Expressions of interest from large social services organisations have been called for the $500m Working for Victoria Fund, which has been established as part of the Victorian Government’s evolving response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of Catholic Social Services Victoria took part in a zoom meeting on Wednesday 8th April, to discuss how it, as a group of organisations who share a mission underpinned by Catholic social teaching and thought, might work together to meet the needs of those most impacted, and to see how our organisations can make the most of this opportunity.

The VCOSS COVID-19 Sector Bulletin provides advice and resources from reputable sources relevant to the Victorian community sector. The latest bulletin released today, Friday 28th March 2020, includes information about the 'Working for Victoria' scheme, which is trying to address the increased number of unemployed people, and a need for staff in critical services; the NDIS has published a range of information in an Easy Read format; and the team behind Our Community has started an online peer support group on Facebook for people working in Australian not-for-profits. 

"To think of life after COVID-19 is daunting. The changes that it has brought to our daily lives have been vertiginous. Our awareness of its potential harm is still limited. We are only beginning to catch sight of the grim beast that slouches towards us threatening death and devastation in coming months." Andy Hamilton reflects on the impact of COVID-19 in the present, and its implications for the future, in this EurekaStreet article.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced Stage 1 of a shutdown of non-essential activities across Victoria from midday today, 23 March, including pubs, clubs, nightclubs, Crown Casino, and licensed venues in hotels and pubs. The autumn school holidays will also be brought forward, essentially shutting public schools from 24 March. Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS) has provided a detailed list of latest information and resources for those working in community and social services, and for those we serve.