Support for small businesses and community groups affected by COVID-19

Two musicians performing in manningham activity centres

Be Kind Manningham

In these unprecedented and challenging times, one thing we can do is band together as a community and show a little kindness to ourselves and to each other.

Let us introduce you to Be Kind Manningham, an initiative to encourage everyone in our community to continue to be kind to others, be kind to those most in need at this time, and be kind to yourself.

 

community

Community Activation and Social Isolation initiative

The Community Activation and Social Isolation (CASI) initiative helps people build social connections and support networks in their local communities during COVID-19. Manningham Council is managing this program for our community and partnering with community organisations to provide on-the-ground support.

helping in community

Apply for financial hardship

We are acutely aware of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and the impact this may have on your ability to make payment for your council rates at this time.

If you are experiencing genuine financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 you can apply for a special payment arrangement with us.

LED street lights at night silhouette scene

Apply for the utility relief grant scheme

Residents in the Manningham community experiencing temporary financial hardship may be eligible for a utility relief grant to help pay an overdue mains electricity, gas or water bill. The grant is up to $650 on each utility type in a two-year period. 

Manningham Matters may 6 doncare donations

Emergency relief for temporary visa holders

Australian Red Cross is providing a small one-off emergency relief payment to people who are on temporary visas, who have no way to support themselves and have urgent needs.

Hands in

Our COVID-19 Community Relief Package

Our package of relief measures includes support for local businesses affected by COVID-19. This includes:

  • 25% discount on the next round of annual registration fees for food and health premises
  • subsidised business development programs that will provide additional support to local businesses in the short and medium term
Small business florist on laptop

Our business support program

Our Business team have developed a number of programs to support our local business community.

Upcoming programs will include:

  • Business advisory services and mentoring for heavily affected businesses
  • One-on-one technical support and transition for businesses
  • Marketing support and business planning
  • Activation support post lockdown
  • Adaptation to the new business environment

Doncare

Doncare delivers a wide range of support services and programs to help families, the aged, youth and disadvantaged within our community. Their main services include:

  • Information and emergency relief
  • Counselling
  • Family services
  • Family violence prevention and recovery
  • Social support for seniors

If you are in need of support during this time, please contact Doncare on 9856 1500 or doncare@doncare.org.au

 

State Government and Federal Government support

The State Government and Federal Government have a range of support packages available to individuals during this time.

The Victorian Government also has a support package for Victorian workers impacted by COVID-19.

NDIS participants and providers can access support and resources via the NDIS website

 

Department of Health and Office of Youth

  • Family Recovery Fund Culturally and linguistically diverse individuals and families in Victoria who have been significantly impacted by COVID can access case management support (with a focus on mental health recovery, education, training and employment) through the Family Recovery Program. Information regarding this program is available in 13 community languages. If you would like more info, contact frp@cohealth.org.au
  • Extreme Hardship Support Program The Extreme Hardship Support Program (EHSP) provides emergency financial assistance to people on temporary and provisional visas and undocumented migrants who are not eligible for Commonwealth Government income support. It assists people with zero or very limited savings, income or community support to pay for food, medicine and bills during the coronavirus pandemic. EHSP is a Victorian Government program delivered by Red Cross and the Brotherhood of St Laurence

old lady receiving vaccine

Additional Resources

Additional support is available during this time, you can access the following resources

Looking after your mental health

Family and Domestic violence support

Crisis support and suicide prevention 

Support for the LGBTQIA+ community

Contact our Business team

As we continue to feel the effects of COVID-19 within our community, Manningham Business is here to support your business through this time.

We want to hear your experiences and we’re keen to help and advocate on your behalf wherever possible. Leave us your details and a member of the Manningham Business team will get back to you.

Business Victoria has a hotline to help businesses with COVID-19 questions: 13 22 15.