It continues to be a trying time for our community as we adjust to working from home where necessary, social distancing, and for many, the prospect of an uncertain employment future.
But it's also a time to look to others to help keep our community strong at this time. Many local businesses have met the challenge of adapting to a vastly changed environment by diversifying to meet new needs and keep their staff on the books.
To help support those businesses who are offering new ways of providing goods and servicing the local community, we have created Macquarie Marketplace - an interactive map that includes great deals or new services being offered by businesses in the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury.
Categories include groceries, takeaway, retail, and services. Simply click on an icon near to where you live, and you can find businesses that are now offering deals such as contactless delivery to your door, over-the-phone or website ordering, drive-through, and even special services for the elderly.
We are continually adding to the interactive map, and urge people who know of a great deal or new service in the local community to email susan.templeman.mp@aph.gov.au to get a business added to the map.
The map is accessible via my Facebook page - @susan.templeman - or by visiting my website www.susantempleman.com.au. It's one more way we can all keep Macquarie working in these uncertain times.
Finally, there were a number of announcements by the State and Federal Governments over the last week in relation to the continuing pandemic. Here's some information on just a few:
- Rental assistance: The Government has put in place a moratorium on evictions, but Australians deserve more action. We'll continue to put pressure on the Government to deliver stronger protections in the next few days.
- Jobkeeper Payment: This new payment will allow businesses impacted by the Coronavirus to access a subsidy to continue paying their employees. To find out more, see https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-04/Fact_sheet_Info_for_Employers.pdf
- Child Care: We have welcomed the Morrison Government's announcement of the Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package. Labor has been calling for this support for weeks, and it's good that the Government is ready to work with us to help Australian families during this tough time. But mums, dads and early childhood educators are still trying to get their heads around the announcement. We've got questions about waiting lists, access and staff arrangements under this new package. If you have questions, let me know via email susan.templeman.mp@aph.gov.au
- New website: The Australian Government has launched a new website with the latest updates on COVID-19. It also contains links to health alerts, safety advice and financial support. It can be found at https://www.australia.gov.au/
- Apps: The Federal Government has released an app to help you keep up to date with of the latest news and advice. Download the Coronavirus Australia app from the App Store for iPhone or Google Play for Android.
- NSW Government grants: The NSW Government has announced that small businesses affected by the COVID-19 shutdown may be able to receive up to $10,000 in assistance. For more information, please see https://www.nsw.gov.au/your-government/the-premier/media-releases-from-the-premier/10000-grants-to-provide-fast-relief-for-nsw-small-businesses-battling-covid-19/
- New restrictions: The NSW Government has also announced new social distancing rules. For more information on the restrictions, see https://preview.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/public-health-orders
- Hotline: Service NSW now has a new 24/7 hotline for information on all state issues. Call 13 77 88.
