Our priority is the health and safety of our community and staff, and with this in mind we continue to make decisions that may impact the way we deliver our services, events and programs. 

Some Council services have re-opened in June, restrictions may apply: 

• Coburg Customer Service Centre 
• Brunswick, Coburg and Glenroy libraries 
• Brunswick pools 
• Oxygen Youth Space 
• Counihan Gallery 
• Some Council-managed halls and venues are available for hire  

Be Kind Moreland updates 

The Be Kind Moreland Campaign is Council’s response to providing essential community information including where to get help, linkages to community support and connection, community-led initiatives and as a way of promoting how residents can stay well, stay home, stay safe and stay connected during this challenging time.

• Where to get help and support  
• Donations  
• Food relief  
• How you can be kind to yourself  
• Ways you can be kind to others  
• Responding to racism and discrimination 
• Government payments and support 
• Resources for people with disability, their families and carers.  
• Staying Safe at home - family violence resources available  

Moreland City Libraries have re-opened

Three Moreland City Library branches have re-opened:  Glenroy, Brunswick and Coburg Libraries are open to the general public from 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday but the hours for each location may change so it’s important to check location and hours page for more information.

In line with government restrictions, there is a limit of 20 visitors in the library and it is recommended to limit family visits to one person from the household or two with a child who requires a supervisory adult. 

Apply now for one of 310 new jobs for local Morelanders 

We have created 310 new jobs for local Morelanders. These jobs are funded by a $16.18 million Working for Victoria grant from the Victorian State Government. The new jobs will focus on providing important services across the Moreland municipality in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  

Assistance available for Working for Victoria applicants 

Moreland libraries can offer phone-based assistance to residents wishing to apply to the Working for Victoria application portal ‘Sidekicker’ . Residents will need to have an internet connected device (such as smartphone, tablet or computer) and basic digital literacy. 

Moreland residents can ring 9353 4000 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) to book a time for a library staff member to call them back. 

VICSEG New Futures Training is offering financial assistance for jobseekers that registers with VICSEG with work related items including  

• $100 Fuel card; 
• $100 Kmart gift card to purchase work clothes and 
• $100 Coles gift card to purchase groceries. 

Contact VICSEG New Futures Training  Rebecca Venning or Piumi Rodrigo or call 9070 8235 

Love Moreland? Buy local 

That’s the simple message in Council’s new campaign to encourage the community to support local goods and services during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.  We recently surveyed local businesses and 95 percent said that they had been negatively impacted by the pandemic and 98 percent expect those impacts to extend into the future. 

Council has put some relief measures in place for businesses and the Moreland community can also play a part by buying local and sharing their favorite local businesses using the hashtag #buylocal

Hear from our Mayor Cr Lambros Tapinos as he visits one of his local cafes,

Further support for local businesses: call 8311 4131 to speak to a representative from the Business Moreland Team who can help with information or advice.  Details are available on businessmoreland.com.au 

Be part of the Moreland Democracy Lab forum series.

Starting on 15 June the forums are a space for community members to come together, share their experiences and knowledge, learn from each other and to discuss what we want for our communities moving forward.

To find out more about the topic for each session, speakers or to register go to the links below:

• New ’Normal’ - 15 June
• Collective Action - 22 June
• Radical Change - 29 June

Moreland Toy Library will re-open on Saturday 13 June

Moreland Toy Library will re-open on Saturday 13 June at their Pascoe Vale branch (7 Prospect St). Initially they will be taking returns only, by appointment, before moving to a click and collect borrowing service by the end of the month. Members will be able to reserve toys online and collect them at the venue at a pre-arranged time. See www.morelandtoylibrary.org.au or

Refugee Week 2020: My New Neighbor conversation between Barbara and Sami & Roaa 

Monday 15 June 2020; 10:30am – 12pm, online on Zoom hosted by Amnesty International.  

Moreland City Council, in partnership with Amnesty International, presents a conversation between people who have come to Australia seeking peace and safety, with those who have helped welcome them. 

Barbara Reeckman from Melbourne Adult Migrant English Program and members of Christ Church in Brunswick will be in conversation with Sami and Roaa from the Harmony & Symphony Syrian Food Truck.   

Material aid to vulnerable children and families 

Big Group Hug is a free service providing material aid in the form of essentials for children (including nappies, safety equipment, cots, car seats, toys and books).  For more information contact 
Angela at angela@biggrouphug.org or 

Emergency relief support for people on temporary visas 

The Australian Red Cross is offering emergency relief for people in Australia with urgent needs who: 

• are not Australian citizens or permanent residents; and 
• are not eligible for State or Territory funds for temporary visa holders (except those delivered by Red Cross); and 
• have no income or savings and no access to other support. 

Low interest loan for people on low incomes 

StepUP is a low interest loan for people on low incomes who have difficulty accessing credit from a bank. The loan is delivered by local community organisations where StepUP microfinance workers assist applicants to collect verification documents and complete the application for assessment at NAB. 

For more information on StepUP, please visit www.stepuploan.org.au  

Support and Information in community languages for legal issues 

Northern Community Legal Centre (NCLC) provides free and confidential legal advice and assistance to people who live, work, or study in Moreland, Hume or Mitchell Shire municipalities. 

To contact Northern Community Legal Centre call 03 9310 4376.

NCLC have developed COVID-19 fact sheets in five community languages on renting rights; parenting arrangements; employment rights; family violence; financial assistance and police powers. 

Talk. Share. Support.  

If you or anyone you know is concerned or has questions about your own or someone else's gambling. 

Contact your local Gamblers Help Service: Call 03 9653 3250  Mon - Friday 9am -4.30pm   

NBN support for low-income family households with school-aged children

nbn™ has created a relief fund to support low-income family households with school-aged children who do not currently have an active nbn™ connection at home. 

More than 20 phone and internet providers that are currently ready to connect customers through this program.  

To be eligible households must: 

• have a household member receiving the JobSeeker Payment or Family Tax Benefit Part A or Part B;  
• have a school-age child living at their address; 
• be at an address covered by the NBN network; and 
• must not have had a nbn service with any other provider since 1 March 2020. 

Assistance with energy bills  

Uniting provides one-on-one phone support to people through our free home energy consultation.  The support covers the following: 

• Providing simple energy saving tips to reduce your energy bills  
• Checking your eligibility for concessions and grants 
• Referring you to other community support services when needed 
• Helping you find the best energy deal 
• Assisting you to set up an affordable payment plan 
• Explaining what to do if you have problems paying your bills 

Interpreter services are also available. Get in touch with Uniting on 1800 545 366 (ask for the Energy Program) or email energy@vt.uniting.org 

Assistance with debts from National Debt Helpline

National Debt Helpline has professional financial counselors who offer a free, independent and confidential service and can assist to negotiate payment terms; prioritise your debts; consolidate your loans or bankruptcy.