Statement from NSWALC – Murrin Bridge Aboriginal Community

11 August, 2020

NSWALC has been providing assistance to the Murrin Bridge Local Aboriginal Land Council after being advised of a COVID-19 related matter affecting its community near Lake Cargelligo.

Subsequently, the Murrin Bridge LALC (MBLALC) voluntarily closed the Aboriginal community on Monday 10 August, 2020 for 14 days.

No visitors will be allowed in and community members have been asked to isolate at home.

These measures have been implemented to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 entering the community. It is in line with similar precautions taken by other remote and discrete Aboriginal communities across New South Wales throughout the health pandemic.  

NSWALC supports the decision of MBLALC to close the community, and would like to reinforce the importance of exercising caution during these challenging times. COVID-19 poses a major threat to Aboriginal peoples and we must work together to keep each other safe.

NSWALC asks visitors to reconsider travelling to Aboriginal communities where possible and encourages individuals and communities to continue to practice the following precautionary measures:

  • Maintain adequate social distancing and wear a face mask where necessary
  • Maintain good handwashing and hygiene practices
  • If you are experiencing symptoms such as a fever, cough, fatigue and shortness of breath, please self-isolate and arrange to have a COVID-19 test
  • Keep an eye out for the wellbeing our elders, vulnerable and other community members

Assistance for the Murrin Bridge community

NSWALC advises that it is working with the MBLALC, NSW State Government and NSW Health to address the situation and is providing assistance to help community members take adequate precautions to limit the risk of transmission of COVID-19.

Assistance available to the community includes:

  • Provision of Food and Hygiene hampers to assist community members with isolation
  • Sourcing of hand sanitizer and PPE
  • Access to a mobile COVID-19 testing clinic. Please contact Murrin Bridge LALC for further information on testing dates

For any further help with accessing assistance, community members can contact the NSWALC Emergency Relief Line on 1800 476 777 or email at foodrelief@alc.or.au.

Acknowledgement

We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners of the lands where we work as well as across the lands we travel through. We also acknowledge our Elders past, present and emerging.

Artwork Credit: Craig Cromelin, from a painting he did titled, "4 favourite fishing holes". It is a snippet of his growing years on the Lachlan River, featuring yabby, turtle, fish and family.

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