible this year, as getting infected with both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time could result in serious illness.

Parking

Parking permits

While we are mindful that some people may prefer to get around by car during this time, we're still unable to issue parking permits to ineligible residents or businesses. 

Parking permits will continue to be issued to eligible people as per our Parking Permit Policy.

We are taking the current climate into consideration, however remind drivers that it remains a requirement to park legally at all times.

Parking fines and fees

If you have received a parking fine and have difficulty paying, please make an online appeal with details of your current situation.

If you are concerned about any permit fees, please contact us with details of your current situation.

All other services

Household waste and recycling collections, planning, building, animal management, and parking and traffic services are operating as usual until further notice.

Hard waste collection is continuing, but some delays may occur.

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