Bendigo region faces its first COVID lockdown without JobKeeper

Salvation Army north west Victoria area officer Andrew Walker said the lockdown came as a shock considering last week there were no cases.

"From looking at the start of the week, we wouldn't have expected to be here by the end of the week," he said.

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"It's come at us pretty quickly.

"For those who rely on casual shifts that are now suddenly cancelled, there is no annual leave pay for them and no support for them.

"They are now facing a week with no pay."

Mr Walker said the Bendigo Salvation Army had already been experiencing extra requests over the past 24 hours.

He said assistance was available for anyone who needs it.

"I think it will be a real challenge and I think the difficulty with a lockdown is that it is a challenge on a mental health level that may be a result of income and food loss," he said.

"We can provide assistance to people who are isolating and also there is the community pantry that is still operating.

"I just think the key is to remind people that it's okay to ask for help, don't try and battle by yourself if you're struggling.

"Reach out if you need assistance, it's okay."

Acting premier James Merlino said a business package would be announced in the coming days.

But did not specify the details.

"We will be providing support, a package for businesses and we will be releasing that in coming days. We are doing work right at this moment," he said.

"We understand, absolutely, that a circuit breaker lockdown has an impact, and impact on families, on children, on businesses, on the broader community.

"We also understand that, you know, it's quite tough at the moment, there is no JobKeeper anymore."

Mr Merlino said the Victorian government would be meeting with Federal levels to discuss a potential package.

"So the Treasurer Tim Pallas is engaging with Josh Frydenberg at a Federal level, so there is engagement between the state and Federal Government in terms of what support the Federal Government might provide," he said.

Bendigo Foodshare manager Bridget Bentley said central Victorians had been hit from angles with the lockdown.

"People have been hit by this from many different angles, we have had government support winding back, housing and rental prices are going through the roof and businesses have been working hard to get back on track and there is a lot of people that have continued to struggle," she said.

"With all of that and to go into lockdown and we haven't heard if the government will provide a stimulus package or what that may look like, it creates a really uncertain and difficult time for lots of people.

Ms Bentley said the flow on effect for casual workers and small businesses may continue for weeks.

"Casual workforce won't be getting income this week and that flow on effect will continue on past the lockdown," she said.

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"We absolutely expect to see a demand in the coming days.

"We have a lot of people that are insolation as we have had some tier 1 and tier 2 exposure sites so they will need support of some sort."

Residents can access the City of Greater Bendigo virtual relief and recovery helpline by calling 5434 6237, Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 5pm.

The Salvation Army is available to assist vulnerable residents and can take calls from 9am to 3pm from 5440 8410.

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