Dear OWN Members and Supporters,

How the world has changed since our last newsletter. We have all stepped into a different reality and we are all adjusting to this new way of living. Most importantly, we want you to know that we are all in this together. We hope, as always, to provide you with accurate news and the latest information, and to work with you to keep you connected.

- We have updated our website to include a page on Covid-19 information. It is important to have trustworthy sources at this time when we are bombarded with information. Our page links to NSW Health and WHO pages and aims to keep you informed, safe and help you stay well. Take a look here.

- The federal government has launched a new app, Coronavirus Australia. It allows users to navigate the latest advice and information about coronavirus in real-time. It is available from the Apple App Store and on Google Play.

- The Australian Government's Department of Health has released a fact sheet for older Australians - Click the link here.   The new restrictions announced last night include the two-person rule on gatherings and advice that people aged 70 and over should stay home and self-isolate. Read more here.

- To keep our members connected, OWN NSW has arranged for some online classes to keep you active. There will also be chat groups, kicking off this Wednesday with 'Ask Bev!" which promises to be good fun.  Learn more here.  OWN Newton Wellness Centre will be using its Facebook page for more information.

- Service NSW is available for immediate income assistance, cost of living support and general support for individuals and households. Older members of the community are also being encouraged to ring and ask for any support where needed. Phone 137788 or access the website here.

- Comedian Sammy J's has been at it again with "Coach Makes Things Clear" . Well worth a watch for a good laugh.

Please remember that we are here and can help with any enquiries from our members. Especially if you find yourself in difficulty at this time -  or even if you just need a chat. Phone 9519 8044 or email info@ownnsw.org.au.

Until the next issue of dOWNtime, more than ever, stay well, and please keep safe and healthy.

If you been having problems getting groceries and supplies, Woolworths has started a Priority Delivery Service. Eligible customers include seniors, people with a disability and those with compromised immunity or who are required to self isolate.

You can sign-up for the service on the Woolworths Priority Assistance webpage. This is in addition to their Community Shopping Hour between 7am and 8am everyday. Coles also has a Community Shopping Hour between 7am and 8am every day and will be launching a new priority service.

If you need help with groceries and food, you can ring Service NSW on 137788 or try the following organisations. Alternatively if you have extra groceries, or time, or can donate in any way to help, please reach out.

Foodbank - Australia’s largest hunger relief charity.
Ask Izzy - Can help you to find the services you need, now and nearby. It is free and anonymous.
Meals On Wheels - Delivery of nutritious meals, social interaction and a friendly check of a client’s wellbeing.
OzHarvest - leading food rescue organisation, collecting quality excess food from commercial outlets and delivering it directly to more than 300 charities supporting people in need across the country.

Need to apply for a Centrelink payment? You can register your intention to claim here.

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety has suspended all hearings and workshops for the time being, subject to ongoing review. This decision  affects all hearings and workshops scheduled until at least the end of May 2020.

Given the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline for submissions has been extended to June 20th, but subject to continual monitoring.

Read the latest media release from the Chair of the Royal Commission about COVID-19 issued on Friday 27 March 2020 and visit the Coronavirus and the Aged Care Royal Commission page​.

Last night, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that states and territories had agreed to a six month moratorium on evictions for renters in financial distress unable to meet their commitments due to the the impact of COVID19. However we are worried the announced moratorium does not go far enough.

Dementia Help Sheets

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Dementia Australia has released four Help Sheets outlining tips for people living with dementia, carers, families and friends of people living with dementia, residential care providers and home care providers. 

People living with dementia are one of the most vulnerable groups in society at this time. The Help Sheets available now include:

• Tips for people living with dementia – outlines the COVID-19 symptoms, hygiene tips, the importance of having a good support network, ideas to remain active and engaged while in self-isolation, and where to go for help. 

• Tips for carers, families and friends of people living with dementia – outlines the COVID-19 symptoms, hygiene tips, helpful tips for primary carers, as well as for family, friends or neighbours, ideas for remaining active and engaged while in self-isolation, and where to go for help. 

• Tips for residential care providers – outlines the impacts COVID-19 may have on residents, tips on alternative activities and how to support continued engagement with families and carers. 

• Tips for home care providers – outlines the impacts COVID-19 may have on a person living with dementia, tips to reduce heightened anxiety and where to go for help.

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) is calling on energy businesses to put customers first during the current global health crisis.

Launching the Statement of Expectations of energy businesses: Protecting consumers and the energy market during COVID-19 the AER has reiterated that energy is an essential service and that the energy market has an important role to play in protecting and supporting businesses and the community through the COVID-19 pandemic and our recovery.

Key AER expectations include:

• that energy retailers offer payment plans or hardship arrangements to all residential and small business customers who indicate they may be in financial stress;
• no disconnection of any residential or small business customers who may be in financial stress; 
• deferring referrals of customers to debt collection agencies for recovery actions, or credit default listing until at least 31 July 2020; and
• waiving disconnection, reconnection and/or contract break fees for small businesses that have ceased operation.