Media Release - Collaborative pandemic work for Benalla Rural City

Published on 09 April 2020

Key Benalla Rural City agencies are working together as a collaborative approach to the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring all members of the community are considered.

The Benalla Rural City Pandemic Committee includes representation from the Council, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, Department of Health & Human Services, Benalla Health, Carrier Street Clinic¸ Church Street Surgery, Coster Street Medical Practice, Cooinda Village, Estia Health, Royal Freemasons, Benalla Business Network and the Benalla community.

Chair, Cr Scott Upston said the work of the Committee is specifically focussing on the local community.

“To provide confidence to the community we are working hard to share information and lessons learnt in a collaborative approach so that we are in the best shape possible on the other side of this,” Cr Upston said.

“The Committee is ensuring all agencies are clear about each other’s roles and responsibilities, and that we share knowledge where we can mindful of the requirement to adhere to the Australian and Victorian Governments’ guidelines.”

Cr Upston said the Committee is covering a diverse range of matters some of which are ensuring adequate supplies of protective equipment and a cross-sector approach to where potential workers may come from to fill newly created COVID-response jobs.

“Our best defence against this pandemic is to listen to the experts and to work together, which is exactly what we are doing. Currently the Rural City has a low number of confirmed cases and if we continue doing what we are doing this will not change.” Cr Upston said.

“We ask everyone to continue to stay at home whenever possible and to remember good hygiene and social distancing. This is the best protection for the entire community and we thank everyone who is practicing this now.”