EXPRESSION OF INTEREST – Lockdown Programs
27 May 2021
Dear clients and families,
Earlier today Acting Premier James Merlino announced a seven-day ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown for Melbourne from midnight tonight (Thursday 27 May) until midnight on Thursday 3 June 2021.
DFFH have advised services that they should, where possible, be delivering services remotely. Where this is not possible, and where the need is truly essential for a limited number of reasons, then services can continue to operate. All industries are required to scale back their operations in order to prevent movement in the community.
This means that we will again be reducing our services for the period of the ‘circuit-breaker’ lockdown, effective from tomorrow Friday 28 May 2021.
What does this mean for you?
Day Service Programs and Sages Cottage – all sites will cease day service operations from 3pm Thursday 27 May through to midnight Thursday 3 June. Families who require access to essential 1:1 support during this time are an exception and can call 0400 802 370 to discuss 1:1 support options commencing from Monday 31 May through to Thursday 3 June 2021.
Wallara Logistics – supported employment will continue business as usual during the lockdown period. Masks will be required to be worn indoors and social distancing practices will be in place. As per previous lockdowns, Supported Employees who live in a Wallara group home will be unable to attend the workplace during the full lockdown period.
Wallara Accommodation – group accommodation residents will be required to follow all restrictions as set out by the government earlier today. Those that are supported employees at Wallara Logistics will not be able to attend their scheduled shifts. Day service programs will be delivered into each of our group accommodation settings from Monday 31 May through to Thursday 3 June 2021 or until restrictions are lifted.
Please note: Day service programs are a Program of Support and while a lockdown has been confirmed, we still retain the capacity to deliver services. As such we will continue to charge for the program of support during this period of lockdown.
Wallara Online is here to help you through this lockdown.
You are not alone and we will work together to get through this lockdown.
With 16 Wallara Online programs available, you will find something that matches your interests. We have added additional class vacancies to support the anticipated demand, please see the attached lockdown schedule of programs.
For clients unable to attend day services, we would like to offer you complimentary access to our online programs that run between 9am and 3pm during the lockdown. Existing Wallara Online clients will continue with their regular program.
To participate in a Wallara Online program you will need internet access and a tablet, laptop or desktop computer with camera). To register for one or multiple Wallara Online classes simply complete the attached and email to [email protected]
If you need some assistance with registering for a program please call 0435 139 674
Wallara Logistics Information Night – Postponed
Unfortunately, with the seven-day lockdown we will not be able to proceed with the Information Night planned for Thursday 3 June at Wallara Logistics. Another date will be confirmed in the next few days and communicated to all families.
What Happens After Thursday 3 June?
At this stage we hope to be open again as usual on Friday 4 June 2021, but that will depend on progress of positive cases in Victoria and the success of the lockdown. We will continue to communicate with you as we know more information.
We hope all families stay safe and well during the lockdown and encourage you to adhere to the restriction guidelines and follow the five reasons to be leaving your home, including to go and receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
We look forward to seeing everyone at the end of this lockdown.
Phil Hayes-Brown
Chief Executive Officer
