Fraser Coast Regional Council joins the Care Army

Fraser Coast Regional Council will sign up to be part of the “Care Army” to help ensure the wellbeing of seniors and vulnerable people during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced the mobilisation of the Care Army to protect up to one million seniors throughout the state.

The Premier also announced the expansion of the Community Recovery Hotline – a free call on 1800 173 349 – to link seniors and other vulnerable Queenslanders to essential services and support.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour welcomed the mobilisation of the Care Army and said Council would be proud to support the initiative in any way we can.

“These are difficult and challenging times for the whole community, but it is particularly difficult for seniors as we know the risk of serious illness from COVID-19 increases with age,” he said.

“The Fraser Coast has an older demographic than most parts of the country so we all need to be doing what we can to help our older residents.

“Many seniors will be supported by family, but others will need volunteers and community service organisations to help them stay home and stay safe with things such as food or medicine drops.

“Fraser Coast Regional Council has already been active in this space by co-ordinating regular teleconferences through our Local Social Wellbeing Committee, which includes representatives from Council, the Queensland Government and local community service organisations.

“Council will provide whatever support and resources we can for the Care Army locally, including the redeployment of Council staff to assist local organisations when and where necessary in the coming weeks and months.

“Local community organisations are always looking for volunteers and I would encourage anyone wanting to volunteer to contact the Queensland Government hotline on 1800 173 349.

“The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we go about our daily lives. It’s up to all of us to show we care and to work together to support each other through the coronavirus crisis.

“I urge everyone to stay calm, stay kind and stay informed.”

More information is available here.