COVID-19 COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAM

Program Overview

The COVID-19 Community Grants program (CGP) offers grants to not-for-profit community organisations in Victoria which have previously received Department of Health COVID-19 funding to continue to support priority groups to use protective behaviours to keep their communities safe from illness this winter. The Program is administered by the Targeted Programs Team in the Department of Health (the department).

Program Objectives

The COVID-19 Community Grants program aims to support community organisations to deliver engagement activities to support priority groups to:

Get vaccinated
Wear a facemask
Let fresh air in (Ventilation)
Stay home if unwell
Get tested if unwell
Get medicines if at risk.

AfriAus iLEAC’s work

Adopting a Clearing House Modus Operandi, via partnership with previous and new organisations, and harnessing technology and a range of special experiences, expertise, and talent, AfriAus iLEAC contributes towards reducing the pressure on our hospitals and the health system. AfriAus iLEAC will scale up its operation to not only extend its reach but also to timely reach the target groups and communities. Hence, help to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and the influenza.

Digital and printed content are provided to support COVID-19 safe behaviours.

1. Engagement calls or texts

This will provide information to targeted groups by AfriAus iLEAC and interested reps from LUVPACKS Partners and the GirlForce Steering Committee/participants to support COVID-19 Safe Behaviors.

2. Implementation of various activities

There are Behaviors that need to be promoted and advocated for through messages and other activities that engage the community on COVID-19 protection.

Digital and printed content are provided to support COVID-19 safe behaviours.

Messages will highlight:

Mask Wearing: Which are of good quality (Government will provide the kits) to protect from COVID & flu. Masks will be distributed to target cohorts.
Ventilation: Good ventilation ensuring a good flow of fresh air to COVID-19 safe environment mainly during gatherings indoors. Or else, go outside when gathering.
Isolation: When you feel unwell, isolate. Podcasts (audio), written/Printed, illustrated messages, and vodcasts – video clips (interviews, spoken word, music, role-playing) on benefits of isolation and consequences of ignoring isolation.
COVID-19 Testing: Take a RAT if you have symptoms and take a PCR if you are high risk.
Treatment encouragement: Clear messages advise COVID-positive people and at risk that you may be eligible for anti-viral treatment – therefore, consult a GP (General Practitioner/Doctor) or a GP Respiratory Clinic as soon as possible.
Vaccination: To support and inform people who are eligible for 3rd and 4th doses.

These will target different age groups, providing them with updates on COVID-19 safe community engagement.

3. Other Engagement activities to support COVID-safe behaviours

Dissemination of COVIDSafe behaviour messages through:
- Podcasts and Vodcasts Production: AfriAus iLEAC’s pioneering Our Voice Community Wellbeing Podcast’ channel will feature the voice of Multicultural Victorians from diverse community backgrounds to ensure a collective responsibility in maintaining well-connected, educated, inspired, healthier, more resilient, and safer communities during adversity – COVID-19. Together we can go far.
Distribution of masks.
Distribution of RAT kits
Provision of community information sharing sessions/forums (Face-to-face and online)