As we move closer to the 3 March border opening date and case numbers continue to grow rapidly throughout the community, inevitably moving into regional areas, it is essential that the regional service providers are prepared for outbreaks that could impact their workforce and ability to deliver quality, essential services to clients.

We understand that regional WA has its own unique set of challenges that make preparing for living with COVID-19 difficult, which is why WACOSS, alongside the WA Department of Communities, is offering this webinar specifically targeted towards community services organisations in regional WA.

We know there are a number of issues and concerns around the provision of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and cleaning services to the community services sector that remain unanswered, and that there will be additional logistical challenges for regional areas. WACOSS would like to assure our members and the sector at large that we are working on these logistical issues as a priority.

We are engaged in an ongoing dialogue with the WA government to have these questions answered and we will be sure to update our members as soon as we have more information that can be shared - hopefully soon!

In the interim, this webinar will be focused on offering practical solutions to workforce and service provision issues, as well as offering a space where your questions can be answered by representatives of the WA Government and WACOSS as the peak body for the Community Services Sector.

A short presentation from Parkerville Children and Youth Care Services will also be shown as an example of a comprehensive business continuity and succession plan from the community services sector to help other organisations with their preparation.