GLENELG Shire mayor Anita Rank believes Western Victorian border communities are feeling the impacts of South Australia’s border closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cr Rank said the impacts of coronavirus had been felt right through the region, impacting services such as grocery delivery and travel.
“The Glenelg Shire is home to many small, but mighty communities,” she said.
“However the impact of COVID-19 has been felt right through the region and even our most resilient townships have been affected.
“For our bordering communities such as Nelson, with many services, such as grocery delivery, now inaccessible.”
Cr Rank said more remote communities had become vulnerable to social isolation concerns, with many residents exposed to a number of challenges.
“The reality of social isolation has exposed a number of difficulties particularly for those most vulnerable trying to access essential services,” she said.
“To ensure our most isolated residents can remain connected and access the important services they require we have established the free 1800 Glenelg Together hotline.
“1800 Glenelg Together directs community members to local support services, covering food and hygiene support deliveries, medication deliveries and phone check in and support.”
Cr Rank said the best thing for older, vulnerable and at-risk people was to stay at home, with the newly-introduced program helping them access essentials while staying safe.