Copy
Deagon Ward E-News - Your Local Community News.
View this email in your browser

Deagon Ward E-News

April 2020 

 
Challenging times demand the very best of communities and the remarkable perseverance and solidarity the people of Deagon Ward have displayed gives us hope moving forward in uncertain times.

By following the quarantine and social distancing measures developed by the State and Federal government, we have seen great success in "flattening the curve" and making our communities safer from the transmission of Coronavirus.  

However complacency can't creep into our lives and practices, our health relies on that of our neighbour and we all have a certain level of responsibility in ensuring we continue appropriate social distancing measures. For frequent and reliable updates on relevant statistics click here.

One thing the Virus has exposed is several local businesses showing some real character and going to bat for their customers and the wider community. Leading the way without a doubt is Cabbage Patch Deagon with an unbelievable effort to provide free meals day in and day out to those doing it tough. I have launched a local small business catalog with details of small businesses that are continuing to trade with takeaways and delivery. Check out my Facebook Page for more details. 

In addition to business run initiatives, I've teamed up with two Local MP's, Stirling Hinchliffe and Bart Mellish to offer free care packages to those doing it tough at the moment. More details on this initiative can be found below. 

Keep an eye out on my Facebook page to keep up to date with local news and events.

If you are part of a local community group and want me to feature an upcoming event in my e-news please contact my office to arrange this. 


Cheers

Jared Cassidy

COVID-19 News and Updates

Heart Foundation Australia - Recommendations and Information 

The Heart Foundation has warned that if you have heart disease, you are more vulnerable to severe COVID-19 complications.
 
Furthermore, COVID-19 infection could worsen existing heart conditions and could increase your risk of a heart attack.
 
In addition to current health advice, the Heart Foundation urges you to:

  • Practise good hygiene and social distancing;
  • Maintain your current treatment and medication plan. If needed you can now contact your doctor remotely, and have your medicines delivered to your home;
  • Get the flu vaccine; and
  • Stay physically active and eat healthily.

Medical emergencies still require urgent care, so ensure medical aid is sought if the symptoms of your heart condition become severe or worsen quickly.
 
For further information or inquiries the Heart Foundation helpline can be contacted on 13 11 12 or alternatively visit their website at: www.heartfoundation.org.au


                                                                                  
Updates regarding the Testing criteria for Novel-Coronavirus


From the 6 April the Chief Health Officer expanded testing for COVID-19 to help detect any levels of community transmission.
 
Anyone that presents to a GP, Clinic or Hospital who has respiratory symptoms are now being tested.
 
Thankfully, this has not resulted in a spike of positive COVID-19 results in Queensland but it is suggested that if you display the requisite symptoms medical advice be immediately pursued.

Seeming success in flattening the curve does not allow us to become lax with our self-isolation measures but rather reinforces the efficacy of continued vigilance and sensible action.




Local Schools - Term 2 Recommencing under new Guidelines 


From 20 April 2020, Queensland students will be moving to a home-based learning model for the first five weeks of Term 2.

From the start of Term 2 until 22 May 2020, all students will be learning from home, except for students in the following categories:

  • Children of essential workers on days when they are not able to be supervised at home and no other arrangements can be made. Essential worker means any worker who must continue to attend their workplace for essential business during this time.
  • Vulnerable children include children identified by schools or who:
    • are currently receiving services from Child Safety, including children who are subject to a child protection order
    • are subject to a youth justice order.
  • Children in designated Indigenous communities.

For any further clarification on the situation the Department of Education has a detailed FAQ document that can be found here 
https://qed.qld.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media/novel-coronavirus/frequently-asked-questions-for-parents





                          





ANZAC DAY - Lest We Forget 

Despite this year’s cancellation of traditional ANZAC Day services, it is important we remember the sacrifice Australians have made for over a century to protect our way of life.
 
Everyone is encouraged to pay their respects at home by standing on your driveways or balconies and playing the Last Post as the sun rises at 6am. Check out our local video to promote this initiative HERE.
 
Additionally, RSL Queensland will be streaming a short commemorative service at 6am from their website at www.rslanzacspirit.com.au 

It has also been noted that several local streets have their own organised activities priorly planned by families within the community. A testament to the respect and reverence that perseveres throughout even the most unique quarantine situation this year. 





                             






Community Care and Charitable Events
 
Community Care Package - Essential Items Hamper


In the current time of need, especially for those most vulnerable within our community, both Jared Cassidy and Stirling Hinchliffe have joined forces in order to provide essential items to individuals and families in isolation. 

These free hampers will be available weekly at either the Deagon Ward Office 2a/47 Brighton Road Sandgate (next to Aldi) or at the Sandgate Electorate Office in 5th Ave, Sandgate.  Keep an eye out on my Facebook page or contact my office to find out when they will be next available.

There will be limited numbers available, so please let us know if you are stuck at home or know someone who is and we can help arrange delivery. And please only take these if you really need them or know someone who does.

For residents in areas like Zillmere and Geebung, we will soon by doing these same hampers in conjunction with Bart Mellish, State Member for Aspley. These will be available from his office in Aspley, which will be more accessible for those residents. Stay tuned for more information on the Aspley hampers. 

If you would like to contribute any non-perishable food items, please get in touch with the Ward office between opening hours.







Local Business - Cabbage Patch Deagon 

Given the uncertain times currently afflicting both the local and wider community several of our local shops have stepped up to the plate to provide meals for those less fortunate. In tandem with the Sikh Temple Taigum, the Cabbage patch has been serving vegetarian meals free of charge to all comers for weeks on end. Commencing on the 1st of April the service has been provided from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm daily and has plans to continue until further notice.



                 






Rates Relief 

Brisbane City Council in light of widespread hardship being experienced throughout the wards is offering rate relief programs for residents and business feeling the pinch of a quarantined economy. 


This scheme will be available to all ratepayers, including owner occupiers, non-owner occupiers and businesses. It consists of:

  • Payment plans or deferred payment arrangements will be offered for up to 9 months.
  •  Interest will not be applied to any outstanding amounts.
Any questions or inquiries can be directed to either 07 3403 8888 or the website https://bne.cc/ratesrelief



Giving Business a Break


Council is waiving charges, rents and permit levies to business and Council lessees until at least 30 June. This includes fees for commercial river moorings, food safety permits, advertising, temporary food stalls and commercial leases.

Council is also refunding fees for events cancelled due to coronavirus and business fees paid since 1 March. The $7.9 million business relief package is part of our commitment to making Brisbane Australia’s most small business‑friendly city. This is in addition to existing support, including the 24‑hour Business Hotline (133 263), one‑on‑one advice from a Small Business Liaison Officer and online support, including our dedicated Business in Brisbane Facebook group and e‑newsletter.

We’re also investing 80% of our procurement spend in Brisbane and South East Queensland businesses, giving first preference to local suppliers for contracts of $250,000 or less. New seven‑day payments for Council’s small business suppliers have also been introduced to boost business cash flow.


                                   


 
Copyright © 2020 Cr Jared Cassidy, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list