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Community support needed in gas crisis
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The Minister for Health and Aged Care, Rob Knowles, has called on
families and friends to support one another - especially the elderly and the vulnerable -
through the gas supply shortage.
Mr Knowles also announced a mobilisation of community support
agencies to redouble efforts to reassure those who are dependent on services such as Meals
on Wheels and home-help that they will continue to receive support.
In addition, the Department of Human Services had
undertaken to provide emergency advice for vulnerable members of the community without
family or friends to support them.
"A Home Health Support hotline has been established to
provide advice to people who need urgent assistance with home health issues such as food,
heating and hot water. The number is 1800 634 245."
Other enquiries on gas should be directed to VENCorp on 132081.
The Government has also issued several community information
bulletins to help people cope with problems which may arise as a result of the present gas
shortage.
A series of bulletins will be distributed through Councils and DHS offices from Tuesday September 29.
Supermarkets will also be distributing special pamphlets dealing with food safety and nutrition issues later this week.
The Government’s bulletins are entitled Living Without Gas, Parenting Without Gas, Nappy Washing for Domestic Purposes and Scalds and are designed to give practical and helpful advice.
(News Release, Minister for Health and Aged Care, September 27, 1998)