The City has recently implemented a number of initiatives to assist in the active response to the Coronavirus pandemic, supporting schools, local businesses, not-for-profit community groups, and the community.
- Council will prepare and set a budget based on a rate freeze for 2021.
- Council has adopted a ‘Rates Assistance and Financial Hardship Policy’ - designed to ease the burden on ratepayers who are experiencing financial distress, during and after, this challenging time. To read more about the Policy, I encourage you to visit our website: www.armadale.wa.gov.au.
- The City has partnered with local primary schools, providing stationary and activity packs, to assist 2830 children from Westfield Park, Challis, Neerigen, Willandra, Gwynne Park and Grovelands Primary.
- The City supports not-for-profit community service groups to increase their capacity to assist vulnerable persons in our community, identifying what City buildings might be available as short term accommodation or emergency shelters for those at risk.
- Working alongside Meals on Wheels WA and Dale Cottages, to expand meal delivery services to an increased number of elderly residents in our community.
- The City has provided support to the Armadale Health Campus by coordinating access to mobile toilets and showers for medical staff, with assistance from DFES and the charity “One Voice.”
We hope these initiatives will assist our community during this difficult period, as well as when we begin to recover.
With Easter on the way, it is more important than ever, that we reach out to those who may be struggling. Our community has shown amazing resilience and is finding new ways to keep spirits up. ‘Teddy bear hunts’ and ‘drawings on driveways’ are keeping neighbourhoods connected and entertained whilst ‘waiting out’ the pandemic.
Please continue to practice social distancing, hand washing and ensure any outings are for essential purposes only. Together, we are helping to slow the spread of COVID-19 and save lives.
On behalf of the City of Armadale, I wish you and your family a happy and safe Easter.
Cr Ruth Butterfield, Mayor, City of Armadale
