An Update on COVID-19 Outbreaks in Regional NSW

12 August, 2021

12 August 2021

In the past week the COVID-19 outbreak has spread further outside of Greater Sydney, with lockdowns now in place in much of regional New South Wales.

Cases in several areas with high Aboriginal populations are particularly concerning to NSWALC and the network, and now is the time to be vigilant.

NSWALC and the NSW State Government are working to provide support to Aboriginal communities to help us to get through this difficult time.

  • Community Action Plans are being reactivated to protect discrete and remote communities.

These plans are a vital to ensuring that the community is prepared for an outbreak.

The plans outline the steps for closing off vulnerable communities to the public and allocating responsibilities for dealing with an outbreak of COVID-19. Aboriginal Affairs is contacting all LALCs to ensure Community Action Plans are up to date and activated if necessary.

Community Action Plans

  • Emergency Food Hampers and additional supplies

NSWALC has also reactivated its partnership with the NSW Government to provide emergency Food Hampers to assist communities with getting through the outbreak. LALCs in lockdown areas will be contacted about this.

Supplies of disposable face masks and hand sanitiser have been provided to all LALCs in recent weeks, and NSWALC will provide additional supplies to LALCs in areas impacted by lockdown.

  • Members’ Meetings

The Registrar and NSWALC have also advised LALCs to avoid holding Members’ Meetings until further advised.

Network Message on LALC Member’s Meetings

NSWALC Chairperson Anne Dennis asked that Aboriginal communities across the state remain on high alert and utilise the supports available.

“‘We know from past experience and the current circumstances of many of our families that Aboriginal people are at greater risk from COVID 19 than the general population.

“That’s why it’s vital that all of us in the Land Rights network do everything in our power to help stop the spread of COVID 19 in our communities. Please follow government guidelines, get tested if you experience symptoms, and organise to be vaccinated”.

  • Further Information

Further information to assist you is at the link below.

COVID-19 and Aboriginal Communities – Essential Information

You can also contact your Zone Office for any assistance.

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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