Covid-19

COVID-19 Test and Isolate support payment now available 

With COVID-19 in our community it is critical that anyone with symptoms, even if mild, self-isolates, gets tested immediately and, importantly, does not go to work. To help those who won’t receive any income or other financial support while they are getting tested and awaiting results, a new COVID-19 Test and Isolate support payment is available.

The Test and Isolate payment is a support payment of $320 to help meet the cost of lost wages while you get tested and isolate. This payment will help to ensure that if you have symptoms, you are supported to get tested immediately and then isolate at home to wait for your result, avoiding spreading the virus in your workplace and the community. 

Who can receive the payment?

To receive the payment, you need to:

• be 17 years and over 
• have had a COVID-19 test 
  • on or after 13 August if you live in a local government area of concern
  • on or after 8 September if you live in NSW
• have needed to self-isolate after your COVID-19 test, or be the carer or guardian for someone who needed to self-isolate after their test
• be likely to have worked during the period of self-isolation and are unable to work
• be currently working without sick, carer or pandemic leave entitlements, or have exhausted these entitlements, and not be able to reasonably work from home
• not be receiving any income, earnings or salary maintenance from work as a result of self-isolating at home
• not be receiving or being eligible for any other income support including a pandemic payment.

Learn more and apply via nsw.gov.au. If this payment is not available to you, there is a range of financial assistance packages available for individuals and businesses impacted by COVID-19. Free mental health support is also available to support you through these difficult times.

For more information about this payment and other support available, go to nsw.gov.au.

If you require assistance, you can contact 13 77 88 for guidance over the phone. A free translation and interpreter 24-hour helpline is available through TIS National on 131 450.​

Media Release – John Barilaro – Lockdown lifted in parts of Regional NSW as of 12.01 Saturday morning.

Roadmap to freedom unveiled for the fully vaccinated

Know the Facts! COVID-19 Vaccines OR NSW Health Website will be reviewed regularly and kept up to date

AUSMAT Team visiting Balranald on Thursday to do a drive-thru Vaccination Hub at 41 Market street (Old ED Unit at Balranald Hospital) – 10am – 4pm. Local Staff from Balranald MPS and Maari Ma will be assisting on the day. Balranald Aboriginal Local Lands Council, Damein Aidon and NSW Aboriginal Liaison officer Sabana Quayle will also be working with the team.

Transport assistance is available:

Connie at Livebetter on 0428 335 711

Maari Ma 50 200 009

Balranald MPS 50 719 800

Bring along your Medicare Card and ID – Available for anyone over the age of 12. Ages 12-16 will require parental consent.

Department of Communities and Justice one-stop website to deal with concerns local communities may have.

The website is a one-stop-shop for information for service providers, and the people FACS support through the service systems including;

• social housing tenants and people experiencing homelessness 
• families we are working with and children we are keeping safe
• visitors to correctional facilities and detainees
• jurors and parties to a court or tribunal matter
• older people, people with disability and carers
• people experiencing domestic and family violence.