Whitehorse News - Special Edition - April 2020

Special Edition

WHITEHORSE NEWS

Read about Council's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response Whitehorse City Council adopts new ways of serving the community.

See page 2 for more.

For the latest information w | www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au p | 9262 6333 e | customer.service@whitehorse.vic.gov.au Sign up for our e-newsletter | www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/subscribe-whitehorse-news Follow us on facebook | @WhitehorseCityCouncil

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Special Edition Council Services Go Online

Council's Coronavirus Response

Serving our community in new ways Our purpose is to serve the Whitehorse community.

In these difficult times, providing services that keep our community safe, healthy and functioning is essential.

Over the past two years, Council has embarked on a Digital Transformation Project which has brought many of our services online. We’ve also launched eight customer-focused websites over the past 12 months so it’s simple to find the exact information you need when you need it – 24/7.

While face-to-face customer interactions are not possible at this time, we continue to serve our community in new digital ways.

Serving our community online Whitehorse citizens and community members can now access more than 45 Council services online through our Report, Apply and Pay functions.

Council keeps serving our community, with some changes to the way we provide services.

Council is here to serve the Whitehorse community, and will adapt and respond to changing community needs.

Council is not shutting down.

Whitehorse Mayor Councillor Sharon Ellis said, "Essential services such as Meals on Wheels, home care for the elderly, childhood immunisation and waste collection are continuing.

"Our officers will ensure food safety, maintain public hygiene and monitor the safety of our physical assets.

Report

"Council is ensuring it maintains good governance, strong leadership and effective customer services.

Log on to Council’s website anywhere, anytime and you can quickly report issues to Council, such as missed bins, fallen trees, roaming pets and more.

"We've provided important community contact information in this edition (on p3) and we encourage people to keep these for future reference."

Apply

Under the Victorian State of Emergency, the lead agency is the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

You can also apply online for a hard waste collection, parking or planning permit, building documents and permits and more.

Pay ith all face-to-face customer service W centres now closed, payments can be made online for a wide range of services, including rates, pet registration renewals and home and community care accounts.

This has meant we have temporarily closed our arts, culture, youth, leisure and recreation facilities.

We have closed sports pavilions, and suspended playgroups and toy libraries.

Our Whitehorse Manningham Libraries have also temporarily closed. But we are adapting.

Our libraries offer a great digital collection. Our youth workers are providing phone support by appointment. Our Family Services colleagues are making calls to check on vulnerable families and clients, and delivering essentials where required.

To protect babies and families, we’ve introduced an appointment system for our childhood immunisation sessions. Some of our Maternal Child Health appointments will happen by phone.

Our Customer Service Centre counters are closed to visitors – but our dedicated customer service staff are answering phone calls, web enquiries and emails.

We continue to follow the instructions and the expert advice of DHHS and the relevant authorities.

Council understands that residents and businesses are experiencing a sudden change with these unique circumstances and is currently considering how it may best respond in support of our community. Council’s hardship policy is available on www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Our priority is the health and safety of our community and staff. Council will play its part in slowing the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19.

Council will be called on to serve in new ways.

But we’re ready to play our part in responding to the crisis and in the huge recovery effort that will follow.

Image: Whitehorse Mayor Councillor Sharon Ellis

Other ways to connect with us To stay in touch with Council during the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak: n

Follow us on Facebook @WhitehorseCityCouncil

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Subscribe to our e-newsletter

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Check our website for updates

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You can contact us directly by phone on 9262 6333 or email at customer.service@whitehorse.vic.gov.au You can contact Councillors directly. Their contact details are available at www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/ about-council/who-we-are/councillors-and-wards Snap Send Solve – an app you download to your phone.

Council Facilities Update In an effort to maintain public health, Whitehorse City Council has temporarily closed all our leisure, sporting and cultural facilities.

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Aqualink Box Hill and Aqualink Nunawading

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Sportlink

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Box Hill Community Arts Centre

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Whitehorse Centre

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Whitehorse Manningham Libraries

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Youth ConneXions drop in

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Playgrounds

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Box Hill Skate Park

We have also closed our face-to-face customer service counters. We will continue to serve you through our website, by phone and email.

Stay updated on changes to council events, services and facilities: www.whitehorse.vic.gov. au/whitehorse-city-council-events-services-andfacilities-update

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Important Community Service Contacts Social Support Organisations in our Community There are a variety of services available in our community to help you and your family manage this challenging time.

Please get in contact with the following services for assistance if required.

Health Services Emergency Number 000 Police. Fire. Ambulance.

Government Updates

Council Services

Mobile App Download the “Coronavirus Australia” government app in the Apple App Store or Google Play

Whitehorse Customer Service – General enquiries 9262 6333 Online form: www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/ about-council/contact-us

WhatsApp Join the Federal Government’s WhatsApp channel on iOS or Android. Visit www.aus.gov.au/whatsapp and then follow the instructions.

Youth ConneXions – Online and phone appointments with youth workers available.

9898 9340 (business hours) youth.worker@whitehorse.vic.gov.au Whitehorse Home and Community Services 9262 6110 whacs.cccp@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398 Nurse on Call (24 hours) 1300 606 024

Family Wellbeing Services

Eastern Emergency Health Services 9874 8433

Financial Services Australian Taxation Office 13 28 65 www.ato.gov.au Centrelink www.servicesaustralia.gov.au Money Smart 1300 300 630 www.moneysmart.gov.au Helping Australians make decisions about money Eastern Financial Counselling Service (Anglicare) 9896 6322 efcp@anglicare.org.au National Debt Help Line www.ndh.org.au

Maternal and Child Health Advisory Line (24 hours) 13 22 29 MCH App Free from app stores Child health tips and advice on your phone.

Parentline (8am-midnight) 13 22 89 Counselling and support for parents and carers every day of the year, including public holidays.

1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 National sexual assault, domestic family violence counselling service.

Red Cross www.redcross.org.au/coronavirus Mental Health Services

Kids Helpline (24 hours) 1800 551 800 www.kidshelpline.com.au Free phone and online counselling for kids, teens, young adults, parents and carers.

Lifeline (24 hours) 13 11 14 Crisis support and suicide prevention.

Beyond Blue Support Service 1300 22 4636 Mental health support services.

DirectLine (24 Hours) 1800 888 236 Alcohol and drug counselling and referral.

Headspace Hawthorn: 9006 6500 Knox: 9801 6088 Youth mental health service for 12-25 year olds.

Opening Doors (24 Hours) 1800 825 955 Housing and homelessness support.

Elder Abuse Helpline 1300 368 821

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WHITEHORSE NEWS 5-Star Food Safe Program While restaurant and cafes are providing take away services, Whitehorse is protecting food safety through its 5-Star Food Safe program.

Contact us

BonBons Bakery in Box Hill is Council’s 5-Star Food Safe business for April for achieving outstanding results in Council's food safety assessment.

Whitehorse City Council, Locked Bag 2, Nunawading, VIC 3131

Find out the other local businesses that have achieved excellent star ratings by visiting ehealth.whitehorse.vic.gov.au

customer.service@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

WHITEHORSE

FOOD SAFE BonBons Bakery Box Hill Location: Shop 71/1 Main St Box Hill Phone: 9939 4468 Hours: Monday – Friday 6.30am-9pm, Saturday – Sunday 7am-8.30pm

More information www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/ 5-starwhitehorse-food-safe-program

www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Nunawading Community Hub Update

Phone: 9262 6333 Fax: 9262 6490 NRS: 133 677 then quote 9262 6333

Connecting the Past with the Future Customer service centres

Sustainability

Our customer service centres are temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whitehorse News is printed on paper manufactured at a PEFC and FSC Certified Paper Mill and is produced using soy based inks.

Council meetings Special Committee Meeting Tuesday 14 April, 7pm

Ordinary Council Meeting Monday 20 April, 7pm To ensure community safety, members of the public should no longer attend Council meetings in person, but can stream meetings via webcast.whitehorse.vic.gov.au.

You can now register a submission or submit a question online at www.whitehorse. vic.gov.au/about-council/ what-we-do/meetings/publicsubmissions-questions-petitions

Acknowledgement of Country In the spirit of reconciliation, Whitehorse City Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the traditional custodians of the land. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Whitehorse News online Sign up to our e-version and read the Whitehorse News online at www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/ whitehorse-news

As the new Nunawading Community Hub enters the final stages of construction, the past will merge with the future as the heritage school building under restoration integrates with the modern architecture of the main building and stadium. With construction expected to be completed by mid-year (depending on possible construction restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic), the former Nunawading Primary School site will resume its role as a vibrant community focal point for the people of Whitehorse – once social distancing restrictions have been lifted.

z-shaped ramp connecting the ground floor to the upper ground floor, and continued restoration of the heritage building.

To read more about construction progress and see the latest time lapse photography, visit www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/ nunawading-community-hub Substrate floor installation in the heritage building.

Works over the past few months have included painting of the external cladding, installation of 200 solar panels on the roof; internal painting, tiling and fit-out of cabinetry, installation of LED lights in the public car park, construction of a large Entrance from the public car park.

Translation services For free interpreting assistance call 131 450. Mention the language you speak and ask to be connected to Whitehorse City Council.

Chinese / 中文

Greek / Ελληνικά

如需免费口译协助，请致电 131 450。电话接通后，请说出 你说的语言，并要求转接白马 市政府。

Για δωρεάν βοήθεια με διερμηνεία τηλεφωνήστε στο 131 450. Αναφέρετε τη γλώσσα που ομιλείτε και ζητήστε να συνδεθείτε με το Δήμο του Whitehorse.

Italian / Italiano

Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt

Per assistenza di interpretariato chiama il 131 450. Indica la lingua che parli e chiedi di essere messo in contatto con il Whitehorse City Council.

Để được hỗ trợ thông dịch miễn phí hãy gọi số 131 450. Hãy nói tên ngôn ngữ của quý vị và yêu cầu được kết nối với Hội đồng Thành phố Whitehorse.

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WHITEHORSE NEWS Responsible Pet Ownership During a Pandemic Looking after your animals by being a responsible pet owner is all the more important during these difficult times.

Here are some tips for keeping pets safe and healthy: n

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As long as government guidelines allow, make sure you take your pet out for a walk each day, but remember to maintain social distancing. Wash your hands as soon as you get home.

Continue to pick up after your dog in public places and at home. Good public hygiene becomes even more important during a crisis.

Make sure your pet is registered with Council and your details are up to date with your microchip company.

Continue with regular check-ups and vaccinations as long as vets remain open.

Enjoy the stress relief that a pet provides!

A reminder to all Whitehorse dog and cat owners that pet registrations were due 10 April 2020.

If you have not yet received your pet registration reminder notice, please contact Council.

Remember to update your contact details If you’ve moved, changed phone numbers or your pet is no longer with you, update your details with Council by sending an email to petrego@whitehorse.vic.gov.au and update your microchip registration company.

Up-to-date information is vital when trying to reunite lost pets with owners.

More information 9262 6333 www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/living-working/pets/ registering-your-pet

Tips for Staying Healthy at Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic During this difficult time, it’s important to continue looking after your physical and mental health.

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Make sure you continue to follow these basic guidelines for a healthy lifestyle: n

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Eat healthy foods to boost your immune system and prepare a balanced diet, including foods from the five food groups.

Try to limit your intake of alcohol, sugary drinks, fried foods and processed juices.

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Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day for adults and an hour a day for kids. If you’re allowed to go outside, go for a walk, run or bike ride while keeping a safe distance from others. If you are unable to leave the house, dance, do some yoga or walk up and down the stairs.

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Keep in touch with loved ones either by phone or face time video applications. Despite not being able to spend time together at the moment, it’s important that the people in our lives know how important they are to us.

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Stay mentally stimulated by reading or undertaking activities that you enjoy. There are many live streaming services that have been created especially to entertain people at home.

Don’t sit for too long if you are working from home. Remember to take short three-minute breaks every 30 minutes.

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WHITEHORSE NEWS Register Your Swimming Pool

Free Parking for Essential Services Staff During the COVID-19 crisis, Council will be providing free parking for staff, including doctors and nurses, providing critical services at our hospitals.

Register Your Pool or Spa to Save a Life by 1 June 2020.

On 1 December 2019, the State Government introduced state-wide legislation to assist in preventing young children tragically drowning in private swimming pools and spas.

Parking permits have been issued to Eastern Health, Epworth Eastern, Mitcham Private Hospital and the Peter James Centre to allocate to staff as required, to ensure they can do their important work. Council will continue to support our local health facilities throughout the pandemic.

Under the new regulations, all owners of permanent and relocatable swimming pools and spas are required to register their pool or spa with their local Council by 1 June 2020.

More information www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/pools-and-spas

Have Your Say

Meet Garth Stewart – Bushfires Officer

Council is seeking feedback on the draft City of Whitehorse Municipal Emergency Management Plan.

Council’s Emergency Management and Project Officer Garth Stewart was deployed to the Emergency Management Victoria Recovery team during the recent bushfires.

This process was already underway before the COVID-19 pandemic began, and it is a State Government requirement that we complete this plan and give the community the opportunity to be consulted.

Garth’s role involved reviewing data provided by response teams during their initial visits to bushfire impacted areas, to be used by the Red Cross, Department of Health and Human Services and the Insurance Council of Victoria to assist with determining cash grant eligibility.

Under the Local Government Act 1989 and the Emergency Management Act 2013, councils play a critical role in Victoria’s emergency management arrangements.

Whitehorse City Council is required to prepare a Municipal Emergency Management Plan, which must be reviewed every three years.

Garth said this information was vital for grant allocation and secondary impact assessments which are often conducted by council officers.

The draft plan sets out procedures for preparation, prevention, response, relief and recovery should any part of the City of Whitehorse experience an emergency such as flooding, bushfire, storms or utility or transport disruption.

The draft plan has been reviewed by the Whitehorse Emergency Management Planning Committee, which includes representatives from Whitehorse City Council, Victoria Police, SES, MFB, Ambulance Victoria, the Department of Human Services and Red Cross and community members.

“It is critical during emergencies of this size that other councils provide support to assist less well-resourced councils through a tough period.”

Councils, including Whitehorse, can be requested to provide support to another council impacted by an emergency event if that council does not have sufficient resources to provide adequate response and recovery activities. This may include staff resources, such as building surveyors, environmental health officers, planners, animal management officers, communications officers and IT support. Councils can also provide equipment, assist in developing recovery plans and provide support in Emergency Relief Centres. The level of support required will vary, depending on the emergency and the level of community impact.

Other key agencies such as St Johns Ambulance, VicRoads, Metro Trains, power companies and Ventura Buses attend committee meetings as required.

The community is invited to review and comment on the draft plan by Friday 24 April 2020.

You can view and download a copy from https://oursay.org/ whitehorsecitycouncil/emergencymgtplan You can also request a copy by emailing Emergency Management Officer Garth Stewart on garth.stewart@whitehorse.vic.gov.au or by phoning 9262 6552.

Please provide feedback to the draft plan either through https://oursay.org/whitehorsecitycouncil/emergencymgtplan or in writing to Garth Stewart via the email address above.

To compare the draft Municipal Emergency Management Plan to the current plan, please visit www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/living-working/emergencies/ emergency-services-agencies-and-council#WCC

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WHITEHORSE NEWS Free Influenza Vaccinations for Children From 14 April 2020, Whitehorse City Council will provide dedicated and free flu vaccines for all children aged 6 months and less to 4 years and 11 months.

Whitehorse City Council has introduced a booking system for these vaccinations.

To book please call Council on 9262 6197.

If this is the first year your child is receiving the flu vaccination your child will require two doses, one month apart. Please ensure you book two appointments at least one month apart. If your child has received the flu vaccination in a previous year only one dose is required.

Council has introduced a number of control measures during immunisation sessions including implementing a booking system, social distancing and additional hygiene measures.

April Immunisations Council provides free vaccinations against infectious diseases for children from six weeks to 19 years of age and a limited range of vaccines for eligible adults in accordance with the National Immunisation Program Schedule.

Upon arrival at the public flu vaccination session you will be requested to complete a declaration covering exclusion requirements.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get your flu vaccine to stay healthy and relieve pressure on our medical services.

Booking system for immunisations On Tuesday 24 March 2020, Whitehorse City Council introduced a compulsory booking system for the Public Immunisation Program.

To make a booking, please call Council's Environmental Health Unit on 9262 6197. For the safety of our community, if you do not have a booking you will not be vaccinated.

Alternate Ways to Connect With Our Youth Services Youth Connexions at Box Hill Central Shopping Centre has suspended their drop-in service until further notice.

During this challenging time, Youth ConneXions will be contactable via phone and email.

Young community members aged 12-25 can get in touch with a social worker between 2pm and 5pm weekdays on 9262 9340 or via e-mail to youth.worker@whitehorse.vic.gov.au.

This is a free service.

To stay in touch and keep up with our news, please follow Youth ConneXions on our social media platforms:

Council has also introduced a number of control measures during immunisation sessions including social distancing and additional hygiene measures.

Upon arrival at your public immunisation session you will be requested to complete a declaration covering exclusion requirements.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/YouthConneXions Instagram: www.instagram.com/youth_ connexions/?hl=en

During this time, youth workers from Youth ConneXions like Jules (left)are still available for a chat.

No Jab No Pay For all enquiries regarding legislation please call the Centrelink Families and Parent Line on 13 61 50 Whitehorse Civic Centre (Willis Room) 379 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading 7, 17 and 22 April – 9.15am-10.45am 9 April – 6pm-7.30pm •

Young Person of the Month Do you know an outstanding young person who deserves some recognition?

Nominate them for Council’s Young Person of the Month Award, which celebrates the efforts of local young people and the contributions they make to the community.

Monthly winners receive a JB Hi-Fi voucher and will feature in Whitehorse News.

Award winners go into the running to be

Whitehorse Young Citizen of the Year for 2020, which is announced as part of Council’s Australia Day celebrations.

Box Hill South Family Centre 1228A Riversdale Road (Rotary Court), Box Hill South 1 and 23 April – 9.15am-10.45am 16 April – 6pm-7.30pm

Families, teachers, youth service professionals, local schools, universities, community groups and individuals can nominate young achievers. Nominees must be younger than 27 on 26 January 2021.

For a nomination form 9262 6333 www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/ young-person-month-award

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Burgess Family Centre 15 Barwon Street, Box Hill North 15 April – 9.15am-10.45am 28 April – 6pm-7.30pm More information 9262 6197 www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/immunisation

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WHITEHORSE NEWS Smarter Living Series Goes Online!

Due to the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, this event series will now be presented online.

All registered participants will receive an email from us before the event date with either a presentation or a link to the video of the presentation. The safety of our community is our top priority during this time.

Sustainable Gardening in Small Spaces – Pots, Courtyards or Balconies Richard Rowe Sustainable Gardening Australia Wednesday 22 April, 7pm-9pm Bookings: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/smarter-livinggardening-in-small-spaces-tickets-93846999903

Urban Permaculture with David Holmgren David Holmsgren Photo credit: Bruce Hedge Thursday 21 May, 7-9pm Bookings: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/smarter-living-urbanpermaculture-with-david-holmgren-tickets-93844283779

Join David Holmgren, permaculture co-originator and one of Australia’s most engaging and visionary environmental thinkers, to learn about practical applications of permaculture design for our homes, gardens and lifestyle. A respected author, David’s bestselling new book RetroSuburbia: the downshifter’s guide to a resilient future empowers us to make positive changes at a household and neighbourhood level to be more self-reliant and resilient.

Being space constrained is not a barrier to having a beautiful, productive and functional sustainable garden. Join gardening guru Richard Rowe from Sustainable Gardening Australia to learn tips, tricks and simple solutions to overcome size constraints, so you can grow a garden that is good for you and the environment.

Good For The Hood

Council Teams with the Australian Energy Foundation Council has partnered with the not-for-profit Australian Energy Foundation (AEF) to provide Whitehorse residents with simple energy advice you can trust.

The energy advisors at the foundation help home owners and renters work out exactly what to do to make their home more energy-efficient. From solar to pool pump controllers, the foundation provides advice on all areas of the home, so residents can make an informed decision.

The foundation can also connect households with reliable suppliers of energy efficient products and designs.

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Solar panels and battery storage

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Insulation and draught proofing

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Led lighting

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Hot water heat pumps

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Reverse cycle air conditioners

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Home energy assessments

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Pool pump controllers

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Window films More information aef.com.au 1300 23 68 55 advice@aef.com.au

Jo Taranto and Corina Seeto Wednesday 17 June, 7pm-9pm Bookings: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/smarter-living-startingsome-good-lessons-from-our-hood-tickets-92660705665

Jo Taranto and Corina Seeto are suburban waste warriors and they are just like you. As self-confessed jugglers of life with kids and work, the two had no idea that it would be their local volunteer efforts that would end up shaping neighbourhoods around the country. As part of series two of ABC's War on Waste toolkit they've learnt a thing or two about the dos and dont's of starting a social movement in their own backyards.

Back to Earth Garden Competition: Nomination Period Extended The Back to Earth Initiative showcases how your household food and green waste can be put to good use by creating compost to help farms, gardens and community green spaces grow.

Once all the nominations are in, the community will be invited to vote for their favourite project from Monday 4 May until Friday 29 May. You can vote once every 24 hours and you can vote on multiple projects – so make your voice heard and your vote count.

This initiative is giving one lucky school, kinder or community group the opportunity to win a $5000 prize to help a local space bloom. There is also a $1000 runner-up prize.

By voting for and sharing your favourite projects, you can also help spread the message about the importance of correct bin use at home to create quality compost for farms, parks and gardens.

Nominations have been extended and are now open till Friday 17 April for eligible schools, kinders and community groups.

More information www.competitions.backtoearth.vic.gov.au

TAKE2 Whitehorse Council aspires to be a healthy, vibrant, prosperous and sustainable community supported by strong leadership and community partnerships.

By pledging its support to Sustainability Victoria’s TAKE2 program, Council is promising to take action on climate change. It is demonstrating leadership to our local community and communicating the work that Council is already doing to address climate change. In addition, it shows support of the State Government's target for Victoria to reach net zero emissions and keep the temperature rise to less than 2 degrees by 2050.

You can track Council’s progress and make your own pledge at TAKE2.vic.gov.au

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WHITEHORSE NEWS Book a Hard Waste Collection With all this time spent indoors, we suspect there will be more time to clean and declutter so make sure you book in your hard waste collection.

All residents are entitled to book two free hard waste collections each year. If you live in a unit or apartment of six or more dwellings, please contact your property manager to make the booking.

Book online at www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/hard-waste-collection or phone the contractor on 9721 1915 by 3pm Wednesday for a possible collection within the next two weeks.

Bookings will be confirmed by email and sms within two business days. You may receive an information pack with an orange “Booked” sticker. Please place this sticker on your pile so it is visible from the road.

Please do not put your items out for collection until your booking has been confirmed.

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What happens to my hard waste?

Most materials placed in hard waste are recycled.

Only place up to three cubic metres of items on your nature strip. Excess will count as two collections Items should be no heavier than what two people can lift Neatly stack items on the nature strip the weekend before the collection week (before Sunday night) Items placed out on the nature strip must be booked.

Used up all your collections? Extra collections are available for a small fee. Please contact the Contractor on 9721 1915 for further information.

More information www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/hard-waste-collection

*T his service may be subject to change due to the evolving COVID-19 situation.

Pruning Keeps Trees Clear of Power Lines Council manages tree pruning on public land to ensure a safe distance between trees and power lines.

Pruning will occur in Box Hill South and Box Hill North this April.

Pruning is done in accordance with the Electricity Safety (Electric Line Clearance) Regulations 2015 and also with Council’s Electric Line Clearance Management Plan.

More information www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/ naturestrips

Artist Supports Bushfire Recovery Efforts A recent art exhibition at Whitehorse Artspace called A 50 Year Journey revealed the generous spirit of our community.

Local artist Professor Chijian Ye elected to donate the proceeds from the sale of two of his paintings to the Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) and the World Wildlife Fund’s Australian Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund. The buyers of the beautiful silk painting Blue Birds 2016 then chose to donate the work to the Whitehorse Art Collection. This generous act by buyers Hongwei Wang and Jianchang Ou also included an additional cash donation of $1000 to the VFBV to further assist with post bushfire projects.

Whitehorse City Council was delighted to accept the donated painting as a significant and relevant addition for the Collection and sees this work as a significant and relevant addition. At the conclusion of the exhibition, Professor Ye also personally donated a small sculpture titled Swing (Golfer) and an enchanting Silk Fan (Wisteria).

The Whitehorse Art Collection has a specific focus on collecting landscapes, stemming from Box Hill’s connection to the early Australian Impressionists who first painted en plein air in this area of Melbourne.

Image: Blue Birds 2016 (detail) © Chijian Ye

Whitehorse Artspace Update Before its early closure due to social distancing protocols, Ramble, Mary Tonkin at Whitehorse Artspace attracted 822 visitors.

The breathtaking 19 metre long oil painting Ramble, Kalorama on display was immersive and conjured a sense of being transported to the Dandenongs whilst remaining in the gallery. Visitors marvelled at the tenacity and professionalism of the artist Mary Tonkin who created this large-scale painting over two years.

Whitehorse Artspace closed on Tuesday 23 March in accordance with heightened social distancing requirements. The team very much look forward to welcoming visitors back to the gallery in the future.

Please stay up to date with our news via our website: www.whitehorseartspace.com.au Image: Ramble; Kalorama 2017-2019 (detail) © Mary Tonkin and courtesy of Australian Galleries Melbourne

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WHITEHORSE NEWS The views expressed are those of individual Councillors and do not necessarily reflect Council policy or the views of Council as a whole.

Central Ward

Elgar Ward

Morack Ward

Cr Andrew Munroe 0429 138 140 andrew.munroe@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Cr Tina Liu 0418 121 357 tina.liu@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Cr Bill Bennett 0409 195 530 bill.bennett@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Cr Denise Massoud 0409 230 499 denise.massoud@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Cr Blair Barker 0459 857 280 blair.barker@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Cr Raylene Carr 0400 886 889 raylene.carr@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

By Cr Denise Massoud

By Cr Tina Liu

By Cr Raylene Carr

As I write this we are all challenged in different ways with the impacts of the virus known as COVID-19. Local community is a prime focus for Council and continuity of services is paramount.

In early March, Council celebrated International Women’s Day and the centenary of women in local government, with guest speaker Helen Buckingham OAM, former Whitehorse Mayor and Councillor, and State Member for Koonung.

Proposed North East Link

If you are faced with a problem and are unsure how to get assistance please contact Council for advice, referral or direct assistance (phone 9262 6333).

Home deliveries are limited currently so we need to help each other safely. Consider how you may provide caring support for near neighbours who may not drive or who live alone. Drop a note with your contact number and offer assistance to bring essential supplies if needed. We need to help each other the best we can. For updated information, visit www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus Clean Up Australia Day In March, I attended the Clean Up Australia Day activities at Blackburn Lake Sanctuary where many people came and worked together to clean up Blackburn Lake and its catchment by getting rubbish out of the water’s edge, around the pathways and nearby bushland including soft plastics, polystyrene and broken glass. The enthusiasm of those attending who worked diligently and safely was heartwarming. Networking amongst the community afterwards as they enjoyed a sausage emphasised how important community connection is.

Municipal Wide Significant Landscape Overlay At our Council meeting in March we received the report from the independent Planning Panel for the Municipal Wide Significant Landscape Overlay. We adopted the amendment C219 to the Whitehorse Planning Scheme. It will now be submitted to the Minister for Planning for approval.

Below: Cr Massoud with Craig and Peter, members of the Blackburn Lake Sanctuary Advisory Committee on Clean Up Australia Day.

Box Hill MAC Integrated Transport Study The draft Box Hill Metropolitan Activity Centre (MAC) Integrated Transport Plan is currently online at https://oursay.org/whitehorsecitycouncil/its and I certainly encourage our community to review this document and welcome any further comments by 21 April. The plan so far has been through various consultation points with residents, the community, key stakeholders and relevant government agencies and transport bodies. It will shape the strategy and actions to better manage and improve how people move in Box Hill MAC. Budget 2020-2021 Council’s 2020-2021 Draft Budget is also anticipated to go online later this month, subject to Council resolution. There are a number of Elgar Ward capital and operational items, so stay tuned.

Other Items In light of the recent COVID-19 developments, Council is continuing to ensure that we monitor the situation with relevant authorities/bodies, informing our community with timely and factual information, and provide further support to our community and businesses, particularly those that have been greatly impacted in Box Hill. With the recent restrictions from both the State and Federal governments, please visit www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/coronaviruscovid-19-response - to keep updated with Council’s response plan.

All the best, take care and until next time, Tina Below: Cr Liu at International Women's Day.

By now you may be aware that Whitehorse, Boroondara, Banyule and Manningham Councils have commenced legal action regarding the recent approvals of the North East Link project. Our concerns are primarily around the inadequate process that the Victorian Government adopted to assess the environmental impacts of the project, including the impact of losing approximately 25,000 trees along the project corridor. Council’s decision to take legal action was not made lightly and is aimed at achieving a process that is fair for people who live, work, socialise and travel through Whitehorse.

Celebrating International Women’s Day On Wednesday 4 March I attended the International Women’s Day (IWD) function in Box Hill Town Hall Artspace. Speaking to these wonderful men and women, all there celebrating IWD was an inspirational event which I was proud to be part of. The current exhibition, Ramble, which is a culmination of 10 years work by artist Mary Tonkin was on display in its full glory. As you can see from the photo it stretches along one entire wall. We look forward to when we can safely re-open Artspace for the community to enjoy our great exhibitions.

Launch of Exhibition, ‘This is Us – Out of the Box’ In the same week, I had the pleasure of launching the exhibition entitled ‘This is Us - Out of the Box’ at the Box Hill Community Arts Centre. Ten women became friends almost 20 years ago and have continued to support each other ever since. Not only are these 10 lovely women but their exhibition is fabulous! It will be great when we can resume enjoyment of community arts and culture.

Until next time, take care.

Below: Cr Carr in front of Ramble, Kalorama 2017-19

by Mary Tonkin.

For the latest information w | www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au p | 9262 6333 e | customer.service@whitehorse.vic.gov.au Sign up for our e-newsletter | www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/subscribe-whitehorse-news

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WHITEHORSE NEWS The views expressed are those of individual Councillors and do not necessarily reflect Council policy or the views of Council as a whole.

Riversdale Ward

Springfield Ward

Cr Sharon Ellis (Mayor) 0419 397 194 sharon.ellis@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Cr Ben Stennett 0448 375 937 ben.stennett@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Cr Andrew Davenport 0407 652 145 andrew.davenport@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Cr Prue Cutts 0409 867 540 prue.cutts@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

By Cr Andrew Davenport

By Cr Ben Stennett

Supporting Local Businesses

Stay in touch

I often ride my e-bike whilst on the way to work past local shopping strips and major centres and note that there is a substantial reduction in trade in these areas.

During the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, I encourage residents to stay in touch with Council, by subscribing to receive Whitehorse News by email, or following us on Facebook or keeping an eye on our website. All the details on how to do this are at the back of this edition.

Small business is doing it tough at the moment due to COVID-19. Our local economy relies on all of us to survive and build a bridge through this issue so I encourage you to consider shopping locally, and support your local restaurants by getting take away or delivery.

Many small business face higher costs due to complying with important advice from Federal and State Governments – they rely on you to keep staff employed.

My message to small business – Reach out to Whitehorse Council’s economic development department so you can find out what assistance is available for you.

There are assistance packages available from Federal and State Government, and Whitehorse Council can give you the information in order to apply. Don’t leave it too late to seek assistance.

Budget 2020/2021 Council is now well advanced in preparation of the budget for 2020/2021. Considering the uncertain times due to the economic impacts of COVID-19, my personal goal is to ensure that base services proceed, and we keep some flexibility to meet the changing needs of the community.

Capital Works Update The pavilion at Walker Park is nearing completion and will be a fantastic facility. It's great to see an example of all three levels of government making a financial contribution to such a valuable asset.

Also the new Nunawading Community Hub is progressing well and is expected to be completed by around August. Later in the year work is being planned on redevelopment of the Whitehorse Centre.

Council’s Hardship Policy Council understands that residents and businesses are experiencing a sudden change with these unique circumstances and is currently considering how it may best respond in support of our community.

Council’s hardship policy is available on www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Please Help Keep Our Waste Collection Drivers Safe During the COVID-19 pandemic, we need your help to ensure our drivers do not need to leave their vehicles so that they can remain healthy.

With more people staying home at the moment, our drivers have noticed an increase in the number of cars parked in front of bins.

If you don’t have a clear space on your nature strip, please place your bins in your driveway or away from parked cars and other obstructions so that the truck’s arm can grab them, rather than the drivers having to empty them manually.

Bin presentation tips: n

Lions Youth of the Year

n

I attended the Lions Youth of the Year contest at the club level (at the Nunawading Lions Club) and the zone level.

n

I would like to thank Lions for running the contest, and congratulate two of the finalists who were from Whitehorse, Ellen and Jack from Vermont Secondary College.

Below: Cr Stennett with Ellen and Jack from Vermont Secondary College.

Place bins side by side and not behind other bins, leaving at least 50 cm between bins and other obstructions.

Place bins near the kerb with handles facing toward your property so the bin contents can empty into the truck.

Do not overfill bins. Ensure the lid can close and that they do not weigh over 70kg.

Community Briefs Whitehorse Community Chest Announces its Closure After nearly 60 years of serving the local community, the board of the Whitehorse Community Chest Inc made the difficult decision to voluntarily cease fundraising activities last month.

The draft budget will be out in due course, and I welcome your feedback and input.

Public Open Space You can still take exercise one time per day in our parks or reserves. But make sure you do not gather in groups of more than 2 people unless they are part of your household.

Chairperson Peter Grierson said the Community Chest had lived its mission of helping to serve the disadvantaged in the City of Whitehorse, however it can no longer achieve its objectives effectively.

If there are any issues with parks and gardens please raise the issue using the Snap Send Solve app.

The Board has started to finalise its operations and remaining funds will be distributed within the community according to the Community Chest’s Rules and legal requirements.

Our Council maintenance, city hygiene and parks teams are operational and ready to rectify issues.

For the latest information w | www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au p | 9262 6333 e | customer.service@whitehorse.vic.gov.au Sign up for our e-newsletter | www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/subscribe-whitehorse-news Follow us on facebook | @WhitehorseCityCouncil

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Special Edition Ο Δήμος μας εξακολουθεί να εξυπηρετεί την Κοινότητα του Whitehorse σε αυτές τις δύσκολες στιγμές. Προσαρμοζόμαστε και ανταποκρινόμαστε στις νέες ανάγκες της κοινότητάς μας

Il Consiglio comunale continua a servire la comunità di Whitehorse in questi momenti difficili. Ci stiamo adattando per rispondere alle mutate esigenze della nostra comunità

Υπάρχουν διάφορες υπηρεσίες για να βοηθήσουν τους πολίτες στις διάφορες ανάγκες τους αυτές τις στιγμές. Αποθηκεύστε τη λίστα επαφών που βρίσκεται στην πίσω πλευρά αυτής της σελίδας σε περίπτωση που χρειαστείτε κάποια βοήθεια. Μπορείτε να χρησιμοποιήσετε την υπηρεσία διερμηνείας TIS όλες τις ώρες του 24 ωρου και να ζητήσετε να σας συνδέσουν με τις υπηρεσίες υποστήριξης καλώντας το 1800 675 398.

Esistono, in questo momento, dei servizi che possono aiutare la gente in una serie di situazioni. Conservate la lista dei contatti sull’altro lato di questo foglio nel caso aveste bisogno di aiuto. Chiamando il numero 1800 675 398 potete usare il servizio telefonico di interpretariato TIS 24 ore al giorno, per ricevere un aiuto quando contattate i servizi di supporto.

Υπάρχουν πολλοί χρήσιμοι πόροι μεταφρασμένοι για τον κορωνοϊό COVID-19 στο https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/translatedresources-coronavirus-disease-covid-19

Εξυπηρετούμε την κοινότητά μας διαδικτυακά Υπάρχουν περισσότερες από 45 υπηρεσίες του Δήμου που είναι τώρα διαθέσιμες στο διαδίκτυο. Πηγαίνετε στο www.whitehorse. vic.gov.au για να κάνετε αίτηση για τη συλλογή σκληρών αποβλήτων και για άδειες στάθμευσης ή για να καταγγείλετε τα αδέσποτα κατοικίδια ζώα και για να πληρώσετε τους λογαριασμούς σας. Μπορείτε να επικοινωνήσετε μαζί μας απευθείας μέσω τηλεφώνου στο 9262 6333 ή στέλνοντας email στο

customer.service@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

Trovate molte risorse tradotte sul coronavirus COVID-19 sul sito https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/translatedresources-coronavirus-disease-covid-19 Al servizio della nostra comunità online

Ora sono disponibili online più di 45 servizi comunali. Andate al sito www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au per fare richiesta del ritiro dei rifiuti ingombranti e per richiedere un permesso di parcheggio o per segnalare animali vaganti e per pagare bollette.

Ci potete contattare direttamente tramite telefono al numero 9262 6333 o mandare una email all’indirizzo customer.service@whitehorse.vic.gov.au

www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/about-council/ who-we-are/councillors-and-wards

I consiglieri comunali possono essere contattati al sito www.whitehorse.vic. gov.au/about-council/who-we-are/ councillors-and-wards

Ενημερώσεις για τις εγκαταστάσεις του Δήμου:

Aggiornamenti sulle strutture del Comune:

Whitehorse Ενημερώσεις για τις εγκαταστάσεις του Δήμου:

Aggiornamenti sulle strutture del Comune:

Μπορείτε να επικοινωνήσετε απευθείας με τους Δημοτικούς Συμβούλους στο:

Το Whitehorse City Council έχει κλείσει προσωρινά τις αθλητικές και πολιτιστικές εγκαταστάσεις. Αυτό περιλαμβάνει: • Aqualink Box Hill • Aqualink Nunawading • Sportlink • Τα Κοινοτικά Κέντρα Τέχνης του Box Hill • Τις Βιβλιοθήκες του Whitehorse Manningham

Έχουμε κλείσει το γραφείο εξυπηρέτησης πελατών μας έως νεωτέρας και θα συνεχίσουμε να σας εξυπηρετούμε μέσω της ιστοσελίδας μας, τηλεφώνου και ηλεκτρονικού ταχυδρομείου. Μείνετε ενημερωμένοι για τις αλλαγές στις υπηρεσίες και εγκαταστάσεις του Δήμου στο: www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/ whitehorse-city-council-events-services-andfacilities-update

Για να μείνετε σε επαφή με το Δήμου σχετικά με την εξάπλωση του COVID-19:

在这个艰难时期市政府将继续服务

Whitehorse社区。我们正不断地调 整适应并应对本社区的需要

在此时期有各种服务帮助人们面对 各种境况。请保留本页背面的联系名 单以备不时之需。您可以通过TIS 24 小时口译服务为您接通支持服务电话 1800 675 398。 https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/ translated-resources-coronavirusdisease-covid-19 提供大量关于 COVID-19的经过翻译的有用资源 为本社区提供网上服务

目前网上提供超过45种市政府服务。 访问www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au 申请 硬质垃圾回收和停车许可或者报告流 浪宠物并支付账单。 您可拨打9262 6333直接联系我们 或发送电邮至customer.service@ whitehorse.vic.gov.au

访问 www.whitehorse.vic.gov. au/about-council/who-we-are/ councillors-and-wards 可直接联系市 议员

Có hơn 45 dịch vụ của Hội đồng hiện có sẵn trên trực tuyến. Truy cập www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au để đặt lịch hẹn thu gom rác cứng và xin giấy phép đậu xe hoặc báo cáo vật nuôi bị lạc và thanh toán hóa đơn. Quý vị có thể liên lạc trực tiếp với chúng tôi qua điện thoại trên 9262 6333 hoặc gửi email cho customer.service@whitehorse.vic.gov.au Quý vị có thể liên lạc trực tiếp với Hội đồng tại: www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/ about-council/who-we-are/councillorsand-wards

• Aqualink Box Hill

Whitehorse City Council đã tạm thời đóng cửa cơ sở thể thao và văn hóa của chúng tôi. Việc này bao gồm

Il Whitehorse City Council ha chiuso temporaneamente le strutture sportive e culturali. Queste includono:

• Aqualink Nunawading

• Aqualink Box Hill

• Sportlink

• Aqualink Nunawading

• Aqualink Box Hill • Aqualink Nunawading • Sportlink • Centro d’arte comunale di Box Hill • Biblioteche di Whitehorse Manningham

• Whitehorse Manningham 图书馆

• Trung Tâm Nghệ Thuật Cộng Đồng Box Hill

Abbiamo chiuso, fino data da destinarsi, gli sportelli del servizio utenti e continueremo a servirvi attraverso il nostro sito, tramite telefono e email.

Rimanete aggiornati sui servizi e sulle strutture del comune: www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/ whitehorse-city-council-events-servicesand-facilities-update Per rimanere in contatto con il comune durante l’epidemia di COVID-19:

Whitehorse City Council 已临时关闭 体育与文化设施。其中包括：

• Box Hill 社区艺术中心

我们已临时关闭客服中心直至进一步 通知并将继续通过我们的网站、电话 和电邮为您服务。 您可以通过此网站随时了解市政府 服务和设施的最新变化： www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/ whitehorse-city-council-eventsservices-and-facilities-update

如需在COVID-19爆发期间与市政府 保持联系： 在脸书上关注我们： @WhitehorseCityCouncil

Εγγραφείτε στο ηλεκτρονικό ενημερωτικό δελτίο:

Abbonatevi alle newsletter online: www.whitehorse.vic.gov/ whitehorse-news

Μπείτε στην ιστοσελίδα μας:

Controllate il nostro sito: www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au

浏览我们的网站： www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au

www.sbs.com.au/language/coronavirus

www.sbs.com.au/language/coronavirus

www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au www.sbs.com.au/language/coronavirus

Phục vụ cộng đồng của chúng tôi trực tuyến

Thông tin cập nhật về các cơ sở vật chất của Hội đồng:

Seguiteci su Facebook: @WhitehorseCityCouncil

www.whitehorse.vic.gov/ whitehorse-news

Có những dịch vụ giúp đỡ mọi người trong thời gian này dành cho những tình huống khác nhau. Giữ danh sách liên lạc ở trang bên cạnh trong trường hợp quý vị cần giúp đỡ. Quý vị có thể sử dụng dịch vụ thông phiên dịch 24 giờ của TIS để giúp quý vị gọi các dịch vụ hỗ trợ bằng cách gọi 1800 675 398. Có nhiều bản dịch hữu ích về vi rút corona COVID-19 tại https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/translatedresources-coronavirus-disease-covid-19

市政府设施最新动态:

Ακολουθήστε μας στο Facebook: @WhitehorseCityCouncil

Hội đồng tiếp tục phục vụ Cộng đồng Whitehorse trong suốt thời điểm khó khăn này. Chúng tôi đang thích nghi và đáp ứng với sự thay đổi nhu cầu của cộng đồng chúng ta

订阅新闻电邮： www.whitehorse.vic.gov/ whitehorse-news

• Sportlink

• Thư viện Whitehorse Manningham Chúng tôi đã đóng cửa quầy dịch vụ khách hàng của chúng tôi cho đến khi có thông báo thêm và sẽ tiếp tục phục vụ quý vị thông qua trang mạng, điện thoại và email của chúng tôi.

Hãy luôn cập nhật các thay đổi về dịch vụ và cơ sở vật chất của hội đồng: www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/ whitehorse-city-council-eventsservices-and-facilities-update Giữ liên lạc với Hội đồng về trong đợt bùng phát COVID-19: Hãy theo dõi chúng tôi trên Facebook: @WhitehorseCityCouncil Theo dõi bản tin điện tử: www.whitehorse.vic.gov/ whitehorse-news Xem trên trang mạng của chúng tôi: www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au www.sbs.com.au/language/coronavirus

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