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LOCKDOWN: What’s open, what’s not

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The NSW Government’s snap week-long lockdown of the Greater Hunter will mean several services are affected.

After it was announced the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock, Muswellbrook, Dungog, Singleton and Port Stephens LGAs would face “stay at home” restrictions from 5pm on 5 August until 12 August, a number of financial institutions and councils were quick to respond.

The Mutual Bank’s Edgeworth branch is temporarily closing from August 5 for the duration of the Hunter’s seven-day lockdown.

However, its other outlets – at Mayfield, Dungog, East Maitland, Maitland, Raymond Terrace and Rutherford – remain open for essential banking.

CEO Geoff Seccombe said the closure was a precautionary measure to protect members and some vulnerable staff, in light of the region’s confirmed cases overnight.  

He encouraged members, where possible, to use internet banking, The Mutual Bank’s app, or phone banking for all their needs.

“Our call centre (1300 688 825) is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm and Saturday between 9am and noon to help people or for financial hardship assistance,” Mr Seccombe said.

“The Mutual Bank also has an afterhours call back service.

“The health and safety of our members, staff and the broader community is paramount.

“So, we thank everyone for their understanding and support.”

City of Newcastle’s publicly-facing facilities will also be closed to residents.

However, essential services including kerbside waste collection and patrols of beaches, ocean baths and public areas by council’s lifeguards and rangers will continue, while Beresfield Childcare Centre remains open.

“Staff will continue to undertake essential construction and maintenance services in a COVIDSafe manner and in accordance with relevant Public Health Orders,” a City of Newcastle spokesperson said.

“Summerhill Waste Management Centre is closed for domestic customers but will remain open for essential commercial waste services and kerbside collections.

“Swimming centres remain closed across Newcastle in line with the seasonal schedule.

“We’ll continue to provide customer service via telephone and online web chat between 8.30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

“We also encourage the community to follow the Public Health Order and stay at home restrictions.”

Meanwhile, Lake Macquarie mayor Kay Fraser encouraged residents and workers to do the right thing by following the directions and limiting their movements to essential purposes only.

“People may leave their homes for the reasons outlined in the Public Health Orders, which include for work or study that cannot be undertaken at home, to exercise outdoors, shopping for essential items and for care and compassionate reasons,” she said.

Locals may still attend COVID testing and vaccination sites and are urged to do so.

“Our shared pathways, foreshore areas, sports fields, beaches, skate parks and playgrounds remain open and available for people to access for exercise purposes only, while continuing to practice social distancing and hygiene rules,” Cr Fraser said.

“I encourage our Lake Macquarie community to look after each other and check in on neighbours and friends in a COVIDSafe manner to help us all get through this together.

“Council crews will be working to keep our parks and reserves maintained and available for residents’ daily exercise; continue collecting waste and serving customers online and over the phone; and deliver as many other key services as we possibly can.

“I appreciate the community’s patience and understanding during this challenging time for our council staff.”

Despite staying open to the public for local exercise, Lake Macquarie beaches will remain unpatrolled as scheduled, until the September school holidays.

Cr Fraser said council had closed many of its venues and cancelled or postponed upcoming events, including Living Smart Festival, Feast for the Senses and History Illuminated.

“Our customer service team is available online, too, at lakemac.com.au or phone on 4921 0333.”

City of Newcastle closures

  • Blackbutt Reserve (other than bush trails for essential exercise)
  • City of Newcastle libraries including the return shoots
  • City Administration Centre at 12 Stewart Avenue, including the customer service centre and the digital library
  • City Hall
  • Civic Theatre and Civic Digest
  • Community centres and halls
  • Fort Scratchley
  • Newcastle Art Gallery
  • Newcastle Museum
  • Tighes Hill Animal Facility
  • Visitor Information Centre

Lake Macquarie City Council closures

  • Council’s administrative centre for face-to-face customer service
  • Lake Mac Swim Centres
  • Rathmines and Warners Bay theatres
  • Lake Mac Libraries (extended due dates on all loan items)
  • Community centres and halls, including Hunter Sports Centre and The Place
  • Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie, yapang (MAC)
  • Visitor Information Centre at Swansea
  • Lake Mac Holiday Parks (tourists already in the parks can remain on-site)

For more information on council’s COVID-19 response, visit lakemac.com.au/COVID-19

For details regarding the lockdown or Public Health Orders, visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/COVID19

Information regarding individuals or businesses who are, or may be, contravening the current NSW Health Order should be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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