COVID-19: WHAT IT MEANS FOR EMAC – HOW ARE WE KEEPING OUR STAFF AND COMMUNITY SAFE?
The advice from the Department of Health is that people with chronic illnesses are at higher risk of having health complications due to COVID-19. We know that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have a higher rate of chronic illness than the wider population and for that reason, we feel it is vital to take the following steps to slow the spread of the virus through our community.
Our Staff
EMAC staff will be undertaking work from home for the time being. All ‘in-person’ meetings, both internal and external have been cancelled and all meetings will be undertaken via phone/video conferencing.
Non EMAC initiated Community events (Welcome to Country bookings etc)
EMAC will not be taking bookings for Welcome to Country or other community services for events/activities for the time being.
EMAC initiated Native Title Meetings/ Full Group Meetings’
All EMAC Native Title / Full Group meetings have been postponed for the time being.
Cultural Landscapes field work
Under our statutory Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) obligations, established by the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, we are working closely with Aboriginal Victoria who are assisting RAPs as the COVID-19 situation evolves.
Aboriginal Victoria has acknowledged that the impact of COVID-19 on the operation of RAPs may be substantial. They will be working on how government can ensure RAPs emerge strongly from the crisis.
Interim RAP and Cultural Landscapes operations
- • All cultural heritage bookings received prior to COVID-19 (corona virus) pandemic will be assessed on necessity and priority of the job being undertaken.
- • In the unlikely event that the job is required to be undertaken a risk assessment will be carried out and strategies put in place to either minimise or eliminate the identified risks to EMAC field representatives.
We acknowledge that these control measures are above and beyond the advice from government, but we feel obligated to take a proactive stance and lead by example in the best interests of our community.
It is important to note that EMAC is still operating and we will do our best to be available when our community and stakeholders need our assistance. We are actively monitoring the situation and taking on direction, advice and information that has been made available from our State and Federal health agencies and the State workplace health and safety regulator.
These are challenging times and we greatly appreciate everyone’s patience as we manage through and continually monitor this evolving situation.
Our two main contacts that are actively monitored are: 0481 761 990 (call or text) and email admin@easternmaar.com.au.
Kind Regards
Marcus Clarke
Eastern Maar CEO
