COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

What is COVID-19 (Coronavirus) ?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses and COVID-19 is a newly discovered infectious coronavirus disease (World Health Organisation (WHO), 2020). On the 11 March, 2020 the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic. WHO (2020) report that most people infected with COVID-19 will only experience mild to moderate illness and most will recover without special treatment. If you have any concerns about your health, or COVID-19, then please call the Coronavirus Information hotline provided above.  

What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?

If you think that you may have been infected with  COVID-19 (Coronavirus) PLEASE CALL either 

• Coronavirus Information Hotline on 1800 020 080
• Health Direct on 1800 022 222

These services have qualified clinical staff who can ASSESS your condition over the phone.

They will then advise you if you should present to the Morawa District Hospital and Health Service.   

If you are advised to go to the Morawa District Hospital and Health Service then please give them a quick call on 9971 0200.   

Download 'Coronavirus Australia' App

To keep up to date with the evolving situation with reliable information please download the 'Coronavirus Australia' government app from either the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can also join the WhatsApp Channel on IOS or Android. 

What is the Shire of Morawa doing?

The Shire of Morawa's greatest concern is for the health and safety of our community.  As such, the Shire has been closely monitoring, and responding to, information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Both the Commonwealth and the State have issued various directives which the Shire has been actively implementing. The Shire has been actively working on their business continuity plan to ensure that the Shire can continue to deliver its key services.

The Shire further continues to liaise with other agencies and businesses in our community in order to identify, and support, any community needs. In line with Commonwealth and State directives the Shire has had to cancel/postpone events. Likewise, the Shire has had to close some facilities to the public. Information about facility closure and event cancellations are detailed further below. 

Shire of Morawa's COVID-19 Community Recovery Package

For all the information about the Shire of Morawa's new COVID-19 Community Recovery Package please click here.  To download the Media release about this new package please click here. 

What Shire Facilities & Services are CLOSED?

Customers that wish to access the Shire’s Administration Office in person MUST  phone ahead on 9971 1204 to discuss your needs and/or make an appointment.

From our experience, it is anticipated that the majority of Administration transactions will continue to be associated with vehicle and drivers licencing. This service will be available over the phone and where necessary, an appointment can be made to pick up permits, number plates etc. To reduce potential COVID-19 transmission, payments will need to be made via credit/debit card over the phone. No cash payments can be accepted. Therefore, please give us a call on 9971 1204 or email us at admin@morawa.wa.gov.au and we will do our best to assist you.  

What Events are Cancelled or Postponed?

Council Meetings

As a result of increased social distancing directives the Shire of Morawa is modifying its monthly Ordinary Council Meetings by using electronic means such as via teleconference, video conference, or other electronic means. This is supported by the Amendments to the Local Government (Administration) Regulations 1996 that were passed by Parliament on 25 March 2020 and came into force on 26 March 2020.

Due to National Cabinet's limitations to indoor gatherings the Shire is not in a position to provide a public gallery for these types of meetings. 

Public Question Time will still occur during these meetings, however it is modified so that the public will be requested to submit their questions prior to the meeting.

Your Rates

If you are experiencing any difficulties paying your rates, please get in contact with the Shire's Rates Office via email at rates@morawa.wa.gov.au or call (08) 9971 1204. 

Support for Business & Individuals

We are now into unprecedented times with the ongoing spread of COVID-19.  We know that there will be significant impacts to our businesses in our community during this time. Both the Federal Government and the WA State Government have committed to delivering Economic Responses to the COVID-19 challenges. Although a lot of information has been shared online about COVID-19 we thought that it might be helpful to share with you some links to a few sites that may be helpful to you as businesses (please see links below).

The Australian Government – Treasury website provides up to date information regarding the Australian Governments “Economic Response to the Coronavirus”. There are few clear areas of Support in relation to Individuals & Households; For Businesses; Flow of Credit; Resources; and Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme.

 The Australian Government Business website also provides a variety of information that may be helpful. 

Jobs in WA Food and AG website is a temporary resource to provide jobseekers and employers with information about jobs in Western Australia's primary industries during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Jobs Hub website provides details about jobs in health and care sectors, transport and logistics, some areas of retail, mining and mining services, manufacturing, agriculture, and government sectors among others. created by the Australian Government

 Western Australia Government website provides information regarding how the WA government are responding to the COVID-19 situation. This website will assist you to keep up to date on what the WA Government are implementing in terms of their own economic stimulus package for WA.

Western Australia’s Government’s Coronavirus: COVID-19: WA Government Response website provides up to date information regarding WA governments response and also includes a direct link to the Australian Government's Department of Health website.

Small Business Development Corporation website provides information and support for small businesses and contains information around Coronavirus support; the Coronavirus Stimulus package – small business; Preparing your business against coronavirus; and FAQs – coronavirus business impact

Australian Government’s - Department of Social Services website provides information for supporting individuals and families that are affected by the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. 

Social Support & Helplines

Desert Blue Connect  

0419 348 006 (Serina) or email Serinaa@desertblueconnect.org.au 

Covid-19 is causing disruptions to normal like across the world. Therefore Desert Blue Connect are providing counselling sessions via phone or video conferencing. These counselling sessions are available via Desert Blue Connects rural support program for people in the Shires of Mingenew, Morawa, Three Springs, Carnamah, Coorow, Perenjori and Yalgoo. 

Lifeline

13 11 14

Lifeline has a national number who can help put you in contact with a crisis service in your State.  Anyone across Australia experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide can call.

Kids Helpline

1800 55 1800

Kids helpline provides a FREE and confidential  telephone and online counselling service. This service is specifically for young people who are aged between 5 and 25 years of age. Young people can call this service anonymously and speak to professional counsellor's for support. 

Beyond Blue

1300 22 3646

Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health and well-being, whatever their age and where ever they live. Their website also provides a lot of information ad resources to help you to look after yourself. 

Mensline Australia

1300 78 99 78 

This service offers telephone and online support, information and referral service specifically for men. It provides support for Australian men anywhere anytime. This support helps men to deal with relationship problems in a practical and effective way. 

Suicide Call Back Service

1300 659 467

Free counselling 24/7, whether you’re feeling suicidal, or are worried about someone else, or have lost someone to suicide.  Call for help.

1800RESPECT

1800 737 732

24 hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.