Council staff take to the streets
6 April 2020
STAFF from Inverell Shire Library and the Visitor Information Centre took to the streets this week to assist Meals on Wheels, ensuring residents received a 2-course meal plus a couple of Easter treats.
Inverell Shire Council mayor Paul Harmon says the temporary closure of Council’s library and tourism facilities due to COVID-19 has provided the opportunity to reassign staff from their normal duties.
“Council heard Meals on Wheels were looking for extra volunteers and I’m delighted we were able to assist the service and also help some of our most vulnerable residents”.
The mayor added Council will continue to support the delivery service while COVID-19 restrictions keep the doors of both the library and tourist centre closed.
Meals on Wheels manager Beck Brennan says since putting out the call for extra volunteers, the service has received a fabulous response from the community, including larger employers such as council.
“With many of our volunteers over the age of 70 and not able to volunteer at present, these new volunteers have helped fill a gap”.
Mrs Brennan says the service is still welcoming volunteers who are able to give at least one hour of their time each week.
Cr Harmon says the unchartered times are also producing plenty of good news stories.
“I take my hat off to local businesses that are rising to challenges and finding new ways to reach customers in these difficult times”.
“We have businesses such as a butcher and fruit shop teaming up to offer joint deliveries; then we have other retailers who already have an online store who are pulling their neighbouring businesses on board, providing them with a web-presence and helping to service the community”.
The mayor says Council is keeping the community up to date on businesses offering phone orders, delivery and services across the Shire and sharing the details on social media and their website.
“We are all in this together, so as we head into Easter, I highlight the need for all community members to practice social distancing and stay at home over the Easter weekend”, Cr Harmon said.
Image: Inverell Library’s Maria Mutimer at Cooinda aged care units, with her next Meals on Wheels delivery.
For further information contact:
Fiona Adams | Inverell Shire Council | PO Box 138, Inverell NSW 2360 | 02 67288288 | Fiona.Adams@inverell.nsw.gov.au
