Coronavirus (COVID-19)
How coronavirus is impacting Randwick City
Randwick City Council is closely monitoring the outbreak of the coronavirus and we are taking advice from NSW Health to assist in our response.
The well-being and safety of our staff and community is our top priority.
We are continuing to provide essential Council services but there will be impacts to some events and activities.
For specific health-related advice about coronavirus visit NSW Health and Australian Government - Department of Health.
COVID-19 emergency relief support
Service snapshot
| Service | Status | More info |
|---|---|---|
| Beaches |  | Open. |
| Community centres & museums |  | Closed. |
| Community Nursery | | Closed. |
| Des Renford Leisure Centre |  | Outdoor pool open. |
| Randwick Recycling Centre | | Open Mon-Fri only. |
| Randwick Customer Service Centre | | Closed. |
| Libraries | | Closed. Reopens 1 June. |
| Ocean pools | | Swimmers limited to 10. |
| Playgrounds | | Open. |
On this page
Content last updated: 22 May 2020, 3pm
- How is coronavirus affecting Council operations?
- Facilities and community centres / halls
- Events and activities
- What you need to know about social distancing and hygiene
- More information
- Latest news updates from Randwick Council
- 13 May 2020 - Playgrounds, outdoor gyms and other recreational spaces to open
- 27 April 2020 - Randwick City beaches available for exercise only
- 24 April 2020 - Numbers to be tightly controlled over Anzac Day weekend
- 23 April 2020 - Exercise only message emphasised at beaches and parks
- 22 April 2020 - Beaches, what you can and can't do
- 19 April 2020 - Beaches available for exercise
- 8 April 2020 - Coastal walkway detours in place for Easter long weekend
- 8 April 2020 - Spread Kindness Not Germs message hits the streets of Randwick
- 2 April 2020 - Parking help for frontline hospital staff
- 27 March 2020 - Continued community closures amid COVID-19
- 25 March 2020 - Randwick Council endorses $2.3M COVID-19 community support package
- 21 March 2020 - Coogee, Maroubra and Clovelly Beaches closed for Sunday 22 March 2020
- 13 March 2020 - Randwick Council cancels The Spot Festival
What is Council doing to help?
Businesses
Business COVID-19 support & resources
At the Council meeting held on Tuesday 25 March, Council endorsed a $2.3 million COVID-19 community support package. Details of the packaged included waiving a range of Council fees for businesses including:
- fire safety inspection fees;
- environmental health inspection fees;
- outdoor dining and footpath fees;
- sporting field hire for local sporting groups;
- waiving interest on all overdue rates and charges for the next six months;
- and up to 100% rental relief for Council business tenants and not-for-profit community groups in Council-owned properties.
Other details include providing temporary parking for hospital workers. Further information can be read here.
Community care cards
Our community spirit has always been strong - that's why our motto is 'a sense of community'. To help the community help each other, we have produced some Community Care Cards that allow you to easily check-in on your neighbour. If you're worried about someone who lives near you or just want to say hi, why not drop a note in their mailbox?
Community Support Package
Priority parking for hospital workers and waiving a range of Council fees and charges are part of a $2.3M Randwick Council COVID-19 community support package announced by Randwick Mayor Danny Said on 25 March 2020. Find out more.
Rates
Will I be charged interest for paying my rates late?
You will not be charged interest for non-payment or late payment of rates over the next six months. We are providing relief to ratepayers by waiving all interest charges to 25 September 2020.
Do I have to pay my Rates?
We understand that these are unprecedented and difficult financial times. If you can, you are encouraged to still pay your rates when they fall due. We do understand that this may not be possible for many ratepayers.
If you are unable to pay your rates at the present time, we will not charge any interest for the next six months (until 25 September 2020). Your rate account will simply sit in arrears and can be paid at a later date when your circumstances improve.
If it helps you to manage your finances, we are happy to set you up with a payment arrangement, even if the amount you are able to pay is only small. To discuss a payment arrangement or any other payment circumstances, please lodge an enquiry via our Contact Us form on our website. A member of our Rates Team will get back to you within a few days.
How can I make my payment?
We are acting on State Government advice in minimising the handling of cash during this critical period. We ask our customers to keep safe by paying their bills from home. Multiple online and telephone payment options are available so there is no need to visit our offices to make a payment by cash or cheque.
Our payment options for rates include: our website, BPAY, Australia Post Billpay and Direct Debit. Check your latest notice or our website for more details. Online payment options also exist for other payments to Council, visit our Rates and Other Payments page for more information. Contact us on 1300 722 542 if you have any questions.
Have any Council staff been diagnosed with COVID-19?
Council was advised on 3 April 2020 that two of our employees at the Council-run Des Renford Leisure Centre in Maroubra tested positive for COVID-19.
We are working with the two employees to support them during this difficult time and our thoughts are with them for a swift recovery. The two employees have contracted the virus from a diagnosed close contact outside of Council operations.
NSW Health has confirmed the period of infection for the two employees occurred after the centre was closed down. This means there is no risk of infection to users or members of DRLC and no need for members of the public who may have visited the centre prior to its closure to be tested.
DRLC has been closed to the public since midday 23 March 2020 and the centre’s swim school and fitness classes were suspended by Council as a precaution on 18 March 2020.
Council is working closely with NSW Health and we are contacting all staff members of DRLC that have worked with the two confirmed cases to determine if they had close contact with the diagnosed employees. Those staff who are identified as close contacts will be registered with NSW Health and required to self-isolate for 14 days from their date of last contact.
As a precaution, we are conducting a special deep clean of the facility this weekend.
Council and DRLC management are working throughout the weekend to reach out to and support all employees of DRLC during this challenging time.
How is coronavirus affecting Council operations?
Basketball courts
Basketball courts in Randwick City are reopening from Friday 15 May 2020.
Beaches
All Randwick City beaches (Clovelly, Coogee, Maroubra, Malabar, Little Bay and La Perouse Beaches) are accessible for recreation from from Friday 15 May 2020. People must maintain social distancing, limit gatherings to 10 people or less. If you feel unwell, please do not come to the beach. Beachside car parks are also reopening.
For the latest beach status please refer to our Lifeguard Surf Report page.
Bushcare volunteers
Volunteer bushcare activities are cancelled until further notice. More details.
Coastal Walkway
The Coastal Walkway is open. Previous diversions at Gordons Bay and Lurline Bay are being lifted from Friday 15 May 2020.
Council elections
The Office of Local Government has announced that Council elections Scheduled for September 2020 have been postponed to September 2021. Currently sitting Randwick Councillors will automatically serve another 12 months. Current Mayor Councillor Danny Said will also continue as Mayor until the election. More details.
Council meetings
Council Meetings (these are meetings attended by the Mayor and Councillors) are still proceeding. Due to ongoing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) precautions, the Council meeting on Tuesday 26 May will be held by public teleconferencing via Microsoft Teams. Find out more information on the Council Meeting page
Customer Service Centre
Council's customer service centre located at 30 Frances Street, Randwick, will be closed from Wednesday 1 April 2020. However, we are still here to help online or through our phone on 1300 722 542 during office hours (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm, excluding public holidays).
DRLC
The Des Renford Leisure Centre (DRLC) facility and indoor pools are currently closed. The outdoor pool will be accessible under a booking system from Monday 18 May 2020 and limited to eight swimmers at a time. Booking details available on DRLC website.
Library services
UPDATE: Randwick City's three branch libraries will reopen as of Monday 1 June 2020. More details will be provided soon.
- Randwick City's three branch libraries are currently closed as of Thursday 19 March 2020.
- Library events, programs and activities are cancelled. This includes children’s storytime sessions, talks, classes, workshops and book clubs
- If you have paid a fee to attend, an event, program or activity, Council staff will be in contact with you to arrange a refund.
- The Toy and Game Library is closed at all branches. Memberships will be extended for the temporary closure period.
- Library venue bookings by external parties have been suspended. Hirers are being notified directly.
National Parks
National Parks are managed by the National Parks & Wildlife Service. This includes the Malabar Headland National Park and Kamay Botany Bay National Park at La Perouse. Check their websites for latest details.
Nursery
The Randwick Council Community Nursery is closed as of Wednesday 1 April 2020 to the public. Whilst we are closed for browsing, we are now currently offering contact free pick-up. Please check out our stock list online and contact us via email for sales inquiries.
Ocean pools
- Geoff James Pool, Clovelly - open from Friday 15 May 2020
- Giles Baths, Coogee - open from Friday 15 May 2020
- Ivor Rowe Rockpool, Coogee - open from Friday 15 May 2020
- McIver’s Ladies Baths, Coogee - closed due to staffing limitations
- Mahon Pool, Maroubra - open from Friday 15 May 2020
- Malabar Ocean Pool, Malabar - open from Friday 15 May 2020
- Ross Jones Memorial Pool, Coogee - open from Friday 15 May 2020
- Wylies Baths, Coogee - close due to upgrade works
Swimmers are urged to practice social distancing, good hygiene and to limit the numbers of swimmers to 10 people or less.
Outdoor gyms
All outdoor gyms in Randwick City (Maroubra, Clovelly, Chifley, Kensington and Frenchmans Bay) are reopening from Friday 15 May 2020.
Playgrounds
Randwick City's 57 playgrounds are reopening from Friday 15 May 2020. Please ensure you wash or sterilise your hands before and after use and not gather in groups of 10 people or more. We urge people to practice caution and limit playground usage if crowding occurs. This includes the Heffron Pedal Park kids bike track.
Precinct meetings
Local Precinct Meetings are suspended until further notice given the risk to attendees. Some Precincts are still meeting during COVID-19 by using online platforms such as Zoom. To find out if your Precinct is meeting online and to register to attend, check the Precincts Meeting page.
Randwick Local Planning Panel (RLPP) meetings
Due to ongoing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) precautions, the Randwick Local Planning Panel (RLPP) meeting on Thursday 14 May will be held by public teleconferencing via Microsoft Teams. Find out more information on the Randwick Local Planning Panel page.
Skateparks
Chifley Skate Park and Maroubra Skate Park are reopening from Friday 15 May 2020.
Tennis courts
Some tennis courts in Randwick City are currently operational, but with restricted access to comply with the requirements. Please contact each tennis court operator to check. The free tennis court at Baker Park in Coogee are open.
Waste services
- There is no impact to household waste collection services
- The Randwick Recycling Centre will close Saturdays, but remain open on weekdays.
- Due to the current popularity of our oncall clean-up services, there may be some delays in collections. Please leave your booked clean-up material on the kerb and we will collect within 48 hours of your booked date.
Facilities and community centres / halls
What facilities, community centres and halls are closed?
The following facilities are closed as of midnight on Wednesday 25 March 2020:
- Barrett House, Randwick
- Burnie Park Hall, Clovelly
- Clovelly Senior Citizens Hall
- Coogee East Ward Senior Citizens Hall
- Kensington Park Community Centre
- La Perouse Museum
- Lexington Place Hub, Maroubra
- Malabar Memorial Hall
- Maroubra Senior Citizens Hall
- Matraville Youth & Cultural Hall
- Prince Henry Centre, Little Bay
- Randwick Community Centre
- Randwick Literary Institute
- Randwick Town Hall
- Totem Hall, South Coogee
Events and activities
What events are cancelled?
The following events have been cancelled as a precaution as part of Council's responsible approach to minimise the spread of the virus amongst the community:
- Dean Kelly / Kadoo Tours in May (all three) - Biennale Program
- Ray Timbery - Bommerangs on the Headland - Sunday 17 May 2020
- Chemical Clean Out at Clovelly car park - Saturday 23 May
- Koojay Corroboree - Friday 29 May 2020
- Citizenship Ceremony - Thursday 4 June 2020
- Free Mulch Campaign - Saturday 6 June 2020
- PermaBee, EcoHeroes Club, School Sustainability incursions and Randwick Sustainability Hub tours - cancelled until further notice.
- Bastille Day - Sunday 12 July 2020
- Beach Breaks Carnival - Sunday 26 July 2020
Council is directly notifying registered participants at Council-run events. We suggest checking with event organisers prior to attending events and activities.
What you need to know about social distancing and hygiene
When it comes to keeping yourself and others safe, the advice from NSW Health is to practice social distancing and good hygiene. When social distancing is combined with good personal hygiene, we can help slow the spread of a pandemic through a community. This will help protect our most vulnerable residents and reduce the impact of the pandemic on our health services. So what does that mean and what do you need to do? Here's some information to help explain.
Hygiene
- Practice good hygiene by washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water isn't available. Hand washing is a huge factor in helping to stop and slow the spread of this virus.
- Try not to touch your face or you will move germs from your hands to your mouth or nose.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or a flexed elbow.
- Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces each day.
- Don't shake hands, hugging or kissing as a greeting.
Social distancing
To help stop the spread of COVID-19, social distancing is important. But what is it? Social distancing means we reduce the number of close physical and social contacts we have with one another. What do you need to do:
- Avoid large crowds and gatherings (such as busy markets, crowded beaches or events)
- Keep 1.5 metres between yourself and others at all times (such as when waiting for public transport or if you must visit the shops)
- Work at home if you can or try to travel during off-peak periods.
- Buy food online when you can to avoid needing to leave your home.
Information for the multicultural community
For translated information and resources on hygiene, symptoms, social distancing and isolation, please visit the NSW Health website. Translated resources are also available on the Ethnolink website. Information is available in 49 languages.
More information
What if I see businesses or people not complying with social distancing rules?
Crime Stoppers NSW is the nominated reporting agency for the public to provide information to police about individuals, businesses and corporations not complying with current Public Health Orders.
You can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or register your complaint via their website https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
24-hour Coronavirus helpline
If you've got questions about the coronavirus (COVID-19), you can call 1800 020 080 any time of day or night.
Legal help during COVID-19
People continue to need legal help. You may have an ongoing legal issue, or need help with something related to employment, your money, renting or another issue as a result of COVID-19. This site will let you know what services are available to you.