Welcome to the 19th communique regarding Knoxbrooke’s response to COVID-19 Coronavirus.
Knoxbrooke’s COVID-19 Taskforce continues to monitor events locally and globally and considers all new Federal, State and Local Government announcements. The health and safety of the people we support and our team is front of mind when undertaking such reviews.
Knoxbrooke’s COVID-19 Taskforce meets fortnightly and last met on Thursday, 8th October. It was noted that the number of daily new COVID cases is now promisingly low. We are hopeful that restrictions will continue to be eased. Below is a graph which shows how far we as Victorians have come.
The Victoria Government has released a COVIDSafe Home Safety Plan which provides helpful advice on how to keep your home COVIDSafe. To access it, please click on the link below:
Below is the current status of Knoxbrooke services after incorporating the latest Victorian Government COVID advice.
365 In-home Support
365 in-home support is available. 365 team members are limited to working exclusively with no more than 3 clients and have undertaken COVID-safe and PPE training.
Should you wish to discuss using the 365 support service, please contact Paul McDonald, 365 Services Coordinator on 0499 501 008 or email paulm@knoxbrooke.com.au
Achieve
The Achieve service continues to be offered through remote learning.
Basecamps
Zoom support remains available until Friday, 27 November 2020.
365 in-home support has been taken up by many Basecamp clients during COVID-19 and continues to remain available.
Should you wish to discuss Zoom support, please contact Gai Campbell, Outer East Regional Manager on 0419 534 094 or email gaic@knoxbrooke.com.au
Yarra View Garden Centre *NEW INFO*
Whilst we would love to open our shop to the public, it currently isn’t possible so we’ve created an online shop. You can support us by buying our products. Just click the link: CLICK HERE TO SHOP
Telephone orders are also possible. Simply call 9737-0400
Yarra View Nursery & Bushland Flora
Both Yarra View Nursery and Bushland Flora have been increasing capacity but will not be returning to pre-COVID levels until a further easing of restrictions come into effect. All employees have been advised of new work arrangements and PPE requirements.
Knoxbrooke Outsource
Knoxbrooke Outsource has been increasing capacity but will not be returning to pre-COVID capacity until a further easing of restrictions come into effect. All employees have been advised of new work arrangements and PPE requirements.
Mawarra and 365
Mawarra Day Services continues to be available under Third Step restrictions for Regional Victoria. It has been wonderful seeing so many people returning.
365 in-home support for many clients and families has been an essential support throughout this crisis and continues to be available.
Should you have any questions regarding West Gippsland services, please contact Claire Cutler, West Gippsland Regional Manager on 0499 600 666 or email clairec@knoxbrooke.com.au
Jigsaw Industries and Waratah Gardening
Both social enterprises continue under Third Step restrictions for Regional Victoria. Both are operating at levels lower than pre-COVID.
Mawarra Op Shop and Sorting Centre *NEW INFO*
We’re open under Third Step restrictions for Regional Victoria. Please come visit and support us.
Ringwood and Warragul Hubs
The Ringwood Hub remains closed until further advised.
Should you need to contact Knoxbrooke, please call the main line (9758-3666) and a team member working remotely will attend to your call.
The Warragul Hub is open. You are welcome to attend in person but need to maintain COVID safety measures.
Knoxbrooke COVID-19 Preparedness
Knoxbrooke has in place a well-prepared COVID-19 Emergency Response Plan. The Emergency Response Plan has been tested on three occasions through different simulations. We have well-drilled protocols in place to ensure the safety of clients, families, carers and team members. Recently WorkSafe attended a Knoxbrooke premises and inspected our COVID-safe plan and was satisfied Knoxbrooke was taking appropriate safety measures.
COVID-19 Safety Measures
Given the numbers of COVID-19 cases, please be sure to follow the DHHS advice below:
- Stay at home and get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19, however mild
- Practise good hygiene, wash your hands and cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow
- Observe social distancing by maintaining at least 1.5m from anyone you don’t live with
- Wear a face covering when you leave home
(Please refer to https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/staying-safe-covid-19 for further information)
If a client or team member does have symptoms and gets tested for COVID-19 and is awaiting a result, please remember to advise Knoxbrooke via email (covid19@knoxbrooke.com.au) or call/SMS the Knoxbrooke COVID-19 hotline 0475 500 550.
Please re-contact Knoxbrooke once you have a result, positive or negative. For everyone’s safety, it is critical that you regularly communicate any cases of suspected or actual COVID-19.
To date, Knoxbrooke has not had a positive COVID-19 case and the COVID-19 taskforce is well-prepared to respond should this occur.
Thank you for your continued support.
Kristian Dauncey
Chief Executive Officer