COVID-19

At this stage, we have made some operational changes:

• Future public events will only be permitted in accordance with State Government guidelines; these may change in the lead-up to and following February 5
• Social distancing and hygiene measures must be observed at all meetings
• All Shire staff are working from the office
• The Mingenew Recreation Centre, Turf Bar, Autumn Centre are open; bookings are essential
• The Mingenew Skate Park and all playgrounds are open
• Camping grounds at Yandanooka Hall and Enanty Barn are opens
• We are ensuring that all staff required to be vaccinated meet requirements
• Our library is open. If you wish to order a library card for online access, please call or email the Shire to request one
• We are ensuring that we have a supply of masks and Rapid Antigen Tests available for staff where required

With the help of the Mingenew CRC, we established the We’ll Help You in Mingenew initiative. This program still aims to connect those who are in isolation or otherwise need assistance with willing volunteers. You can read all about it right here.

Getting Vaccinated

Everyone aged 5 and over is now eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccination, and most occupations and workforces will be subject to Directions requiring COVID-19 vaccination to enter certain areas and perform certain roles. Each Direction is accompanied by supporting documents such as the Direction-specific approved form of evidence of COVID-19 vaccination, and exemption guidelines and forms.

More information, including access to Frequently Asked Questions, is available here. Refer to them regularly for the most up to date information.

Vaccine eligibility for primary care providers (GPs, GP Respiratory Clinics, Aboriginal Medical Services and pharmacies) differs slightly in line with Australian Government eligibility criteria, which can be accessed by clicking here.

You can register and book your appointment now at VaccinateWA or call 13COVID (13 268 43), if you require assistance.

Proof of Vaccination

From 29 April 2022 you will be required to show proof of vaccination to enter a range of venues and premises. You can use this link to understand the various methods by which you can obtain proof of your vaccination.

The following venues will require that you show proof of vaccination:

• Hospitals
• Residential aged care facilities

For more information, click here.

Whilst our vaccination rates are high, the Shire of Mingenew has a relatively large proportion of residents at higher risk of serious outcomes if COVID-19 spreads in our Shire. Due to our size and location we also have limited access to medical facilities and essential services and resources, so we ask any visitors to ensure they are following appropriate social distancing measures, maintaining good hygiene and avoiding visiting if they are unwell. Please note:

• Camping is available at the Mingenew Spring Caravan Park, Coalseam Conservation Park, Enanty Barn and Yandanooka.

We are a community that thrives on the business of travellers, and we welcome those who want to come and explore our magnificent part of the world, but the welfare of our community – particularly those vulnerable members – is a paramount priority for us, and we ask any visitors to be mindful of this. We also ask that you observe any current State Government requirements when visiting.

If you are eligible, get vaccinated. You can find more information on the Roll Up WA website.

To help to protect both our staff, and the community members that access our facilities, we ask that you only attend the Shire office where necessary, and do not come in person if you have:

• Cold or flu-like symptoms
• Have travelled to a confirmed exposure site
• Have been in contact with someone who has has travelled to an exposure site

Instead of coming to see us, you should contact your healthcare professional first and ensure you receive a COVID-19 test, if required.

If you are unsure about whether a transaction you want to carry out can be done over the phone or online, please call ahead on 08 9928 1102 or email enquiries@mingenew.wa.gov.au. You might be surprised by the range of payments and licencing activities that can be completed over the phone or online.

Some licencing activities can also be carried out online at the Department of Transport website. This flyer has details on what you can do online with them.

The Shire website also has an abundance of information and a range of forms should you need further information.

There are also a number of ways you can protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19:

• If you are required to – or are voluntarily – self-isolating, there are Federal Government guidelines that can be found here. Those who are at higher risk (e.g. the elderly or immunocompromised people) are very strongly encouraged to consider voluntarily self-isolating; access the We’ll Help You in Mingenew initiative if you need a hand whilst you’re in isolation.
• Minimise non-essential travel as much as possible
• If you know someone who should be self-isolating and is not, you are advised to alert the Police on 131 444.

If you suspect you may have COVID-19 or similar flu-like symptoms, you should contact the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080, your GP, Health Direct (1800 022 222) or Silver Chain 9928 1043. Midwest Aero Medical are holding in-person clinics weekly. They are also providing tele-consultation services. You can book in on 9956 8999.

Symptoms of Coronavirus may include:

• a sore throat;
• runny nose;
• cough;
• shortness of breath;
• fevers; and
• muscle or body aches.

The Federal Government has a COVID-19 symptom checker – you can try it out here.

To avoid spreading COVID-19, it is important that you call your health provider or hospital before attending so that they can safely manage your arrival.

If you are experiencing severe symptoms, please call 000.

If you are unwell it is also important that you self-isolate to avoid potentially infecting those around you. If that is going to be a struggle for you, get in touch with our We’ll Help You in Mingenew campaign!

People who have self-administered a RAT at home for COVID-19 and tested positive, must register their result online with the Department of Health.

This process will take several minutes and can be completed by the person who has returned the positive result or another person on their behalf – if they need assistance.

The mandatory registration requires information to be logged including:

• Date and time of the test
• Personal details about your situation
• Phone number to be contacted on

People who do not have access to the online registration system must still report their positive test result and can do so by contacting 13 COVID (13 26843).

When a positive result is registered, WA Health will assess how best to manage the situation, including whether health care is needed, and provide advice on what to do next.

We will continue to monitor this ever-evolving process and take our advice from government and health care professionals and we recommend others do the same. During this time, we urge people to remain alert – but calm – and to seek their advice and information from reputable sources. There is plenty of ‘fake news’ being circulated, so we suggest seeking advice from the following sources:

• The HealthyWA website – this site has regularly updated information on COVID clinics and current advice, including a helpful section on how to prepare for community transmission in WA, which you can find here
• Commonwealth Department of Health – contains a number of fact sheets to answer the many questions that are currently being asked by the broader community and different industries including advice for employers,
• WA State Government Coronavirus Page – includes the WA Government Pandemic Plan and a map showing locations of confirmed cases in the state, find it here.

The Australian Government has released the Coronavirus Australia app, which you can download from both Google Play and the Apple Store.

Prefer social media? Here are some useful Facebook pages to follow for regular updates:

• HealthyWA
• Commonwealth Department of Health

And here are some posters that might provide you with helpful information – feel free to share them:

• COVID-19 Identifying the Symptoms Poster
• How to Wash Your Hands Poster
• Protect Yourself and Others Poster

The Australian Government has a COVID-19 Hotline that you can call:  1800 020 080.

The WA Government has also set up a phone service which is open 7am to 10pm: 13-COVID (13 26843)

If you have a small business, this Federal Government webpage outlines the support available. You can also find advice on the WA Small Business Development Corporation website.

The WA Government has introduced a COVID-19 Test Isolation Payment program to support those who have lost income whilst waiting for  PCR test result. You can find more information here.

This document from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services gives a good summary of the various business and personal support measures on offer from the State and Federal Governments.

Businesses seeking to commence reopening will need to meet State Government requirements. You can learn more about these requirements here.

The Federal Government has announced a range of financial assistance measures for families and individuals. You can find details on this ATO webpage.

If you’re a community group or not-for-profit being impacted, Lotterywest have announced $159m of support; you can learn more here.

This document from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services gives a good summary of the various business and personal support measures on offer from the State and Federal Governments.

From February 5, the State Government is also introducing a COVID-19 Test Isolation Payment to assist those who are isolating due to testing.

Finally, we would like to remind people to check in with each other – with a phone call, facetime or text message. The next few months may be challenging and isolating for some, and it’s important that we are looking out for those around us. If you want to get involved and volunteer to help those at risk or self-isolating, you can register for the We’ll Help You in Mingenew campaign.

We also strongly urge everyone to – where possible – buy local and help to support our local businesses through this challenging time.

The Australian Pyschological Association also has some helpful tips for managing COVID-19 related anxiety and helping to explain it to children. You can download that document here.

Also, be aware that many businesses and organisations are short-staffed at present, and doing their best to operate whilst also managing the various rules around COVID-19. It costs nothing to be patient and kind.

Should you, or someone you know, be struggling there are also a range of services that can help, including:

• Desert Blue Connect Rural Support Counsellor (Mon-Fri 9-5): 0419 348 006
• Midwest Mental Health and Community Alcohol and Drug Service: 9956 1999
• RuralLink (after hours Counselling Service): 1800 552 002
• Beyond Blue: There has been a specific Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service set up on 1800 512 348
• Lifeline (24/7): 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline (ages 5-25): 1800 55 1800
• 1800 Respect(Sexual assualt, domestic and family violence): 1800 737 732

Think Mental Health WA have established a COVID-19 support page with a range of resources. You can find a even more options on the Mental Health Commission website too.

Our local businesses are facing a difficult time as a result of COVID-19. Where you can, we strongly encourage you to support them during this period.

Mingenew IGA Xpress is open six days a week (closed Sundays). They can offer phone and email orders (delivery available):  Call 9927 1021 or email dongaraigaorders@outlook.com.

Mingenew Hotel/Motel is open for take-away and sit-down drinks, meals and accommodation. Check their Facebook page or give them a call: 9928 1002.

The Mingenew Bakery is open. You can call them 9928 1104.

Mingenew Post Office is providing mail delivery and collection and medication delivery. They are open regular hours with normal services operating. Mail collection from box with key is preferred.

Mingenew CRC  is open during business hours.

Mingenew Spring Caravan Park  is open for bookings; call them on 9928 1019.