Leading the way

Intereach’s Victorian offices will reopen to the public from Monday, February 22, after the Victorian Government’s five-day COVID-19 Stage 4 lockdown ended on Wednesday.

The organisation’s Victorian offices are located in Bendigo, Gisborne, Echuca, Swan Hill, Shepparton, Maryborough, Mildura and Seymour and are open 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.

Intereach CEO Keryn Fox thanked her staff, participants and local communities for their understanding during the week-long office closures. She also praised her staff for continuing to deliver services during the Stage 4 lockdown, mostly via phone and video technology.

“Our staff, especially in Victoria, must be commended for the way they have handled these challenges. I’d also like to praise our participants for their understanding of the situation and for the courtesy they have shown our staff during these times.”

Ms Fox said Intereach would continue to monitor and follow government and health department advice around COVID-19 and that the organisation was well placed to respond thanks to its comprehensive COVID-19 Safe Plan.

Anyone with queries about Intereach’s COVID-19 response, or any other matter, can phone 1300 488 226.
Anyone showing symptoms of Coronavirus – such as coughing, fever, flu-like symptoms – should self-isolate and contact the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.

Intereach’s Victorian offices will be closed to the public from Monday, February 15 to Wednesday, February 17, following the Victorian Government’s five-day COVID-19 Stage 4 lockdown directive issued today.

All Intereach offices will still be available via telephone on 1300 488 226 during office hours (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday).

Intereach CEO Keryn Fox said the organisation will act on the advice provided by government and health department officials going forward.

“We are still available via telephone and we will continue to deliver services and supports to our Victorian communities with reduced face-to-face contact. We’re encouraging phone or virtual meetings be undertaken where possible. Face-to-face meetings can only proceed in circumstances where phone or virtual servicing is not an option. For our New South Wales offices it’s mostly business as usual at this stage.”

Ms Fox said Intereach has implemented the following:

• Victorian offices are closed to the public until 11.59pm on Wednesday, February 17 (at this stage).
• Victorian staff will work from home where possible during the lockdown period.
• Most participant meetings in Victoria will be conducted over the phone or virtually during the lockdown.

Ms Fox said Intereach recognises that some programs such as Community Transport, Aged Care Services and Children’s Services have unique needs and considerations. She said the executive will work closely with these programs to ensure reasonable and appropriate action is being taken.

Ms Fox said Intereach has also advised staff that all non-essential work-related travel into Victoria would be cancelled during lockdown.

“We’re well prepared as an organisation to respond to this directive, given we’ve been through this before, and we developed a comprehensive COVID-19 Safe Plan which we’ll continue to follow.”

Anyone showing symptoms of Coronavirus – such as coughing, fever, flu-like symptoms – should self-isolate and contact the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398. Anyone with queries about Intereach’s COVID-19 response, or any other matter, can phone 1300 488 226 or email community@intereach.com.au.

A program designed to improve the safety, placement permanency and wellbeing of children will continue to be delivered by Intereach in the Albury region.

Intereach has been advised that it has been given a six-month extension for the Intensive Family Preservation program, provided through funding from the NSW Government Department of Communities and Justice. Intereach provides this service in the Albury area and this extension continues the program until at least June 30, 2021.

The Intensive Family Preservation (IFP) service is based on the understanding that it is in the child’s best interests to remain in the care of their family, wherever this is a safe option. The service targets families with children aged from birth to 18 years. It supports in building the capacity of families through a three-month period of intensive support followed by a less intensive level of individually tailored services.

Intereach General Manager Operations Michelle Tai acknowledged the commitment and quality of work from team members who supported families through the program.

“The funding extension is short term while the program is considered within the broader context of Family Services funded by the NSW Government, however there is strong sector support for its continuation”, Ms Tai said.

The children attending the annual January Vacation Care program in Deniliquin are enjoying playing on a new trampoline, thanks to the combined efforts of local organisations.

Intereach purchased the trampoline for its Family Centre, where Vacation Care and After School Care is held. It co-opted members of Deniliquin Rotary Club for the challenging task of assembling this latest acquisition to its vast range of activities for participating children to enjoy.

Rotarians gathered at Intereach on a Tuesday evening late last year, in warm conditions, where the trampoline was carefully put together, much to the delight of the Family Centre staff.

This week Intereach made a $500 donation to Rotary as thanks for its efforts in assembling the trampoline, as well as its overall contribution to the local community.

As a local human and community services provider, Intereach is always looking for opportunities to work collaboratively with the numerous community groups that operate in Deniliquin.

“We are extremely grateful to the Rotarians, led by Tony Kew, who ensured out latest equipment was ready for our January Vacation Care program. At Intereach we appreciate the work of organisations like Rotary for our community,” Intereach Out of School Hours program manager Cath McLean said.

“The children are having lots of fun on the trampoline,” she added.

Mr Kew thanked Intereach for the opportunity to help out, and for the generous donation.

“Fundraising for all service clubs has been difficult in 2020, so we welcomed the chance to assist another community organisation and at the same time raise some money,” Mr Kew said.

The Intereach Out of School Hours and Vacation Care programs provide a vast range of activities for children including art, sport, craft, cooking, drama and excursions. Participating children are under the care of professional educators.

OOSH and Vacation Care are based at the Intereach Family Centre at 366 Trickett St, next door to the Intereach Neighbourhood Centre. Vacation Care runs from Monday to Friday during NSW school holidays, but is closed on public holidays.