City of Kalamunda closes facilities to help flatten the Curve
The City of Kalamunda has closed its public facilities due to COVID-19 from 12pm, Monday 23rd March, citing the need to all act now and help flatten the curve in the wake of the pandemic. Mayor Margaret Thomas today announced the closure of all City recreation centres, libraries, cultural centres, including the Zig Zag Cultural Centre and History Village, Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre and the Kalamunda Water Park.
Mayor Thomas said the City of Kalamunda Administration and Operations Centre was also closed to the public.
“We will continue to serve customers over the phone and by email, but we can’t do face to face enquiries,” Mayor Thomas said. “All of the City’s halls for hire have also been closed.”
Mayor Margaret Thomas said the closures were necessary to slow down community transmission of coronavirus. “Washing hands and keeping a metre away from each other are the only ways to slow the spread of coronavirus,”
“We expect these closures will remain in place for six months, in line with new federal and state laws, however we understand the closures will be reviewed as necessary.”
The City’s libraries offer online access to books and resources, Mayor Thomas said. “The City is exploring options to facilitate borrowing, where people can book an appointment or arrange collection of materials without needing to come in and select from the library itself.”
The closure of the City’s facilities is due to yesterday’s Federal announcement and the new WA Government stage one restrictions on social gatherings. This means the following facilities will be restricted from opening from midday local time 23 March 2020:
- Pubs, registered and licenced clubs (excluding bottle shops), hotels (excluding accommodation)
- Gyms and indoor sporting venues
- Cinemas, entertainment venues, casinos, and night clubs
- Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery
- Religious gatherings, places of worship or funerals (in enclosed spaces and other than very small groups and where the 1 person per 4 square metre rule applies).
Mayor Thomas said she was deeply concerned about the economic effect of the closures. “Jobs are being lost across Australia, and sadly Kalamunda won’t be excluded. The financial challenges coming our way are immense. The Federal Government’s stimulation package will help people who have lost their jobs due to the Coronavirus, and the WA Government’s package is designed to help businesses cope. I encourage locals to utilise all that is currently available.”
“I know that we are resilient and we will bounce back, right now it’s about buckling down.”
“I urge anyone who is at risk to self-isolate. We all need to do our bit.”
The full list of City of Kalamunda venues closed from 12pm, Monday 23rd March: City Administration Centre
- City Operations Centre
- City Libraries (Kalamunda, Lesmurdie, Forrestfield, High Wycombe)
- Zig Zag Cultural Centre & Gallery
- Kalamunda History Village
- Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre
- Hartfield Park Recreation Centre
- High Wycombe Recreation Centre including the 24/7 gym fitness centre
- Ray Owen Sports Centre
- Maida Vale Netball Courts
- Kalamunda Water Park
- All City of Kalamunda Community Halls, including Woodlupine family and Community Centre and the Jack Healey Centre.
Mayor Thomas said the Walliston Transfer Station would remain open currently, with additional safety measures in place.
As, always, people can contact the City on (08) 9257 9999 or by email (enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au )
You can also complete most business transactions and payments on the City’s website
The City’s COVID-19 taskforce is meeting regularly to support the Kalamunda Leadership Team, which is coordinating our pandemic response and has done an excellent job to date.
“The priority is keeping our people and our communities well while continuing to deliver essential services. In line with various health and government recommendations, we are playing our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and the City has adjusted their work practices accordingly.”
“Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Some people will recover easily, and others may get very sick very quickly.”
People with coronavirus may experience:
- fever
- flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and fatigue shortness of breath
Further information about COVID-19 can be found directly from WA Government.
Website: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/coronavirus-covid-19 | Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020.080