Stay Home, Stay Connected

Overview

Colac Otway, we are all in this together!

As a community, we’ve shown amazing strength, compassion and unity. It’s understandable that we might be feeling overwhelmed and lost – we have nothing to compare this experience and it is affecting everyone in different ways.

Now more than ever, we need to do everything we can to work together, stay connected and be compassionate and kind. It’s important to know what services and support is available and ask for help if you need it – or feel fantastic by being able to help someone else!

Join a local community group and Zoom in for virtual meetings, Skype your friends and family regularly or make a weekly call to an elderly neighbour and check if they need support.

To help you receive or give support, we’ve compiled a list of community networks, charities and groups that are doing amazing work in our community and beyond.

Tips for getting through (to share with family & friends)

• Smile – even with your mask on!
• Pick up the phone and call someone who you think may be feeling lonely or worried.
• Go for a walk and enjoy the fresh air.
• Support a local business:
  • order from their website,
  • purchase a gift voucher for when restrictions ease,
  • pick up a coffee when you’re on your way home from working or buying essentials,
  • order take-home or home delivery meals 
• Be kind and patient with people who are working in face-to-face jobs at the frontline (Colac Area Health, medical clinics, Emergency Services, supermarkets, chemists, home delivery services, petrol stations).
• Take this time to learn a new craft, do some art, try yoga, meditation or put pen to paper and start on that novel you’ve been meaning to write.
• Switch off the news and social media when it all feels too much.
• Send a virtual hug to someone who is having a hard time.
• Have a virtual Friday night catch up with your mates, play a board games or chat about what you’ve been doing.
• Write a note with your contact details and the support you can offer, and drop it in your neighbours’ letter boxes. You can find a link to a postcard to print here.

Stay connected online

• Colac Otway Shire Council Facebook – stay update to date on Council services and what’s happening in your neighbourhood, opportunities to have your say, funding for your community, and COVID restriction updates
• Colac Area Health Facebook – updates on local health advice
• Great Ocean Road Health
• Colac Miller House Do Care - provides social support programs for people over the age of 65, in the Colac/Otway region. Find out about their activities at their Facebook page.

• Colac Makers’ Space Facebook – find links to creative online courses

• Support Colac and District businesses Facebook – has lots of information about which businesses are still trading

Local media online

• MIXX FM website and facebook
• Colac Herald website and facebook

 Tune in to community radio

• OCR FM
• ABR FM

Small Town Connections

If you live in one of our smaller communities in the Colac Otway Shire, you can also stay home and stay connected. The local newsletters have up-to-date information about activities and things that are happening (virtually) in your community.

Don’t forget Facebook also has great local information. You might even find a local group or club to join - take a look at these local websites.

Community Networks – you might like to join!

• Colac Makers’ Space – find links to creative online courses on their Facebook page.
• Otway CWA
• Colac U3A

Charitable organisations that could do with some help

• Colac Area Health Foundation – find out how to make a donation on their website or by phoning 5232 5288

To add your virtual club meetings or charitable organisation to our list please email us.

Meals and Home Support

•  Colac Otway COVID Support Hotline 5232 9440
  (Emergency food packages, essential personal items, masks for vulnerable people)

•  Colac Otway Shire Home & Community Care

Other very important support

• Beyondblue

• Lifeline

• Safe Steps – Family Violence Support

• Headspace