Skip to main content

Canada Bay Connects

Community & events | 03 June 2020

The very disease that began by driving us apart has in many ways, brought us closer together.

The very disease that began by driving us apart has in many ways, brought us closer together.

On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, setting into motion lockdowns and social distancing measures across the world.

In a matter of days, the City of Canada Bay's usually bustling town centres were empty of activity, with community facilities and local businesses forced to close.

“COVID-19 has impacted our community in ways we could have never imagined," said City of Canada Bay Mayor Angelo Tsirekas.

“Our residents and local businesses have gone above and beyond to support one another during this time.”

These local legends include the Touched by Olivia Foundation and Harris Farm Markets Drummoyne. Together, they have donated over 1,000 fresh food hampers to members of our community to date.

Or Silvana Gittani, whose team at Abbotsford Family Pharmacy worked overtime to ensure their customers received hard to find medicines like Ventolin and painkillers when they needed it most.

You can find these stories on the Local Legends page of Canada Bay Connects, an online portal the City of Canada Bay created to support our community during this time.

“From the outset, we’ve been concerned about the impact social isolation will have on our residents,” Mayor Angelo Tsirekas said.

“Our online community space connects residents with support services and programs they can take part in online.”

On top of this, redeployed Council staff have been hitting the pavement and picking up the phone to make sure our community stays safe and connected.

The Five Dock Leisure Centre team were among the first to deliver our community connection postcards across the area, encouraging links between neighbours.

Staff from Council facilities closed due to COVID-19 have also made over 100 calls to residents as part of our new phone support service.

“As well as those at risk of social isolation, one of the groups hardest hit by the pandemic has been our local business community,” Mayor Angelo Tsirekas said.

“We recently announced a $1.68 million assistance package to support locals and businesses through the crisis and beyond.”

Through this, local businesses can benefit from fee waivers, a rental relief policy, and access to the Canada Bay Connects Business Hub, offering training, resources, and more.

From the generosity of our residents, to the grit and determination of our local business owners, our community can be proud of its actions during this time.

Most of all, we can be proud that the City of Canada Bay remained together, while apart.

Community & events | 03 June 2020