With 11 days in a row of no new COVID-19 cases detected in the State (at time of writing), a light at the end of a tunnel is in sight and restrictions will soon start to be eased. Premier Marshall has appointed a transition committee and is mindful the way back must be done safely but also as quickly as advice allows to get our lives and economy back up and running.
Announced today as open is a new dedicated GP-led respiratory clinic located at Kadina Medical Associates on Port Road, Kadina, for the Yorke Peninsula region. This is a Commonwealth Government funded service for the assessment, testing and diagnosis of community members experiencing mild to moderate respiratory symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny rose and fatigue.
This clinic is set up outside the medical centre with a separate entry, and there is no requirement for a referral to attend. However, you do need to make an appointment, as for infection control there will be no walk ins. Appointments are free and you can make an appointment at the Yorke Peninsula Respiratory Clinic by phoning 8828 4700 or via the www.hotdoc.com.au website.
A new free COVID-19 support line for Senior Australians has also just been set up to assist seniors, their families and carers who may be feeling lonely or distressed, or who just need to talk to someone about their concerns. This new support line is 1800 171 866 and is operating Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 6 pm.
In other good news, COVID-19 Support Grants of up to $10,000 were announced last Wednesday, to help community organisations continue to provide services. Not-for-profits are encouraged to apply and a total of $3.35 million has been allocated for this scheme by the State Government.
This fund temporarily replaces the regular Grants SA program, recognising community need at this time. Applications are now open and close on 30 October 2020. For more information or to apply visit www.dhs.sa.gov.au/grantssa
I also advise last Thursday a $1.8 million South Australian Disaster Small Business Transformation and Growth program was launched providing additional support for businesses impacted by bushfires, including on Yorke Peninsula. This jointly funded program (Commonwealth and State) is designed to help small business by providing direct access to technical and business advice, and includes the establishment of a special round of the SA Export Accelerator program. For more information visit www.business.sa.gov.au/bushfires
Finally, $1.014 million school maintenance works for the Narungga electorate were announced last week, as part of the State Government’s $32 million economic stimulus package to be rolled out this year.
Seven local schools are to receive upgrades ranging in value from $85,000 to $227,000: Central Yorke School in Maitland, Minlaton District School, Yorketown Area School, Warooka Primary, Wallaroo Mines Primary, Snowtown Primary and Port Broughton Area School.
Also as part of the package, every preschool in the State, including Narungga, is to receive a grant of $20,000 to be used at each site’s discretion- great news for these facilities and potentially, for local tradespeople.