RUSU Compass and the RUSU Student Rights Team have compiled a list of resources to help you out if you are struggling through the Covid-19 pandemic. Many of the resources listed below are accessible via telephone, web or email. However, with the greater Melbourne area currently under Stage Four restrictions, you must ensure that any resources you are physically accessing are within a 5km radius of your home. You can check whether these services are within the 5km limit on the Victorian government website.
The following resources are divided into three main sections: Free Food Resources, Wellbeing Help, and RMIT Support Services. Click on the images below to jump to the list that meets your needs. Remember that our Compass and Student Rights services are still available to advise you. You can contact Compass at: compass@rmit.edu.au and you can contact RUSU Student Rights at: student.rights@rmit.edu.au
You do not have to go hungry. There are plenty of resources available to you throughout the community that give you access to free food. You may also have community gardens and other food initiatives within your local area that you can access.
| Name of Service or Resource | Location | Description | Get In Touch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ask Izzy | Statewide | Ask Izzy is an excellent search engine for everyone to use. You can enter your postcode (e.g. Melbourne CBD is 3000), and choose the services you need support with (i.e. food, medical, etc). | Ask Izzy Website |
| Department of Health and Human Services | Statewide | Emergency food relief package are available. Each package is designed to provide basic food essentials and personal care items for a family of four for two weeks.If you are in urgent need and don't have a support network who can help you, call the coronavirus (COVID-19) hotline on 1800 675 398 and select Option 3. The operating hours are between 8.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday. | DHHS Website Phone: 1800 675 398 |
| RMIT Voucher Support | Remote Consultation Service | Book an appointment for RMIT Student Support to discuss your financial hardship during COVID19. It might take a week or so to book an appointment, please email Compass if you are in urgent financial crisis. Book online via the RMIT Connect portal. | RMIT Student Support Website |
| Melbourne Community Food Guide | Melbourne Wide | A handy PDF list of many local and community services, including food banks and community meal services. | Download the PDF |
| Study Melbourne | Melbourne Wide | A list of many local and community services, including food banks and community meal services. | Study Melbourne Website |
| North West Homelessness Network | Melbourne Wide | A comprehensive list of many local and community services, including food banks and community meal services. | Download the PDF |
| RUSU - The RMIT University Student Union | Melbourne Wide | RUSU has been operating occasional free grocery box delivery events throughout the year. These events do book out out very quickly. Stay up to date with RUSU Free food events during semester 2 by following the RUSU Facebook page and subscribing to the newsletter. | RUSU Facebook Page Subscribe to the RUSU Newsletter |
| Khalsa Aid | Melbourne Wide | Free food parcels for international students, specifically Indian Groceries for International students. | Khalsa Facebook Page Text or WhatsApp (Do not phone): 0456 545 460 |
| Shree Swaminarayan Temple | Melbourne Wide | Shree Swaminarayan Temple is providing both cooked meals and groceries (food kits) to students across Melbourne. Please fill in the form on their website, and you will be contacted regarding your needs and available pick up points near you. | Shree Swaminarayan Website |
| St Peter’s Eastern Hill | Melbourne CDB | St Peter's Eastern Hill operates a free kitchen, and you can access freshly made frozen meals at St Peter’s Eastern Hill which is located at the corner of Albert and Gisborne Streets in East Melbourne (just next door to Parliament gardens). Meals can be collected from St Peter’s between 9:30am and 11am Monday to Friday, and there is no limit on the number of meals you can take home. | Email: alae.taulealo@rmit.edu.au |
| Foodbank Victoria International Student Pop-up Store | Melbourne CBD | International Students can visit the Foodbank Victoria International Student Pop-up Store, at 230 LaTrobe Street, open 10am – 2pm every Monday, Wednesday, Friday (excluding public holidays). Bring your Student ID and a shopping bag to enjoy free access to a fresh and culturally diverse range of food and pantry items. | Foodbank Victoria Website |
| Empower Australia | City, North East, East, South East, Geelong | Empower Food Relief Centres are open every to anyone in need who is facing serious food insecurity. CITY: 412 City Road, Southbank. Fridays 3pm-6pm & Sundays 10am – 3pm NORTH EAST: 360 Main Road, Lower Plenty. Sundays 9.30am – 1pm EAST: 251 Maroondah Hwy, Ringwood. Sundays 9.30am – 1pm SOUTH EAST: RCS Products, 12 Bormar Drive, Pakenham. Sundays 9.30am – 1pm GEELONG: Rear of 147 Marshalltown Road, Grovedale. Sundays 9.30am – 1pm |
Empower Website |
| Marjory McGregor Relief Programme | Richmond (Inner East) | The Marjory McGregor Relief Programme (MMRP) is part of the St Bart's Church Community. MMRP offer a food relief program for temporary visa holders in Richmond. They provide weekly packages of fresh fruit and veggies, frozen meals and pantry staples. They also offer a limited amount of deliveries, and they can refer people to other organisations in their local area. | MMRP Website MMRP Facebook Page Email: mmrp3121@gmail.com |
| Collingwood Community Meals | Collingwood (Inner North) | Come down to get some free home cooked healthy and wholesome food! All meals are vegan, gluten free, and nut free. They will be served hot in takeaway containers with cutlery. Every Thursday, 4:30–6:30pm. 66 Gold Street, Collingwood. |
Collingwood Community Meals Email Address |
| City of Moreland | Inner North | Information on various services in the City of Moreland providing FREE food, food parcels and vouchers. | Moreland Council Website |
| Mission House Anglicare | Inner North. Fitzroy (main location) and other locations | Anglicare Mission House is free is for everyone (local and international students) and can help with food parcels, bills, finances and mental health. You can email them directly, phone them, or visit the website. | Anglicare Mission Website Email: missionhouse@anglicarevic.org.au Phone: 1800 809 722 |
| FareShare | East Brunswick | Fareshare have partnered with Gelato Messina in East Brunswick to provide free, nutritious cooked meals available for collection every Thursday and Friday evening from their pop-up outlet on Weston Street. Go online, or call them up to reserve a meal or two for pick up. FareShare’s frozen meals are packaged in 1.2kg bags designed for three people (or three meals), and you can choose from a range of vegetarian and or non- vegetarian dishes at pick up. | Gelato Messina Info Page FareShare Meal Ordering Portal Phone: 0492 308 553 (Mon-Fri, 4-9pm; Sat-Sun, 2-9pm) |
| Lentil as Anything | Thornbury | For the period of this emergency, Lentil As Anything will be setting up a pay-as-you-feel online order form for you to access Lentil as Anything hospitality at home, powered by our volunteer delivery drivers. This service is available for orders 2km or less from their Thornbury restaurant. | Lentil As Anything Website |
| Countrywide Community Missions Victoria | Epping | CCMV hands out over 100 food parcels per week, supporting over 30 individuals and families who are doing it tough. If you have a Health Care Card you can visit their premises in Epping on Thursdays to receive a parcel. Food parcels contain a variety of fresh fruit & vegetables, frozen meals and pantry items, and vary weekly depending on donations they have received. | Countrywide Missions Website Email: kev@ccmv.com.au Phone: 0411 394 494 |
| Free Food Port Philip | Port Philip | Hare Krishna free food delivery program in the City of Port Philip. Free vegetarian (Hare Krishna) meal delivery to residents in need within the City of Port Philip council area. | Hare Krishna Food Website |
| Sikh Volunteers Australia | Free Food South East: Casey, Dandenong & Frankston | Sikh Volunteers Australia services the needs of students in Casey, Dandenong & Frankston, by providing free, freshly cooked vegetarian food. Delivery time between 5pm to 7pm daily. Orders must be placed by 12pm every day. Areas serviced: Cranbourne, Frankston, Seaford, Carrum Downs, Clyde, Skye, Tooradin, Hampton Park, Lyndhurst, Lynbrook, Junction Village, Devon Meadows, Narre Warren, Hallam, Berwick. | Sikh Volunteers Website Text or Phone: 0423 359 279 or 0401 509 236 |
Your mental health and wellbeing is so important, and right now, many of us are feeling confused, anxious and stressed. Help is available if you need it.
| Name of Service or Resource | Location | Description | Get In Touch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate Crisis Support Helplines | Statewide | These numbers are 24/7, some of them may be busy at the moment. So, if you find yourself waiting for too long on hold, hang up and try again or hang up and try a different helpline. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis please phone 000. | Lifeline: 131 114 Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 |
| Immediate Crisis Support at RMIT | All RMIT Students | RMIT operates a 24/7 crisis support line for students for urgent crisis support. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis please phone 000. | Phone: 1300 305 737 Text: 0488 884 162 |
| Money Financial | Statewide | Financial Information for Local Students. Money Financial support is available to help you manage the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) via Centrelink payments etc. | Moneysmart Website |
| Partners in Wellbeing | Statewide | The Partners in Wellbeing service provides support for mental health and wellbeing during the Coronavirus pandemic and beyond. There are three organisations running the program (see web links). EACH's site has the best information. You can self-refer to any of the services via phone or via their web forms. | Phone: 1300 375 330 EACH Website Niami National Website ACSO Website (scroll down to the Partners in Wellbeing section) |
| RUSU & RMIT Calm Zone Resources | Website | Wellbeing Resources and information RUSU/RMIT Calm Zone Resources. The Calm Zone is a collaborative project between RUSU Compass and RMIT Wellbeing. RUSU has compiled a range of calming activities and strategies. You can choose from a range of different activities to help support your study stress during this period. We hope the virtual Calm Zone can remind you that RUSU and RMIT are still here to help you. Please reach out if you need us. | RUSU Calm Zone Website Email: compass@rmit.edu.au |
| Love your Neighbour Melbourne Facebook Group | Facebook Group | While some are jostling for the loo rolls, others are rolling up their selves and embodying the Aussie spirit of compassion and generosity. Love your neighbour by doing something kind and reaching out in simple practical ways. Transform your fear in the process. | LYN Facebook Page or view some conversation topics that may be of particular interest: Supplies Networks that can help you Good news stories Inspirational images and quotes Ideas for kids & teenagers Ideas for adults Business support Employment opportunities Recipes and meal plans |
| #ViralKindness | Website | We’re all in this together! #ViralKindness is a movement of community care groups across Australia that support neighbours in need or isolation during the coronavirus crisis. Anyone can start or join a local group. You can ask for help or offer a hand with essential tasks like shopping for food, picking up medicine, a regular check-in call and so much more. Because even when we’re apart, there are lots of ways we can help each other. | Viral Kindness Website |
| Good Karma Networks | Website | With the purpose of being a safe place to ask for help from the community, and a model that removes judgement and negativity, the Good Karma Networks facilitate meaningful connections between neighbours. There are many networks across Melbourne. Find one near you. | Good Karma Networks Website |
| Conversation in isolation | Website | yAre you currently struggling to stay socially connected during the COVID-19 lockdown, and would like someone to talk to? A group of Victoria-based medical students started Conversation in Isolation to help support Australians who are at risk of loneliness and social isolation during the COVID-19 crisis. Sign up, and they will match you with a student volunteer to be your ongoing telephone supporter. | Conversation In Isolation Website Phone: 0492 837 888 Email: conversationinisolation@gmail.com |
| RUSU Netflix Parties | Online Events | The RUSU Bundoora reps are running Netflix parties (movie nights) every Friday during Semester two, with an opportunity to chat before and after each movie through Zoom & Discord. | RUSU Bundoora Facebook Page |
| Eastside Melbourne Coronavirus Outreach Facebook Group | Facebook Group | Eastside Melbourne Coronavirus Outreach Facebook Group supports community in the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne. | Eastside Outreach Facebook Page |
| Northside Melbourne CoronaVirus Outreach Facebook Group | Facebook Group | Northside Melbourne Coronavirus Outreach Facebook Group supports community in the Northern Suburbs of Melbourne. | Northside Outreach Facebook Page |
| Blackfullas COVID-19 Support and Assistance Victoria | Facebook Group | Blackfullas COVID-19 Support and Assistance Victoria group is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members to access mutual aid through their own community network. They work in solidarity with other mutual aids pages for a connected reach. Please note the page is for Blackfullas ONLY, please respect this. | Blackfullas Facebook Page |
| PhD Parents Facebook Group | Facebook Group | A place to network and meet other PhD students who are also parents. All PhD parents are welcome to join the group. | PhD Parents Facebook Page |
| Queer Community Mutual Aid Network Vic | Facebook Group | Queer Community Mutual Aid Network is a support network for the Queer community. | Queer Mutual Aid Facebook Page |
| Jewish Response | Coronavirus | Facebook Group | Jewish response is a Covid-19 support network for the Jewish community. | Jewish Response Facebook Page |
| Act on Climate Group | Website | Act on Climate Group is a support network for environmental activism and solidarity in the time of COVID-19. | Act On Climate Website |
RMIT has many services available to help students through this difficult time.
| Name of Service or Resource | Location | Description | Get In Touch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate Crisis Support at RMIT | All RMIT Students | RMIT operates a 24/7 crisis support line for students for urgent crisis support. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis please phone 000. | Phone: 1300 305 737 Text: 0488 884 162 |
| RMIT Voucher Support | Remote Consultation Service | Book an appointment for RMIT Student Support to discuss your financial hardship during COVID19. It might take a week or so to book an appointment, please email Compass if you are in urgent financial crisis. Book online via the RMIT Connect portal. | RMIT Student Support Website |
| RMIT Medical Hub | Remote Consultation Service | RMIT Medical Hub is open for telehealth appointment available during lock-down. Book an appointment online via website. Bulk billing for local students and direct bill for international students: Direct Billing is available for RMIT students with OSHC Insurance. | Medical Hub Website Phone: Ph: 9999 2778 Medical Hub Facebook Page |
| RMIT Financial Assistance | Remote Consultation Service | RMIT Financial Assistance offers Student Hardship Assistance Grants to both local and international students. You may able if you are in financial crisis as a direct impact of experiencing COVID19. There can be a wait for an appointment with RMIT Student Support, please book one ASAP. Book online via the RMIT Connect portal. | RMIT Financial Assistance Website |
| RMIT Counselling | Remote Consultation Service | Do you need to talk to a profession about your mental stress or worry? RMIT Counselling is free for all currently enrolled students and still running while we are in lock-down. There can be a wait for an appointment, please book one ASAP. Book online via the RMIT Connect portal. | RMIT Counselling Website |
| RMIT Study Support | Remote Consultation Service | There are options available to you, if you feel unable to complete assignments/tasks on time due to these unprecedented times. There is special consideration to support students with assignment extensions: If your studies have been impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19), you might need extra time to complete your assessments. You can request an extension of time for these assessments of up to 21 days (instead of the usual 7 days). To apply, complete the Application for extension of time form and submit it to your school. | RMIT Study Support Website Email: special.consideration@rmit.edu.au |
| RUSU Compass | Remote Consultation Service | Compass is a service that supports RMIT students by offering advice, information and referrals regarding a wide range of issues that students experience during their time at university. Our Compass staff are trained social workers who can offer you support in areas such as mental health, financial stress, relationship issues, homelessness and many more. We can provide you information about other free services within RMIT and out in the community. We are here help and listen. We are available Monday to Thursday, 10–4pm. | RUSU Compass Website Email: compass@rmit.edu.au |
| RUSU Student Rights | Remote Consultation Service | RUSU’s Student Rights service exists to help students understand the rules and processes that affect them at RMIT. We can assist students who might be in distress or experiencing disadvantage, with academic and other university process related issues. | RUSU Student Rights Website Email: student.rights@rmit.edu.au |
| RMIT Mates | RMIT Online Community | Join the online Mates community as a mentor or mentee in Semester 2 to keep connected with other RMIT students, share your experiences and learn something new. | RMIT Mates Website RMIT Mates Facebook Page |
| RMIT Together | Facebook Group | The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live, study and work. Now, more than ever, we need to look after our mental health and stay connected. To do this we’ve created a new space to bring #RMITtogether. | RMIT Together Website RMIT Together Facebook Page |
| RMIT Chaplaincy | Remote Consultation Service | RMIT's Chaplains are trained multi-faith spiritual advisers representing Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, Islamic faiths and Integral Spirituality traditions. We provide support to students and staff of all faiths and none. | RMIT Chaplaincy Website Email: chaplaincy@rmit.edu.au Phone: +61 3 9925 2317 |
Navigate the uncertain times in the workforce with these helpful resources.
| Name of Service or Resource | Location | Description | Get In Touch |
|---|---|---|---|
| IS Help | International Student Legal Information | IS Help is a free resource for international students living in Victoria. Life as an international student can be difficult at times. It’s OK to ask for help. IS Help offers real life information, from rental agreements to wage disputes, and directs you to the people and services that can help you best. | IS Help Website |
| RMIT Skills and Jobs Centre | Remote Consultation Service | Book a free online appointment with RMIT Skills and Job hub to discuss work opportunities or get support with resumes and cover letters. | RMIT Skills Website |
| Novoresume Guide | Website | Novoresume is an online resume builder. They have put together a useful guide to help people find jobs in Australia. | View the Guide |
| Coact | Website | Despite COVID-19 leaving hundreds of thousands of Australians without stable work, there is hope for the unemployed as thousands of new jobs have been created as a result of new government policies and rising demands from workers and customers stuck at home. Here we’ve compiled a list of industries that are hiring right now. | Coact Website |
| Study Melbourne | Website | Tips and advice with finding a job including financial information. | Phone: 1800 056 449 Email: info@studymelbourne.vic.gov.au Study Melbourne Website |
| Department of Education, Skills and Employment | Website | Find employers hiring now. Today’s labour market has changed quickly due to COVID-19. While some industries are reducing their workforce, others are looking for more workers. This list shows some of the organisations who are currently seeking employees. | DESE Website |
| Job Jumpstart | Website | Job search troubleshooting: How can I improve my chance of getting a job? | Job Jumpstart Website |
| Sidekicker | Website | Sidekicker hires casual staff for companies that are needing workers during COVID-19. | Sidekicker Website |
| Name | Category | Link |
|---|---|---|
| JobSearch | General | www.jobsearch.gov.au |
| Jobs Hub | General | www.dese.gov.au/covid-19/jobs-hub |
| SEEK | General | www.seek.com.au |
| Adzuna | General | www.adzuna.com.au |
| CareerOne | General | www.careerone.com.au |
| Indeed | General | au.indeed.com |
| All Jobs | General | www.alljobs.com.au |
| Job Access (for people with disability) | General | www.jobaccess.gov.au/people-with-disability/looking-advertised-jobs |
| CoAct Online platform (for people with disability) | General | www.coact.org.au |
| Aged Care Services Workforce Hub | Industry Specific | employment.agedservicesworkforce.com.au |
| Harvest Trail Jobs Board | Industry Specific | www.jobsearch.gov.au/harvest |
| Backpacker Jobs Board | Industry Specific | www.backpackerjobboard.com.au |
| Security (ASIAL) | Industry Specific | www.asial.com.au/careers/security-jobs |
| Healthcare Medical (MedHire) | Industry Specific | www.medhire.com.au |
| Sports People | Industry Specific | www.sportspeople.com.au |
| Health and Beauty Salon Staff | Industry Specific | www.salonstaff.com.au |
| Jobs in Universities | Industry Specific | www.timeshighereducation.com/unijobs/en-au/listings/australia |
| Finance and Accountancy | Industry Specific | jobs.accaglobal.com/jobs/australia/ |
| Grad Connection | Graduate | www.au.gradconnection.com |
| Careers Vic | State Government | www.careers.vic.gov.au |
| Defence Jobs | Federal Goverment | www.defencejobs.gov.au |
| Australian Public Service (APS) | Federal Goverment | www.apsjobs.gov.au/s |
| Social Media | www.facebook.com/jobs | |
| Social Media | www.linkedin.com/jobs | |
| Telstra | Telecommunication | www.careers.telstra.com/explore-jobs |
| Optus | Telecommunication | www.optus.com.au/about/careers |
| Coles | Supermarket | www.colescareers.com.au/retail-stores/in-store/right4me |
| Woolworths | Supermarket | www.wowcareers.com.au/page/Careers/Supermarkets |
| IGA | Supermarket | www.iga.com.au/careers |
