COVID-19
We will keep you updated on Council's service changes due to COVID-19 below.
Talk to someone in your language
For health information visit NSW Health or call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.
Case locations are being updated daily – please ensure you check the NSW COVID-19 case locations and alerts page regularly.
Updated 3 March 2022
Conditions of entry into our places
Find further details at the NSW Government website.
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
Council has launched 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.
These websites may help you find a vaccination provider:
A list of local pharmacies, GPs and medical centres offering COVID-19 vaccinations is available here (click to expand):
GPs and medical centres
Name of Practice | Location | Contact Details |
Balmain East Doctors | Balmain East | 9555 7887 |
Balmain Village Health | Balmain | 957 54111 |
Doctors on Darling | Balmain | 8068 2490 |
Dr Starlette Isaacs | Balmain | 9810 1682 |
Dr Eli Zeltzer | Balmain | 9818 2228 |
Dr Ramrakha Surgery | Balmain | 9810 1523 |
Rozelle Total Health | Rozelle | 9087 4600 |
Rozelle Medical Centre | Rozelle | 9818 1355 |
Leichhardt Medical and Dental Centre | Leichhardt | 9561 3333 |
Your Doctors Leichhardt | Leichhardt | 9550 0288 |
Annandale North Family Practice | Annandale | 9692 8909 |
Annandale General Practice | Annandale | 9571 1188 |
Harold Park Medical Centre | Forest Lodge | 9056 8888 |
Forum Medical and Skin Centre | Leichhardt | 9572 7777 |
Leichhardt Medical Centre | Leichhardt | 9550 0322 |
Leichhardt General Medical Practice | Leichhardt | 9569 6051 |
Myhealth Leichhardt | Leichhardt | 9560 2525 |
Fort Street Medical Centre | Petersham | 9569 5120 |
Ramsay Street Medical Centre | Haberfield | 9799 5000 |
Marinucci Medical Centre | Haberfield | 9798 4835 |
Your Doctors Ashfield | Ashfield | 8090 6833 |
First Avenue Family Practice | Five Dock | 9713 5869 |
Croydon Medical Centre | Croydon | 9715 7300 |
Dr K Bala | Ashfield | 9798 9673 |
Grandview Medical Practice | Ashfield | 9797 8999 |
Victoria Tower Medical | Burwood | 8322 9000 |
Miller Avenue Medical Practice | Ashfield | 9798 7212 |
Burwood Westfield Medical Centre | Burwood | 9744 3330 |
Mediplus Medical Centre Five Dock | Five Dock | 9745 6728 |
Clocktower Medical Practice | Burwood | 9747 4005 |
Burwood Medical Practice | Burwood | 9747 6327 |
Dr Dhanapalan Family Practice | Croydon Park | 9799 1593 |
Canterbury Plaza Medical Centre | Canterbury (Hurlstone Park) | 8321 8850 |
Multicare Family Medical Centre | Ashfield | 9798 6999 |
Ashfield General Practice | Ashfield | 9797 7555 |
Dr Gordon Lee | Ashfield | 8592 8521 |
Hercules St Medical Practice | Ashfield | 9798 6178 |
Stannum Medical Centre | Ashfield | 9797 9729 |
Family Medical Practice Ashfield | Ashfield | 9799 8932 |
Drs Teng and Tan | Ashfield | 9267 7735 |
The Village Medical Practice | Summer Hill | 9798 3100 |
Your Doctors Summer Hill | Summer Hill | 9797 3900 |
Medkare Medical Centre | Dulwich Hill | 9568 6600 |
Kennedy Family Medical Practice | Marrickville | 9559 5022 |
Petersham Family Medical Centre | Petersham | 9560 8207 |
Dr Minh-Thu Nguyen | Marrickville | 9554 6769 |
Illawarra Road Medical Centre | Marrickville | 9558 9415 |
Marrickville Medical Centre | Marrickville | 9568 4188 |
Dr Patricia Mohr-Bell | Petersham | 9560 5610 |
Church Street Medical Practice | Newtown | 9516 2944 |
Glebe Family Medical Practice | Glebe | 9660 8399 |
Newtown Medical Practice | Newtown | 9557 5254 |
Montrose Medical Practice | Glebe | 9660 6788 |
Glebe Medical Centre | Glebe | 8070 6888 |
First Care Medical Centre - Enmore | Enmore | 9519 4888 |
Enmore Medical practice | Enmore | 9550 3477 |
Dr Velibor Todorovic | Newtown | 9565 2495 |
Erskineville Doctors | Erskineville | N/A |
Alice Street General Practice | Newtown | 9550 6201 |
Marrickville Metro Medical Centre | Marrickville | 9565 4020 |
Mascot Medical | Mascot | 8668 0066 |
Ur Family Practice | Mascot | 8339 0540 |
Garners Medical Centre | Marrickville | 9560 0341 |
Marrickville Medical Practice | Marrickville | 9550 9292 |
Dr Duong | Marrickville | 9558 5799 |
Dr Nguyen Van Vinh | Marrickville | 9559 3009 |
Wolli Medical Centre | Wolli Creek | 9556 2188 |
Wolli Creek Family Practice | Wolli Creek | 9597 5252 |
Sydney Airport Medical Centre | Sydney Airport | 9667 4355 |
Mascot Medical and Dental Centre | Mascot | 9317 4222 |
Pharmacies
Name of pharmacy | Suburb | Appointment types available | Contact Details | Opening/Operating Hours |
Healthmore Pharmacy Ashfield | Ashfield | Bookings and walk ins - phone to book | 9798 5185 | Monday, 10am to 5pm Tuesday, 10am to 4pm Wednesday, 10am to 5pm Thursday, 10am to 4pm Friday, 10am to 5pm |
Priceline Pharmacy Ashfield | Ashfield | Bookings and walk ins - book via website | 9799 5934 Website | Mon-Tue, 10am to 4:30pm Thu-Sun, 10am to 4:30pm |
Day and Night Chemist Ashfield | Ashfield | Bookings and walk ins - phone to book | 9797 8589 | Monday, 9am to 4pm Wed-Sat, 9am to 4pm |
Balmain Community Pharmacy | Balmain | Online bookings and walk ins | 9810 2942 Website | Mon-Sat, 10am to 5pm |
Wall's Pharmacy Balmain | Balmain | Walk ins | 9810 1290 | Wednesday, 8:30am to 6:30pm Saturday, 8:30am to 4:30pm Sunday, 9am to 5:30pm |
Your Choice Pharmacy Haberfield | Haberfield | Bookings preferred - phone to book | 9798 8499 | Tue-Thu, 9am to 4pm |
Metropolitan Pharmacy - Leichhardt | Leichhardt | Online bookings and walk ins | 8514 5300 Website | Mon-Wed, 9:30am to 5:30pm Friday, 9:30am to 5:30pm |
The Pharmacy - Leichhardt | Leichhardt | Online bookings and walk ins | 9569 4056 Website | Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm Saturday, 9am to 1pm |
Priceline Pharmacy Leichhardt | Leichhardt | Online bookings - walk ins on Thursdays | 9572 6344 Website | Monday, 9am to 5pm Tue-Wed, 11am to 5pm Thursday, 9am to 5pm Friday, 10am to 5pm Sat-Sun, 11am to 4pm |
Blooms The Chemist Leichhardt | Leichhardt | Phone to book | 9560 9808 Website | Mon-Sat, 10:30am to 4pm |
Terrywhite Chemmart Marrickville | Marrickville | Book via website | 9560 2488 Website | Monday, 9:30am to 2:30pm Tuesday, 9:30am to 2:30pm Wedesday, 9:30am to 11:30am Thursday, 9:30am to 2:30pm Friday, 9:30 to 11:30am |
Savemore Discount Pharmacy Marrickville | Marrickville | Book via website | 9559 3117 Website | Tue-Thu, 10am to 4:30pm |
Blooms the Chemist Marrickville | Marrickville | Walk in appointments | 9560 2350 | Mon-Fri, 9am to 6pm |
Carillon Compounding Pharmacy Newtown | Newtown | Bookings preferred via website but walk ins also | 9519 4247 HealthDirect website | Mon-Wed, 10am to 4pm |
Fords Discount Pharmacy Newtown | Newtown | Bookings over the phone | 9557 1712 | Monday, 11am to 4pm Thursday, 11am to 4pm |
Adore Pharmacy Rozelle | Rozelle | Online bookings | 9810 7349 Website | Mon-Thu, 9am to 7pm Friday, 9am to 6pm Sat-Sun, 9am to 5pm |
Youngs Pharmacy Rozelle | Rozelle | Online bookings | 9810 1372 Website | Mon-Sun, 8:30am to 4:30pm |
Stanmore Station Pharmacy | Stanmore | Bookings required on weekdays Walk in available on weekends | 9569 4396 Website | Mon-Fri, 9am to 5:45pm Weekends, 9am to 3pm |
Centre Pharmacy Summer Hill | Summer Hill | Bookings and walk ins - book via website | 9797 9711 Website | Weekends only |
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
Vaccination providers
As part of Council's response to COVID-19, Council is supporting vaccination providers (GP practices, medical centres and pharmacies) by temporally allowing the extension of businesses operational hours (subject to submitting a temporary extension of hours application and adherence to certain requirements) to enable more vaccines to be delivered to the Inner West community.
Should you wish to seek a temporary extension of your operational hours for the purpose of providing COVID-19 vaccinations, please submit your request using the link below:
Apply for a temporary extension of hours to provide COVID-19 vaccinations
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
Dine and Discover NSW Program
The NSW Government has launched this program to encourage the community to get out and about to support dining, arts and tourism businesses and stimulate spending. Residents of the Inner West LGA are now receiving their four x $25 vouchers. In order to accept the vouchers, your business must be registered.
$1500 Small Business Rebate Scheme
The NSW State Government has launched a rebate scheme to help cover the cost of NSW and Local Government charges. Small businesses are encouraged to apply online to assess their eligibility and obtain their rebates
Apply for the $1,500 rebate
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
Quick links from business.gov.au
Find a range of measures available to small and medium businesses at the links below.
Call the Business.gov.au support line 13 28 446 for more information.
NSW Food Authority Free COVID-19 Food Service Course
The NSW Food Authority has partnered with NSW Health to develop COVID-19 awareness for food service, which is a free, voluntary online training course to support food businesses in providing a COVID safe environment. The course includes key advice, links to relevant resources and has a quiz at the end. An acknowledgement certificate is generated on completion of the course.
The NSW Premier announced that on 1 June restrictions would be eased for cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs to allow for up to 50 customers, subject to a one person per four square metre rule, and with strict social distancing guidelines in place. All businesses will also be required to develop a COVID-19 safety plan, and to keep records of all staff, customers with a longer contact experience such as dine-in, and contractors for at least 28 days.
While the course has been developed for anyone working in NSW food retail and food service businesses, enrolment is open to everyone. It is hoped that the course will boost consumer confidence in the NSW retail food sector as these businesses gradually return to normal operation.
The COVID-19 awareness for food service training course aims to provide useful information to help food businesses understand the changes that have come into effect and what they need to do. It is not part of the Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) training requirement, and is not an accredited course.
Find further details at the NSW Food Service Authority website
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.
Council parking services
Parking meters in the main streets of Balmain, Rozelle, Leichhardt, Enmore and Newtown will be switched off by Wednesday 20 October. Notices are being placed on meters today and tomorrow advising of this change.
Parking patrols commenced in residential zones today and will continue.
A transition period will be in place, where warnings are issued for metered or timed parking breaches. Safety matters will be enforced.
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
Construction sites can now operate on weekends and public holidays under new rules introduced by the NSW Government on 2 April to support the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision allows workers to abide by social distancing rules while keeping construction projects progressing by allowing building work to be spread across more days of the week. The change intends to support the construction and development industries, which make up almost 10% of the NSW economy.
Council can now only investigate weekend and public holiday construction complaints if they fall outside the usual weekday construction site operating hours.
Find more information at the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment website.
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
Council’s meetings have moved online temporarily and will be live streamed for the community to view.
Registered speakers will be sent a Zoom meeting link to participate.
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, but will be closing as usual over the festive period. The final day of service is Thursday 16 November 2021, returning on Tuesday 1 February 2022. See the Magic Yellow Bus page for more information.
- Council's indoor venues, including community centres, galleries are now open.
- Outdoor venues, including parks and sports fields, are open.
General information
Proposed COVID-19 financial assistance for eligible ratepayers
Council is proposing to give a one-time payment of up to $400 to Inner West Council ratepayers who qualify for and have already received a COVID-19 Disaster Payment, as part of its community support program during the pandemic. (Total to be capped at $250,000).
Have your say on the proposal and/or register your intention to apply
Special online community meeting
On 21 July Council hosted a special online event to inform Inner West residents how they can access support and keep safe during the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown.
Guest speakers included Inner West Council General Manager Peter Gainsford and representatives of Sydney Local Health District and Inner West Police Area Command.
A recording of the meeting can be viewed below.
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
Council's JP services are currently suspended.
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 now 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
Noise complaints
Construction sites can now operate on weekends and public holidays under new rules introduced by the NSW Government on 2 April 2020 to support the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision allows workers to abide by social distancing rules while keeping construction projects progressing by allowing building work to be spread across more days of the week. The change intends to support the construction and development industries, which make up almost 10% of the NSW economy.
Council can now only investigate weekend and public holiday construction complaints if they fall outside the usual weekday construction site operating hours.
Find more information on this change at the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment website.
Council has been experiencing an increase in the number of requests received from the community relating to construction works and routine activities (lawn mowing, music, playing instruments etc).
Whilst we appreciate that a larger number of people are currently working from home and may be unfamiliar with the level of intrusion that works and routine activities can generate, it doesn’t alter the controls in place being either legislative or via an existing approval. As such Council is limited in its ability to respond to these requests where these controls exist. Find details on Noise and what is permissible
Parking
Parking meters in the main streets of Balmain, Rozelle, Leichhardt, Enmore and Newtown will be switched off by Wednesday 20 October. Notices are being placed on meters today and tomorrow advising of this change.
Parking patrols commenced in residential zones today and will continue.
A transition period will be in place, where warnings are issued for metered or timed parking breaches. Safety matters will be enforced.
Power grid maintenance
Ausgrid critical maintenance update
Ausgrid have advised that they will be continuing critical maintenance and activities required to ensure community safety and network reliability during the COVID-19 lockdown period.
Find out more at the Ausgrid website.
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
Pets and animals
The OLG acknowledges that the lockdown in Greater Sydney is impacting the ability of pet owners to have their pet desexed by the relevant age (4-months for cats/6-months for dogs), or to lifetime register their pets by the required 6-months of age. If a pet owner that resides in the Inner West Council area can demonstrate to Council that, due to lockdown in Greater Sydney, they have been unable to desex or register their pet within the required timeframe, Council may apply discretion in charging a late fee.
Please remember, by law, dogs must be on a leash in all public places unless within a designated dog off-leash exercise areas. If you go out, stay 1.5 metres away from other people at all times, and wash your hands as soon as you get home.
Visit the NSW Health website to stay up to date.
Rates and land tax relief
Ratepayers experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 may apply to defer payment of rates.
Find further details on our Rates relief webpage
Land tax relief for those affected by COVID-19 restrictions
Applications are now open for land tax relief or tenancy support payments for eligible commercial and residential landowners who provide rental reductions to tenants in financial distress due to COVID-19.
Residential landlords can choose between applying for land tax relief or a payment of up to $1,500 per tenancy if they agree to reduce the rent for COVID-19 impacted tenants from 14 July 2021 to 31 December 2021.
To be eligible for land tax relief, landowners must be leasing to a commercial tenant who has an annual turnover up to $50 million and is eligible for either the 2021 COVID-19 Business Grant, JobSaver or the COVID-19 Micro-business Grant, or leasing to a residential tenant who has lost 25 per cent or more of household income due to COVID-19
The landowner must have reduced rent for the affected tenant by at least the amount being claimed for any period between 1 July 2021 and 31 December 2021. Both commercial and residential landowners cannot require their tenants to repay the reduced rent they claim through the rebates.
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: