Support

What does Whittlesea Community Connections do?

Whittlesea Community Connections has been providing vital services for disadvantaged people and emerging communities since 1973.

Why has the City of Whittlesea provided this organisation with money?

This organisation has a deep understanding of the needs of our community. It can help with practical support like food and other material necessities. By supporting them, we are supporting you.

What will $50,000 provide to our community?

These funds will provide hundreds of vulnerable people in our community with support they need right now. Anyone experiencing hardship in Whittlesea can contact Whittlesea Community Connection’s Response line 9401 6644 for help with food, financial assistance and casework support. Response line is open Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm.

Resources available through Whittlesea Community Connections

Whittlesea Food Collective 

We have provided $25,000 from our COVID-19 Community Relief Fund to Big Group Hug in Bundoora.

Big Group Hug provides material relief to around 100 vulnerable children each week. It relies on volunteer help, donations and community fundraising which have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more about Big Group Hug.

Council has provided $18,000 to Encompass Care who are packaging and delivering food parcels and meals to those in the community who need support.

Read more about Encompass Care.

Council has provided financial help to a variety of community organisations who are supporting our local community:

• Infinity Church - emergency food relief
• Countrywide Community Missions - food relief
• Hope Centre - food hampers
• Sikh Community Connections - supporting international students and Sikh and Indian communities
• ADRA - food hampers
• From us 2 you - helping with fuel, power and work expenses
• Heavenly Feast Revival Church Australia - food hampers in the Epping/Lalor area
• Moreland City Council/Rooming House - care packs for people living in rooming houses in the City of Whittlesea.

Download our Community Support Services list here.

Headspace Greensborough and South Morang are continuing consultations via phone and zoom. Call 9433 7200 or email headspacegreensborough@mindaustralia.org.au

Lifeline has Mental health and wellbeing during coronavirus advice on their website.

Whittlesea Community Connections has a new response number for anyone experiencing hardship, needing information or support. Call 9401 6644 from 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday.

Free legal assistance is available through Whittlesea Community Connections on 9401 6655 from 9am until 5pm Monday to Friday.

If you would like to volunteer or you feel isolated and would like a phone friend call Whittlesea Community Connections volunteer line on 0473 019 831 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Food Collective and Whittlesea Emergency Relief Network any offers of food donations can be sent to Ginette Beguely on 9401 0666 or  GBeguely@whittleseacc.org.au

St Vincent De Paul provides Food hampers, material aid, financial and/or bill support on 1800 305 330, epping.centre@svdp.vic.org.au or visit Shop 4, 500 High Street Epping

Catholic Care provides food vouchers, material aid, financial and/or bill support on 8468 1305 or catholiccare@ccam.org.au

Infinity Church - Community Meals Kitchen provides meals and free food hampers on 0409 354 633 or craig@infinitychurch.org

Mill Park Baptist - The Shak provides meals for pick up on 0400 072 933 or theshak@millparkbaptistchurch.org.au

Salvation Army provide food hampers, material aid, financial and/or bill support on 9436 9200 or visit at 1 The Fred Hollows Way (cnr Morang Drv) Mill Park VIC 3082

Vittle Feast Project provides free food boxes / groceries on every Second & Fourth Saturday of each month. Contact on 0420 821 646 or info@vittlefeast.org.au

Helpful links

Coronavirus hotline: 1800 675 398

Interactive coronavirus self-assessment on the DHHS website

COVID-19 FAQs on the DHHS website

Transmission reduction measures  on the DHHS website

DET advice for early childhood education services, outside school hours care (OSHC) and Vacation Care

VicEmergency advice notification 

Business Victoria hotline: 13 22 15

Mental health and wellbeing during coronavirus on Lifeline website.

Tenants Victoria for free and confidential legal advice, assistance and advocacy for tenants and residents in Victoria.

City of Whittlesea's Calendar of Emergency Relief Support Services operating during COVID-19.

Even in Stage 4 restrictions you are allowed to leave your home if you or your children are at risk of harm from family violence.

• If you are in danger call 000
• Safe Steps 24/7 on 1800 105 188. Email safesteps@safesteps.org.au or webchat at www.safesteps.org.au/chat.
• 1800 respect offers confidential information, counselling and support 24 hours a day to people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. Call 1800 737 732 or chat online. 
• Men's Referral Service is a free, confidential telephone helpline that offers counselling, advice and support to men who have anger, relationship or parenting issues. The service also provides help to women (or other family members) who are experiencing violence or controlling behaviour by men. Call 1300 766 491 or visit the Men's Referral Service website.