We are a for-purpose organisation that provides employment, development and support services for people with diverse abilities 

COVID-19 Communique No.21

Welcome to the 21st 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 as required and met earlier today following the Premiers announcement that the 5-day circuit breaker ceases at 11.59pm today and tomorrow COVIDsafe Summer guidelines are reinstated with amendments. On review of the guidelines, the most significant change is the temporary measure of wearing a mask whilst working indoors is now an ongoing requirement.

Below is the status of all Knoxbrooke services after incorporating the latest Victorian Government COVID-19 advice.

365 in-home support

365 in-home support is available.

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 will return to face-to-face on Monday, 22 February 21.

Yarra View Garden Centre

Re-opens to the public on Thursday, 18 February 21.

Yarra View Nursery & Bushland Flora

Re-opens on Thursday, 18 February 21 with same employment rosters prior to the 5-day circuit breaker

Knoxbrooke Outsource

Re-opens on Thursday, 18 February 21 with same employment rosters prior to the 5-day circuit breaker

Mawarra Day Services

Re-opens on Thursday, 18 February 21 with same support arrangements prior to the 5-day circuit breaker.

Jigsaw Industries

Re-opens on Thursday, 18 February 21 with same employment rosters prior to the 5-day circuit breaker.

Waratah Gardening

Re-opens on Thursday, 18 February 21 with same employment rosters prior to the 5-day circuit breaker.

Mawarra Op Shop and Sorting Centre

Re-opens to the public on Thursday, 18 February 21.

Ringwood and Warragul Hubs

Re-opens to the public on Thursday, 18 February 21.

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 two 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