COVID-19
We will keep you updated on Council's service changes due to COVID-19 below.
For health information visit NSW Health or call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.
Updated 9 August 2022
Conditions of entry into our places
- Face masks are optional. Masks provide an extra layer of protection against COVID-19 and flu and are strongly recommended in crowded places.
- Please practice social distancing and follow staff instructions.
- If you feel unwell or are experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms, please stay at home.
Current rules and public health orders
Visit the NSW Government website for the current rules that apply to people in NSW.
Find the latest public health orders at the NSW legislation website.
Staff shortages
Inner West Council is experiencing staffing shortages due to the current COVID-19 situation. These shortages may impact on some of our services - we will advise affected customers. We apologise for any inconvenience.
For more information call 9392 5000.
Vaccination information
Visit the NSW Government's Get Vaccinated page to find out how and where to get your COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, and what to expect when you go to get your vaccination.
An additional winter booster vaccination for COVID-19 is currently available for people 30 and over. You can get your winter booster 3 months after your first booster dose, or 3 months after a confirmed COVID-19 infection if you've had COVID-19 since your first booster dose.
In 2021 Council ran a large-scale public education campaign encouraging the entire Inner West community to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Find out more about the campaign here.
Arts
Chrissie Cotter Gallery and Thirning Villa Gallery are now open.
Council’s Creative and Cultural Resilience Grants Program closed in 2020. Find out more at the Creative and Cultural Resilience Grants webpage.
Council has created a support page for the local arts and cultural sector, which lists relevant grants, information and resources, including mental health support.
Business support
Council recognises that small businesses are the backbone of the Inner West economy and community.
Council is determined to support small businesses during this difficult time as they struggle to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak.
Council's support for local business complements that available from other levels of government.
COVID-19 artwork toolkit for businesses and workplace
The NSW Government has created a toolkit with a selection of artwork that can be printed professionally, or by using an office colour printer. By printing and displaying these posters, signs and stickers, you will be helping to protect the people of your community. Find the toolkit here
Quick links from NSW State Government
The NSW State Government has a range of measures to support local business
Call Service NSW 13 77 88 for further information
Rates relief for property owners
Ratepayers experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 may apply to defer payment of rates.
Find further details on our Rates relief webpage
Promoting local food businesses
Council has established a list of food businesses that are open for takeaway or delivery, and a social media campaign encouraging residents to support their local restaurants and cafes.
Food businesses are encouraged to submit their listing.
Rent relief for Council tenants
Council is already in contact with its tenants, to ascertain if they are suffering financial hardship and to discuss their individual circumstances.
Fee waivers
Council is currently exploring a package of fee waivers for small businesses that may be seeking development approvals or permits. More information to come.
Actions Council already has in place to support small business
- Main Street parking meters in Leichhardt, Rozelle and Balmain shopping strips turned off after 7pm to help the night-time economy
- Abolishing outdoor dining fees, saving local businesses $1.5 million over three years
- Holding regular business forums, events, workshops and mentoring programs
Childcare services
Please contact the Service Coordinator for the centre for information.
General enquiries
childcareconcerns@innerwest.nsw.gov.au
Community language translations
Council offers a free interpreter service. Talk to someone in your language.
A range of state and federal departments and organisations have translated vital information about how to stay safe in times of COVID-19 in community languages. Please note that not all sites have translated information into all languages.
Community support services
Inner West Council staff recognise how important it is to continue to connect with community groups and other not-for-profits and NGOs in the area, to work with these groups so we can better support our vulnerable community members during this difficult period.
We have collated a list or helpful places to find information and support services.
Find further information and support service details
Construction industry support
Extended construction work days and hours, which were introduced across NSW in April 2020 as an industry support measure during the pandemic, ended on 31 March 2022.
From 31 March 2022 onwards, the permitted days and hours for construction work are determined by the approved conditions for each individual development. This means that construction work on weekends will only be allowed if authorised in the development consent.
Customer service
- Customer Service Centres now open
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm
You can report an issue or request a service online, or call 02 9392 5000.
For JP service, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.
Events, meetings and gatherings
See the current Council meetings page for more information.
- Indoor and outdoor pools now open
- Libraries are now open
- Environment workshops are being held online. Find out more at the Sustainability workshops webpage .
- The Magic Yellow Bus service has resumed
- Council's indoor venues, including community centres, galleries are now open
- Outdoor venues, including parks and sports fields, are open
General information
Service NSW Hotline
Service NSW has a 24 hour, 7 day a week hotline on 13 77 88. Service NSW staff can follow up about specific concerns for community members and business operators as well as give general information.
Customer service
- All Customer Service Centres now open
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm
You can report an issue or request a service online, or call 02 9392 5000.
For JP service, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.
Health and hygiene
Extra cleaning and hygiene measures have been put in place at all Council facilities.
JP services
Find registered JPs and their contact details in your suburb at the NSW Communities and Justice website.
Some local chemists also offer this service.
Libraries
Libraries are open:
- Ashfield, Balmain, Leichhardt and Marrickville Libraries
Monday to Thursday, 9am to 7.30pm
Friday, 9am to 5.30pm
Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm
- Dulwich Hill, Haberfield, Stanmore and St Peters Libraries
Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 5.30pm
Thursday, 12pm to 7.30pm
Friday, 10am to 5.30pm
Saturday, 10am-4pm
Public spaces
Council's parks and sports fields are now open for community sport and exercise.
We urge residents to follow the current NSW Public Health order on gatherings and movements and guidelines on social distancing.
Discover the many walks, running and cycling routes available. Read the "Go take a hike" media release.
Rates relief
Ratepayers experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 may apply to defer payment of rates.
Find further details on our rates relief webpage.
Venues and community centres
Venue hire has resumed in line with the NSW Public Health Guidelines.
Hannaford Community Centre and Annandale Community Centres are now open with their regular opening times.
For booking enquiries, email bookingsteam@innerwest.nsw.gov.au or phone (02) 9392 5000 and ask to speak to the Venues Booking team.
Waste and recycling
- Council's new booking system for clean ups is now in place. Find out more at the Council clean-up page.
- Red, green, blue and yellow bin collections continue. Please check your collection day here
- The Weekend Transfer Station at Leichhardt and the Community Recycling Centres (CRCs) at Leichhardt and St Peters are open.
Volunteering
Volunteering NSW have created an Emergency Volunteer Platform for community members who want to volunteer to support people impacted by COVID-19.
Potential volunteers can submit their details to the emergency support volunteer list.
From there, Volunteering NSW will share their details with organisations needing assistance.
If you would like to assist our local community you can also make contact with the following organisations: