COVID-19 Support

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Support for volunteers

Volunteering Tasmania is strongly encouraging all volunteers to be vaccinated to protect their health and safety and that of the community.

As the mandating of COVID-19 vaccinations continues for a range of Commonwealth and State Government roles and sites, the not-for–profit sector is continuing to develop and review their vaccination policies.

The Tasmanian Government has adopted recommendations from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee and has mandated that certain workers are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The Public Health Direction, Vaccination requirements for certain workers, requires that a person covered under the Direction is sufficiently vaccinated against COVID-19.

We encourage you to ask the organisation you volunteer with about the impact of Public Health orders on the organisation and about any relevant COVID-19 vaccination policies that could impact your role.

Volunteering Tasmania is here to support organisations and volunteers as we work together to navigate through the uncertainty and impacts of COVID-19. The work of volunteers is as important as ever, while we need to take steps to keep ourselves, and those we come into contact with, safe.

Volunteering Tasmania continues to work with the Tasmanian Government to provide up-to-date information for volunteers and volunteer involving organisations.

For the most up-to-date news, please visit the information sites found in the Quicklinks on the right.

Volunteers, Vaccinations and Preparedness Webinar

Volunteering Tasmania provided this webinar specifically to support our member organisations and volunteers to gain clarity on current COVID-19 regulations around volunteers, vaccinations and preparedness with the Tasmanian borders opening on 15 December 2021.

Hosted by:

  • Dr Lisa Schimanski, CEO Volunteering Tasmania

Speakers:

  • Graeme Lodge, Manager Communications, Aged Care Emergency Operations Centre (ACEOC)
  • Simon Roberts, COVID-19 Emergency Coordination Centre, Department of Health
  • Derek Turner and Gavin Deadman, AON Insurance

Resources to support volunteers

You can continue to volunteer if the organisation you are volunteering for is still operating and your vaccination status aligns with the organisation’s policy. Talk to your volunteer program coordinator/manager about how best to continue your volunteer role. You may wish to work out what is best for your health, in consultation with your GP or health practitioner.

What is the Check in TAS card and how do I get one?

Community members who do not own a smartphone or are unable to use the Check in TAS app, can now register for a Check in TAS card. The free card contains a unique QR code which can be scanned at businesses and venues across Tasmania.

How do I provide proof of vaccination? 

Services Australia have a web page that tells you the best way to get proof of your COVID-19 vaccination for your situation.

Does the requirement to be vaccinated constitute as unlawful discrimination?

The status of being unvaccinated is not one of the attributes the Anti-discrimination Act cover. Equal Opportunity Tasmania have developed a comprehensive resource to provide further clarity.

What is the COVID-19 Health Care Plan?

The Department of Health has issued new COVID-19 health posters which explain the COVID-19 Health Care plans, reminders on what to do if you feel unwell and a map outlining hospital preparedness across Tasmania. If you contract COVID-19, your COVID-19 Health Care Plan may include being supported by the COVID@home Program, which is a 24-hour, 7 day a week virtual service, ensuring the necessary supports are in place to safely stay at home, or in some cases, a visit to Community Case Management Facility or for critically unwell people, hospital treatment.

Is there financial support available?

Yes. The Tasmanian State Government has a Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment available, which is a lump sum payment to help you during the 14 days you need to self-isolate, quarantine or care for someone with COVID-19. Additionally, Pandemic Isolation Assistance Grants are available to support low income persons, casual workers and self-employed persons who are required to self-isolate due to COVID-19 risk. You will need to check your eligibility for this payment.

Emergency volunteering

Volunteering Tasmania is proud to play a key role in connecting volunteers and their skills to people, places and organisations who need it most following a disaster. With funding from the Tasmanian Government, we maintain a database of volunteers who want to contribute in some way to help others through a crisis or disaster.

At a time when our country is facing an unprecedented number and scale of emergency events, the possibility for requiring this ‘surge capacity’ becomes ever more real. If this is something that you’re interested in getting involved in, check out the Emergency Volunteering page.

Note: You will only be contacted should a need for additional volunteers in emergency situations arise. Registration to the database does not guarantee a volunteering opportunity.