1st October 2021
Welcome to the 35th 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. Today the Victorian Government announced that all essential workers will be required to have their first vaccination by the 15th October and their 2nd by the 26th November 2021. Knoxbrooke will follow these mandates.
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 an essential service and continues to be available with more robust DHHS guidelines for disability services in place. All staff onsite will have received their 1st vaccination by the 15th October
Should you wish to discuss using the 365 support service, please contact Paul McDonald, 365 Services Coordinator on 0499 501 008 or email paul.mcdonald@knoxbrooke.com.au
Achieve
Achieve continues to be delivered through an online format.
Should you wish to discuss Achieve, please contact Michael Beavis, Achieve Team Leader on 0475 300 505 or email michael.beavis@knoxbrooke.com.au
Yarra View Garden Centre
All on-site staff and supported employees will have received their 1st vaccination by the 15th October
Click n collect and phone orders available. Now delivering within a 20 km radius. To order visit:
https://yarra-view-garden-centre.myshopify.com/
Or call 9737-0400
Yarra View & Bushland Flora Nurseries
Primary production is exempt and continues to operate within COVIDsafe guidelines. All on-site staff and supported employees will have received their 1st vaccination by the 15th October. Masks must be worn and QR check-in is in place and mandatory on arrival. Operations have moved to reduced activity. Any employees who would prefer to take annual leave during this lock-down period, this is available to you.
Knoxbrooke Outsource
Manufacturing is exempt and continues to operate within COVIDsafe guidelines. All on-site staff and supported employees will have received their 1st vaccination by the 15th October. Masks must be worn and QR check-in is in place and mandatory on arrival. Operations have already moved to reduced activity. Any employees who would prefer to take annual leave during this lock-down period, this is available to you.
Ringwood Hub
Closed until lock-down lifted. All staff are working from home. The main line (03) 9758-3666 will be attended to remotely.
Mawarra Day Services
Day service support continues to be available to those outside the Latrobe area. Staff and clients residing in Latrobe will not be able to attend until lockdown lifts. All on-site staff will have received their 1st vaccination by the 15th October. Pods are in place. Masks must be worn and QR check-in is in place and mandatory on arrival.
Jigsaw Industries
Manufacturing continues to operate within COVIDsafe guidelines. All on-site staff and supported employees will have received their 1st vaccination by the 15th October. Masks must be worn and QR check-in is in place and mandatory on arrival.
Waratah Gardening
Primary production continues to operate within COVIDsafe guidelines. All on-site staff and supported employees will have received their 1st vaccination by the 15th October. Masks must be worn and QR check-in is in place and mandatory on arrival.
Mawarra Op Shop and Sorting Centre
Will operate under COVIDsafe guidelines. All on-site staff and supported employees will have received their 1st vaccination by the 15th October. Masks must be worn and QR check-in is in place and mandatory.
Knoxbrooke COVID-19 Preparedness
Knoxbrooke has in place a well-prepared COVID-19 Emergency Response Plan. The Emergency Response Plan has been tested on five occasions through different simulations. We have well-drilled protocols in place to ensure the safety of clients, families, carers and team members. WorkSafe attended two Knoxbrooke premises and inspected our COVID-safe plan and was satisfied Knoxbrooke was taking appropriate safety measures. Regardless the COVID-safe plans continue to be reviewed and updated accordingly.
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
(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).
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
Group CEO