Over the past couple of weeks, discussions have taken place, either at a safe distance or via Zoom, between a number of members of our community, trying to understand the extent of the impact of the current lock-down provisions on our community and trying to determine what the path to recovery looks like post-Corona.
Obviously, everyone in the community has been impacted. At the very least that impact could be as a result of being confined to quarters with restrictions on travel and recreational activities. For businesses, both owners and employees the impact has been far more severe. Several shopfronts in Lorne are now empty spaces with little prospect of those businesses reopening. Loss of revenue for business owners, loss of income for employees, the effects can be devastating.
Committee for Lorne is leading a project to develop a COVID-19 Support Plan for Lorne. The intent is that will be a number of pillars to the plan, dealing with immediate responses to the effect of the current situation of people within our community and looking to the future, planning for business recovery and economic recovery. The development of this plan is a “work in progress“.
At the moment, the pillars include:
- Food, Clothing, Emergency
- Health, Financial Hardship
- Youth, Backpackers, Renters
- Business Recovery
- Economic Recovery
- Communications
The group is meeting regularly via Zoom and over time, leaders for each of these pillars will be identified and local resources and relevant agencies recruited to assist.
Work has already commenced on addressing the more immediate needs in our community. The committee of Lorne Community Connect (LCC) has sought permission from the Surf Coast Shire to reopen their facility, formerly Senior Citizens, twice weekly, for use as a food collection centre. The local Foodworks has agreed to place a collection bin at the supermarket, to receive donations of non-perishable groceries from customers, to be gifted for distribution to those adversely affected by the closure of most local businesses and the fall in employment opportunities. The LCC will be open on a Tuesday and Thursday, between midday and 2:00 pm and it will operate observing strict Shire guidelines as to COVID-19 health and safety requirements.
President Gary Allen noted that large numbers of casual staff were in Lorne, many from overseas and unable to return, when the shut-down occurred. They, along with local workers, are temporarily in need of our support and he expressed his gratitude to Jonn Stewart who, without hesitation, agreed to facilitate the collection. The Lorne Opportunity Shop recently announced the availability of a food voucher program and they are also making winter clothing available for collection at Lorne Community Connect. As the shop has been closed, the stocks of warm clothing are low, therefore any donations may be left at LCC during the opening hours.
Special mention must go to Cr Clive Goldsworthy who has been instrumental in liaising with the various agencies and the Surf Coast Shire and pull together members of the community to start to develop this plan.
As the development of the CODID-19 Support Plan evolves, we will keep you informed. In the meantime, if you are aware of anyone in need or you can identify an issue which should be addressed in our plan, your input is welcome and where necessary will be treated with utmost confidentiality. You can contact Committee for Lorne via email at info@committeeforlorne.org.au or by phone on 0438 843 258.
Committee for Lorne
