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Free Rapid Antigen Tests for Baw Baw community available at Drouin Customer Service Centre from 3 January 2023

Free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) available for vulnerable community members of Baw Baw Shire.

By news@gippsland - 3rd January 2023 - Back to News

From Tuesday 3 January, eligible community members within Baw Baw Shire will be able to collect free Rapid Antigen Tests from the Drouin Customer Service Centre, located at 33 Young Street, Drouin. The Department of Health (DH) is expanding its Community COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) Program with councils to make RATs free and available for priority and high-risk community members.

If you test negative and feel unwell, stay home until your symptoms go away, if you must go out, wear a well fitted mask when indoors and shared outdoor spaces

Expanded program

The expanded program has provided funding to council to distribute five tests (1 kit) to eligible community members, including:

• People aged 70 years or older
• People with disability, immunocompromised people (self-declared) or their carer

Eligible community members also include concession card holders:

• Victorian Seniors card
• Pensioner Concession card
• Commonwealth Senior Health Care card
• Health Care card
• Low Income Health Care card
• Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold, White or Orange cards

People with disability or their carer can receive 20 tests (4 kits), in line with eligibility criteria, as funded by the Victorian government, council has been provided $30,000 to deliver the expanded program until 31 July 2023, including:

• NDIS participants
• Disability support pensioners
• People with a disability who receive a Transport Accident Commission benefit

Community members who may be experiencing symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, are strongly advised to reach out to a guardian or carer to collect a free RAT kit on their behalf to protect those around them. For more information about getting tested and reporting a positive RAT result, visit the Department of Health website { Know more about the CoronaVirus information and updates in Victoria } or alternatively you can call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 675 398.

Opportunity to take part

Mayor Annemarie McCabe said, "Working throughout the pandemic, I have seen firsthand the impacts Covid-19 has on vulnerable members within our community as well as the strain it puts on our healthcare services."

"Baw Baw Shire Council welcomes the opportunity to take part in the local council distribution program to greatly support our community throughout the festive season and into the new year." Ms McCabe said.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Stallholder applications have opened for the 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo, offering organisations and entertainers the chance to connect with thousands of local families during National Children's Week celebrations.
• Latrobe City Positive Ageing Festival returns with more than 100 events celebrating connection, activity and older residents this October
  Latrobe City’s Positive Ageing Festival returns in October with more than 100 free and low-cost events supporting older residents through connection, activity, learning and community participation.
• Marlo named sole East Gippsland finalist in Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, celebrating community spirit
  Marlo was East Gippsland’s sole finalist in the Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, recognised for its authentic visitor experiences and strong community-driven tourism campaign.
• Flight test command centre opens, strengthening Latrobe's role in Australia's advanced aviation innovation sector and creating new opportunities
  Latrobe's new Flight Test Range Command Centre has opened at Latrobe Regional Airport, supporting advanced aviation research, drone technology, investment, manufacturing growth and skilled jobs across the region.
• West Gippsland Arts Centre opens 2027 exhibition applications for artists and creatives across all visual disciplines and genres
  West Gippsland Arts Centre is inviting artists across visual disciplines to submit expressions of interest for its 2027 exhibition program, with submissions closing October 12, 2026.
• Put your phone down and connect through art at Cowes’ new Analog Art Club starting 1st of December 2026
  Analog Art Club launches at Berninneit Art Gallery, Cowes, on 1 December, offering free monthly phone-free mornings with art, creative workshops and conversations led by artists and curators. Registration is essential.
• Warragul Library Centre moves closer with early works starting ahead of major construction and 2028 opening
  Early works for Warragul $30 million Library and Learning Centre will begin next week, preparing the site for construction. The facility will feature library, cultural, meeting and co-working spaces, opening in 2028.
• Labor invests $120,000 to modernise Traralgon Library with new study pods and improved community spaces
  Harriet Shing joined Latrobe City Mayor Cr Gibson and councillors to announce a $120,000 library upgrade, jointly funded by government and council
• Flight Test Range Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting Gippsland's drone and aerospace industries and economic diversification
  A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport will support drone and aerospace innovation, attract investment and create jobs across Gippsland's emerging Advanced Air Mobility sector.
• New Flight Test Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting advanced aviation jobs, investment and innovation
  A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport has opened, supporting advanced aviation research, attracting investment, strengthening local businesses and creating new jobs across Gippsland.
• Southern Rural Water manages Gippsland storages during rainfall, balancing flood risks, water supplies and community safety
  Southern Rural Water managed Gippsland water storages during significant weekend rainfall, using controlled releases to create capacity, reduce flood risks and protect community safety and water supplies.
• Melina Bath honours Colin "Stocky" Stockdale for 63 years of outstanding CFA service to South Gippsland community
  Melina Bath congratulated Colin "Stocky" Stockdale on receiving the CFA's highest honour, recognising his 63 years of leadership, mentorship and dedicated service protecting South Gippsland communities.
• Gippsland commuters stranded after V/Line services end early, prompting calls for reliable regional rail services
  Melina Bath criticised Gippsland rail disruptions after AFL fans were stranded following an early service cutoff, calling for reliable regional transport and promising 1,110 additional seats on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services.
• Bairnsdale Library unveils upgraded outdoor spaces with new shade structures, refreshed courtyard and improved facilities for community activities
  Bairnsdale Library has unveiled upgraded outdoor spaces featuring two louvred shade structures, refreshed courtyard landscaping and vegetable beds, supported by $79,104 in Living Libraries Infrastructure Program funding.