For many in our community, the world as we know feels like it’s turned upside down right now.
Many are doing it tough – those who have lost their jobs or are facing redundancy, those who are battling to keep their businesses open and those worried about elder members of their families and those with underlying health conditions vulnerable to COVID-19. As a fishing community we are bound by the same interests and passion to make fishing better in WA and we rally together in times of need. We are encouraging everyone to reach out for support where needed and keep talking to one another in order to get through to the other side.
Given that fishing with our mates will be on pause for a while, we encourage you to reach out and check in with each other. Fishing chat, banter, social and club catch-ups can continue through social media and virtual meeting technology. On the other side we’ll need fishing more than ever before with the mental health and wellbeing benefits it offers and to help get our economy going again.
During this crisis Recfishwest will continue to work hard progressing projects like artificial reefs, FADs and Aussie natives stocking that can make recfishing better on the other side. We’re also going to be reaching out to the recfishing community and the tackle industry to find out what we can do to support you through these hard times. We are a solution-based organisation and we want to better understand what your immediate needs are and how we can help.
In the meantime, here are some resources and services available for individuals and businesses impacted by COVID-19. These resources can assist in ensuring you’re doing what you can for your own mental health and wellbeing, your business, but also your families’ too. Because, at the end of the day, there is nothing more important than keeping yourself and loved ones safe.
Support for individuals
Get your information from trusted sources and stay up to date:
- WA Department of Health website. Click here.
- Federal Department of Health website.
- WA Sate Government – COVID-19 information.
- Official government “Coronavirus Australia” app in the Apple App Store or Google Play. Stay up to date by download the app to your smartphone or device.
- The Government has also developed a WhatsApp channel on iOS or Android. To join this channel, send a blank message to o +61 400 253 787 on WhatsApp and you will be added to the governments WhatsApp channel where you can get the latest information.
- The Coronavirus Health Information Line is available to call 24 hrs, 7 days per week for information on Coronavirus 1800-020-080.
Mental Health
Below is a list of comprehensive and effective online services and programs that are available free of charge. If you’re experiencing mental distress, these services can help you understand and address your needs through self-assessment, self-help and, if you choose, online professional support:
- Lifeline Australia – a national charity providing Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour support and suicide prevention services. Ph: 13 11 14
- Mensline – A telephone and online counselling service for men with emotional health and relationships concerns. Ph: 1300 789 978
- Kids Helpline – Free, private and confidential phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 – 25. Ph: 1800 551 80
- Beyond Blue – learn more about anxiety, depression and suicide prevention, or talk through your concerns with their support service. Ph: 1300 22 4636.
- Heads Up– a Beyond Blue and Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance initiative that provides business owners with free tools and resources to look after their mental health at work and achieve a mentally healthy workplace.
- Mental Health Online – Online services free of charge for those experiencing mental distress.
- Business in Mind– a program developed by the University of Tasmania focusing on mental health especially tailored to small and medium business owners.
- Ahead for Business– a website and app with information, programs and interventions to support small business owners with their mental health and wellbeing.
Support for you and your business during COVID-19
- A guide for preparing a business against coronavirus – practical checklist to help you manage the impact of coronavirus. Click here for more.
Government financial assistance:
JobKeeper Payment – designed to help businesses affected by COVID-19 to cover the costs of their employees’ wages, so that more employees can retain their job and continue to earn an income. It is also available to self-employed business operators, such as sole-traders. Eligible businesses will receive $1,500 per employee per fortnight for up to six months.
Boosting cash flow for businesses- support for businesses to manage cashflow challenges and help retain their employees. More information and to see if your business is eligible,
Keep apprentices and trainees on – The subsidy will be available to small businesses employing fewer than 20 employees who retain an apprentice or trainee.
Instant asset write-off – From 12 March 2020 until 30 June 2020, the instant asset write-off threshold is $150,000 (up from $30,000) and eligibility range covers businesses with an aggregated turnover of less than $500 million (up from $50 million). More information here.
Backing business investment – Businesses with an aggregated turnover of less than $500 million are able to accelerate their depreciation deductions on the purchase of certain new depreciable assets. This applies to eligible assets acquired and first used or installed ready for use from 12 March 2020 until 30 June 2021. Click here for more.
Australian Tax Office support – super payments, low interest payment plans, payment deferrals – If you or your business has been affected by COVID-19 and you need help to pay your existing and ongoing tax liabilities, contact the ATO on 1800 806 218. More here.
