"THAT'S A WRAP"

After 168 editions (126 consecutive daily editions), it's time to end the Extra Time Newsletter

As the COVID-19 pandemic worsened back at the start of 2020, the Latrobe Health Assembly launched the Extra Time Newsletter. The concept was simple, as our community moved to working from home, businesses closed and families first learned the phrase “ISO”, the Latrobe Health Assembly set out to produce a daily newsletter (7 days a week) to provide localised support information, tips for mental and physical wellbeing and fun activities for individuals, families and children.

After 168 editions (126 consecutive daily editions), as restrictions ease across the state and we begin to move to a new “COVID-normal”, we felt it was time to wrap up the Extra Time Newsletter.

In our 168 editions, we have brought you some incredible stories, tips and videos. Some serious, some not so serious. So in this our final edition of the Extra Time Newsletter, we thought we would share our top five articles from 2020.

A shiny new website for the Latrobe Health Assembly

Virtual Christmas Carols

We know Christmas is going to look a little different this year, but we can still keep up with the family favourites! Carols are moving online, so get everyone together around the screen and sing along from the comfort of your own home.

Moe Community Carols – Virtual Concert

Lions Club of Traralgon Carols by Candlelight Virtual Concert

No plans for Christmas Day?

There's no need to go solo this Christmas

The Morwell Lions Club would love for you to join them on Christmas and share in the festivities with others in the community.

Christmas Lunch and refreshments provided for all with a DJ playing music to keep the festive cheer going.

All are welcome, so simply pop in on the day for as long as you like of message the Morwell Lions Club via their Facebook Christmas Day event page to let them know you will be coming along.

Ross River Virus

Mozzies are back with a sting. Ross River virus has been detected in Gippsland and we are being advised to protect ourselves from mosquito-borne diseases.

The virus can cause joint inflammation and pain, fatigue and muscle aches with symptoms lasting from 3 months to over a year.

Steps toward prevention:

• Wearing long and loose-fitting clothing
• Using insect repellent which contains DEET or picaridin
• Avoiding mosquito-prone areas

Click here for more information: https://bit.ly/2IReXVy

Holiday Help

The festive season is full of excitement and celebration, but with that often comes a lot of stress. For some, the holiday season can be a very challenging time for a number of reasons including financial issues, family conflict and loneliness. The best gift we can give is taking a moment to simply reach out to those around us to see how they’re doing.

If you are finding yourself needing help, or know someone who is, here are just some of the many support services available:

• Salvation Army Food Hamper and Gift Assistance
  https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/christmas/need-help-this-christmas/food-hamper-and-gift-assistance/
• Lifeline
  https://www.lifeline.org.au/
  13 11 14
• Beyond Blue
  https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
  1300 22 4636
• Kids Helpline (ages 5–25)
  https://kidshelpline.com.au/
  1800 55 1800

• get tested at once
• stay in your accommodation and wait for your results.
• To find a coronavirus (COVID-19) testing site near you, you can: call the 24-hour Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hotline on 1800 675 398 or visit 'Where to get tested': https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/where-get-tested-covid-19

DHHS Hotline

1800 675 398