COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
Industry Support

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• COVID Safe Business Practices

  Becoming a COVID Safe Business
  Show your commitment to COVID Safety and keeping our community safe. Complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan and register as a COVID Safe business.

  Here are the steps to become a COVID Safe business, hygiene and safety, physical distancing, digital COVID Safe badge for use on Google and social channels, posters on safety and hygiene. Download and display your COVID Safe posters and make your customers feel confident. Click here for all your information or follow the steps below -

  1. Complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan for your industry
  2. If you completed your plan you can now register as a COVID Safe business
  3. Show that you're COVID Safe by collecting customer details, displaying signage, display your COVID Safe badge and more.

  Getting back to work in a COVID Safe way
  Help for businesses and workers, including COVID-19 Safety Plans to protect staff and customers, financial relief and personalised support. See the information provided by the NSW Government to help your workplace get back to business in a COVID Safe way.

  Safe Work Australia has put together some great industry information. Here you will find the relevant information for your business.

  Keep up to date with what you can and can't do or to find out more information.

  Resources for your business
  These signs and posters can be downloaded, printed and put up around the workplace to remind staff, workers, customers and visitors of the risks of COVID-19 and how everyone can help to stop its spread.

  There is a resources kit with fact sheets, checklists and infographics and the NSW Government have provided a holiday destination kit.

  Click here to find the signage suitable for your industry.

• Quick Links

  There is so much information regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) that the following quicklinks might help you find the information faster.

  Australian Government - latest updates

  NSW Government - COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

  NSW Coronavirus Health Information - 1800 020 080  (general advice)
  

  Healthdirect - 1800 022 222 (if you have symptoms)

  Smart Traveller - 1300 555 135 (within Australia) +61 2 6261 3305 (outside Australia)

  Services Australia (Centrelink) - click here for contact numbers

  MyGov - 13 23 07

  Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14

  Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636 

  Moneysmart - moneysmart.gov.au

  National Debt Helpline - 1800 007 007 

  Safe Work NSW - 13 10 50

  Tenants Union of NSW - 1800 251 101

  Australian Banking Association - 02 8298 0417

  Fair Work Ombudsman - 13 13 94

  Law Access and Legal Aid NSW - 1300 888 529

  Hunter New England Health - 4921 3000
  

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1. TRAVEL ADVICE & RESTRICTIONS

• Current Travel Advice

  International Travel
  

  All passengers who arrive in Australia will go into mandatory quarantine in hotels for 14 days.

  There is a 'do not travel' ban on Australians travelling overseas. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs. Find out more on its Leaving Australia page.

  What you need to know about self-isolating.

  Domestic Travel
  States and territories can apply their own restrictions, including closing their state borders and additional quarantine requirements.

  Click here to find out more about restrictions in your state or territory

  Travel Updates
  For the latest Australian travel restrictions, visit the Department of Home Affairs or Department of Health

  For advice on travelling outside of Australia, visit Smart Traveller

• Self - Isolation

  A person with COVID-19 or who is suspected to have it must go into mandatory isolation as directed by their public health authority. Read more about what isolation is, steps you should take while in isolation, and what to do if you live with someone in isolation.

  How to self-isolate information.

   

• Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre

  We are following the advice and regulations set out by the Australian Government, NSW Department of Health and the NSW Government.

  The Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre is closed until further notice (current as of 17/8/2021) however the team are available 9:00am-4:00pm Monday to Friday to help with any enquiries you may have. Phone 1800 808 900 or email info@portstephens.org.au. 

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2. HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS

• Latest Information

  For the current information on health recommendations, visit NSW Health and Australian Government Department of Health.

  For further health advice and downloadable assets on being prepared for COVID-19, protecting yourself and others from getting sick and coping with stress during the outbreak. Information and downloads are available here. 

  If you have any health questions regarding COVID-19, you can call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080. Healthdirect have resources that can answer your Frequently asked questions (FAQs) 

• Vaccinations

  Getting vaccinated.

  COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone in Australia.

  You can get the vaccine now if you are 18 years of age or older, or match the eligibility criteria because of your job, health issues or if you are caring for a vulnerable person.

  To get the COVID-19 vaccine, you must book an appointment via the  vaccine eligibility checker.

  National coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccine helpline. Phone 1800 020 080.

• About COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

  Advice on the COVID-19 (coronavirus) infection for people living, working and visiting NSW.

  What you need to know about the virus, statistics, confirmed cases, symptoms and getting tested.

  The NSW Government has put together a simple 'find the facts'.

  Learn about the symptoms of COVID-19, how it's spread and what to do if you're feeling unwell.

  How to protect yourself and others from Coronavirus. 

• Vaccinations and the Workplace

  Helping you and your business navigate the Australian COVID-19 vaccine rollout in an ever-changing landscape. Businesses play a vital role in helping to support staff in getting vaccinated. 

  Download the Employer Guide.

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3. RULES & REGULATIONS

• Regional and Rural Restrictions

  Rules and restrictions for the regional and rural affected areas in NSW where stay at home rules are in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19 are available online. 

  nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/affected-regions

  Contacts and enquiries

  Call Service NSW 24 hours, 7 days a week on 13 77 88

  Call the national coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccine helpline on 1800 020 080 (24/7)

• The Roadmap

  The 3 stages for NSW to move out of stay at home orders have been announced:
  
  70% full vaccination target reopening starts for fully vaccinated people – expected to be Monday 11 October.
  
  80% full vaccination target further easing of restrictions for fully vaccinated people – expected to be Monday 25 October.
  
  Wednesday 1 December opening up NSW for everyone whether vaccinated or not.
  
  Even though NSW is reopening, you'll still need to follow some safety precautions, including:

  • COVID-Safe check-ins and proof of vaccination required for staff and customers. Staff in regional local government areas only need to prove one vaccine dose and a booking for a second dose to return to work.
  • Capacity limit of 1 person per 4 square metres for all indoor publicareas
  • Masks are required for staff and customers who are 12 years and over, in all indoor public venues, as well as for hospitality staff outdoors. Masks are still mandatory on public transport.

  How to show you're vaccinated

  You will need to show proof that you’re vaccinated when you check in to businesses.
  
  You can get your proof of vaccination from:

  • the Express Plus Medicare mobile app
  • your Medicare online account through myGov
  • MyHealth Record
  • Australian Immunisation Register (printed copy only)
  • the Service NSW app (coming soon)

  If you are unable to be vaccinated because of a medical contraindication (which means a person should not receive a certain medicine because it may be harmful to them), you will need to get a medical exemption form signed by your doctor and carry it with you.

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4. RESOURCES & SUPPORT

• Port Stephens Council COVID-19 Business Support

  In response to the issues facing our local business community as a result of COVID-19 (coronavirus), Council has established a Business Support Service to connect business with information on government support, advice and professional services.

  Call our Small Business Support Hotline on 02 4988 0255 or email ed@portstephens.nsw.gov.au and our team will help connect you with the advice you need.

  Information can also be found on the Port Stephens Council website.

• Industry News - Destination NSW & Tourism Australia

  It is a challenging time and the tourism industry is being widely impacted by measures introduced to control the spread of COVID-19.

  Destination NSW will provide regular updates to keep industry informed via this website, our industry newsletter Insights (with frequency increased to twice weekly - Wednesday and Friday), and Destination NSW’s social media channels (Facebook and Twitter).

  In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Tourism Australia is hosting a series of weekly webinars with different guest speakers. Please subscribe to Essentials Newsletter to get updates on how to register for future webinars. 

• It's Our Best Shot for Travel Toolkit - Tourism Australia

  Tourism Australia has launched its latest industry initiative 'It's our best shot for travel'.

  The social media and print initiative encourages Australians to get vaccinated and be ready to go as soon as restrictions ease. Our toolkit features a range of ways for industry to share this message.

  Now more than ever, we need to work together to build Australian's confidence to travel and take a holiday here in their own country.

  Download the toolkit to share the COVID-19 vaccination message and help support the tourism industry.

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5. STIMULUS PACKAGE & FINANCIAL SUPPORT

• NSW Government COVID-19 Support Package

  2021 COVID-19 Support Package as of 19 August 2021

  The NSW Government will provide financial assistance, support measures and tax relief to help businesses and people across the state impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions.

  Individuals and households
  Help is available for people who have lost their job or cannot pay their rent, and for homeowners struggling with their mortgage repayments.

  • Test and isolate payment
  • Extreme hardship payment
  • Eviction moratorium for residential tenants
  • Services Australia: COVID-19 disaster payment
  • Services Australia: Pandemic leave disaster payment
  • Dine & Discover NSW vouchers program
  • If your job has been affected
  • Guide for home owners in financial difficulty

  Businesses, sole traders and small not-for-profits
  The new small business support payment will support up to an estimated 500,000 entities employing more than 3 million people.

  • COVID-19 Business Grants
  • JobSaver
  • COVID-19 Micro Business Grants
  • Payroll tax deferrals
  • Payroll tax concessions
  • Gaming Machine Tax deferrals
  • Free mental health coaching and training

  Residential and commercial landlords tenants
  Eligible tenants will be protected from eviction if they have been financially impacted by COVID-19. Concessions will be available to landlords who pass on rent reductions to their tenants.

  • Eviction moratorium for residential tenants
  • Tenants in commercial or retail premises
  • Landlords leasing commercial properties
  • Landlords leasing residential properties

   

  Click here for the full support package. Download the fact sheet to see what support is available.

• Australian Government Support

  The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present new challenges and the Government’s economic support continues to evolve.

  The 2021-22 Budget committed an additional $41 billion in direct economic support, bringing total support since the beginning of the pandemic to $291 billion as of May 2021.

  Building on that support, the Government is working with states and territories to provide further financial assistance to workers and businesses affected by lockdowns and restrictions in COVID-19 hotspots.

  Disaster payment for workers.

  QLD support to business
  ACT support to business
  TAS support to business
  SA support to business
  NSW support to business
  VIC support to business  

  Visit the Australian Treasury Economic Response to the Coronavirus for detailed information.

• Assistance from Financial Sector

  If you are having some financial difficulty Australian banks have hardship teams ready to help. If you’re dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic there are practical ways your bank can help. The type of assistance will depend on individual circumstances.

  If your small business has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and lock downs, contact your bank online today.

  The Australian Banking Association has a list of small business FAQs.

  Assistance can  include:

  • A deferral of scheduled loan repayments
  • Waiving fees and charges
  • Interest free periods or no interest rate increases
  • Debt consolidation to help make repayments more manageable.

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6. MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

• Wellbeing Support

  Coronavirus is likely to have a big impact on the mental health of business owners. In these challenging times, it is inevitable that many of us will struggle, including experiencing anxiety, distress, and concern in relation to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impacts.

  Support and resources are available to you at all times. You are not alone.

  Here is some information on your mental health & wellbeing during the Coronaviris COVID-19 outbreak.  

  Lifeline — 13 11 14

  Beyond Blue — 1300 224 636

  MensLine Australia — 1300 789 978

  Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467

  Kids Helpline — 1800 551 800

  Headspace — 1800 650 890

  Mates in Construction - 1300 642 111

  Yacaaba Centre - 02 4984 2176

  Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre - 02 4984 6220

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7. WORKING ON YOUR BUSINESS

• Information for Employers & Employees

  Find out about workplace entitlements and obligations if you or your workers are affected by the outbreak of COVID-19.

  Information including stand downs from work, working arrangements, entitlements, WHS (Work, Health and Safety) and obligations.

  Australian Government Fair Work Ombudsman - Call 13 13 94.

  Safe Work NSW and Safe Work Australia - advice and guidance for workplaces. Call 13 10 50.

  Fair Trading NSW - Call 13 32 20.

• Webinars, Toolkits & Training

  Now is the time to learn as much as you can about your business. The online information is endless.

  Here are just a few ideas of social channels to follow, newsletters to sign up to, resources, webinars, tips and tricks.

  The page will be updated regularly with new opportunities and resources.

  Training and Education 

  • The Business Centre - 02 4925 7700. A team of business advisors to help you navigate through the stages of your business. Advice, education and courses, events and workshops and mentoring. 
  • Facebook Business - Learn the skills you need with these free online courses covering Facebook, Instagram and Messenger.
    Click on the course that interests you; All Courses, Facebook Courses; Instagram Courses; Messenger Courses
  • Destination NSW Develop your Tourism Business
  • Hootsuite social media toolkits

  Webinars

  • The Business Centre
  • Tourism Australia weekly Coronavirus Webinar Series CLICK HERE 
  • Hootsuite

  Resources

  • Lets Help Hunter Business - online portal sharing free COVID-19 business guides
  • Destination NSW - Tools for Tourism Businesses in Challenging Times

  YouTube channels to follow - 

  • The Business Centre
  • The Creative Collective
  • Visit NSW
  • Australia

  Podcasts -
  

  • The Company You Keep

  Facebook pages to follow -

  • The Business Centre
  • The Creative Collective
  • Destination NSW
  • Port Stephens
  • Hootsuite
  • Australia

  Subscribe to the following newsletters - 

  • Tourism Australia 'Essentials'
  • Destination NSW 'Insights'

  Money Smart COVID-19 making financial decisions https://moneysmart.gov.au  

• Grants

  See if you are able to apply for any upcoming grants to help your business. 

  • Federal Government grants and support for business
  • NSW Government business funding programs
  • GrantGuru Australian grants database - Port Stephens Council
  • Destination NSW tourism specific funding