Published on Saturday, 11 April 2020 at 9:07:06 AM
This week saw Western Australia close its borders and intra-regional travel restrictions put in place. The Government has issued its strongest messages to Stay Home except for essential travel and activities. Here in York, the Shire’s COVID-19 Leadership Group continues to meet on a daily basis to assess the needs of the community and the actions required.
YORKIND UPDATE
The Social Isolation Support Centre has had 34 volunteers registered and has handled 15 enquiries and requests for help to date. Most enquiries so far have been about town service changes and home delivery for shopping. These have been linked to the IGA priority service or been paired with a volunteer who is able to provide personal shopping support with payment being made over the phone to the IGA.
Shire President Cr Denese Smythe says ‘I would like to commend the IGA on the speed with which they have adapted to customers’ changing needs, whilst their staff continue to provide a friendly and welcoming service”.
In addition to taking enquiries, the YORKIND team is contacting all residents we've identified as being more vulnerable within our community. The purpose of this call will be to check in to make sure people are not struggling alone during this difficult time.
Finally, we have had a donation of 30 jigsaw puzzles! So anyone looking for something to do during isolation should contact 9641 1301 to arrange delivery of one.
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SHIRE STAFF REDEPLOYED
With the closure of several of the Shire facilities and the creation of a new service, staffing changes have had to be implemented:
- We have commenced a working from home for those staff that are able, leaving fewer bodies in the administration building.
- Depot staff have implemented protocols to incorporate social distancing and good hygiene into their working day. We have also utilised staff to increase the cleaning of public spaces and infrastructure.
- Visitor Centre staff have been re-deployed to manage the YORKIND Social Isolation Support Centre.
- York Recreation & Convention Centre staff are currently undertaking cleaning, maintenance and administrative projects at the YRCC and then, if required will be re-deployed to assist with the YORKIND Social Isolation Support Centre.
- Some staff have chosen to take accrued leave at this time.
DEPT OF TRANSPORT LICENSING SERVICES
With the Shire Office closed for public access, the Licensing service is not available. The York Post Office has been activated to process simple barcoded transactions for customers. These types of transactions are typically renewals (driver and vehicle), transfer invoices, plate infringements etc. The Post Office is not able to handle any plate related queries. Dept of Transport should be contacted on 13 11 56 for any issues that the Post Office is unable to help with.
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Shire President Cr Smythe has stated “I recognise the lengths that our local businesses are going to in order to continue trading and operating in York. I would like to congratulate them all for finding innovative ways to meet stringent public health directives whilst keeping their businesses going, keeping their staff employed and helping to lift the spirits of customers and the greater community.
Now more than ever, we need to support our small businesses and buy local.”
Open for Business is the Shire’s online local business directory, to let the community know what retailers in York are operating and what specials are on offer during this time.
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YORK EASTER ACTIVITY PROGRAM
Yet again the Community has acted to create fun activities to keep the kids entertained at home this Easter:
The York Festival team is hosting a Wara Art Sculpture colouring-in competition. Visit their Facebook page to down load the sheets and find out what you can win!
https://www.facebook.com/yorkfestival/
Re-York-Cycle is hosting a Community Easter Bonnet Online Isolated Parade. Get creative & post a pic of your Easter Bonnet (or video of your isolated social distance parade) to help share the happiness & joy of the simple Easter activity while safe at home. Post pic via the link below.
https://www.facebook.com/Re-York-Cycle-249852559171818/
Finally, if you are out doing your allowed exercise, or on essential business, don't forget to keep an eye out for the bears that have been popping up around York!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/978738385855470/
BURNING PROHIBITED OVER EASTER
All burning is prohibited over the Easter Period from Midnight Thursday 9 April until Midnight Sunday 12 April. ALL FIRES are PROHIBITED including the burning of small piles during the evenings.
Further information on permits to burn can be found n the Shire’s website.
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INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES UPDATE
Important projects are continuing work taking place on the widening of Mokine Road Culvert, Bush Fire Mitigation. Avon River crossing, Avon Park development and Skate Park construction.
The works team has also been out and about steam cleaning pavements and disinfecting benches, bins and handrails around the town.
KNOTTS ROAD TREES
We are aware of the concerns of some residents over the removal of trees by CBH at the entrance to their site on Knotts Road. As part of the approved road upgrade plans associated with the CBH upgrade, a number of trees were identified for removal for road safety reasons. CBH, with the Shire endorsement, sought and received approval from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) for the removal of 9 trees.
A requirement of this approval is that two trees of similar species are planted for every tree removed and that CBH report to DWER on the progress of the trees for 3 years after they are planted. As a result of this incident, in future a further requirement will be added to notify associated properties in advance of the work being done.
SCAM ALERT
Please be aware that scammers are taking advantage of the spread of coronavirus to exploit and play on the fears of consumers across Australia.
Please tell your Mum, Dad, neighbour and friends to be extra vigilant at this time of callers offering services or asking for personal information.
STAY INFORMED
During this period of uncertainly the Shire President will be speaking on the Voice of the Avon 101.3fm local radio every Friday at 10.30am. Please listen out and tell your neighbours. Knowledge is important, and we want to ensure all of our community has access to the latest information whether they get it from the radio, or Social Media or via the local newspaper.
We are committed to ensuring we keep the community informed as our services are adapted to the new way of being. We will provide regular updates via our website, Facebook page, local radio and local newspaper. We have created a dedicated web page to centralise essential community information related to COVID-19.
TRAVEL OVER EASTER
Finally, please remember that even though you could travel to other places within the Wheatbelt, the clear message coming from our Government is to stay home to stay safe.
Looking out for our friends and neighbours has never been more important and we know that some residents don't have access to a computer, and therefore access to up to date information. Please help spread the latest news updates with your neighbours.
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Thank you and enjoy your Easter break at home!
CHRIS LINNELL, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICE
For further queries, please contact: Chris Linnell, CEO. Email: records@york.wa.gov.au Tel: 9641 2233
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