This page aims to connect the Richmond Valley community to government information about the pandemic and to provide information about Council’s services and support in response to COVID-19. Richmond Valley Council is not the authority on public health issues.
New rules, testing and isolation requirements
Most people no longer need a PCR test (nose and throat swab) and can take a rapid antigen test to confirm they have COVID-19. Read about new testing requirements.
From 9 January 2022, some critical workers may leave self-isolation if they have no symptoms. Read the critical workers guidance.
Read the new rules for business, which include no singing or dancing in most public places.
Register a positive rapid antigen test (RAT) result
From 12 January, you must register a positive rapid antigen test result:
- when you receive your result.
- every time you get a positive result
If you have tested positive and registered your result, you can:
- quickly understand your relative level of risk based on your personal circumstances
- access support services available from NSW Health
Register your COVID-19 test result
Stay up to date with the evolving rules and restrictions, helping to stop the spread of COVID-19 as NSW opens up again.
Council’s 24-hour hotline – 6660 0300 – is fully operational, with all enquiries handled by experienced staff.
There are a number of ways residents can pay their rates and charges online, such as using Australia Post’s online facility, or a financial institution’s BPay service.
Sending an enquiry to council@richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au or via the website https://richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au/contact/ are also options.
Developers, consultants, business owners, builders, and homeowners should all be familiar with the NSW Planning Portal to lodge development applications and complying development certificates.
The Richmond-Upper Clarence Regional Library has a great range of eResources available including eBooks, eAudiobooks and Beamafilms, which are all available from https://richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au/community…/libraries-2/ or the Library app.
COVID-19 Testing
Most people no longer need a PCR test (nose and throat swab) and can take a rapid antigen test to confirm they have COVID-19. Read about new testing requirements.
PCR testing is still available within the Richmond Valley at these sites:
- 4Cyte Pathology pop-up testing site, Queen Elizabeth Park at QE2 (velodrome). No referral required. Hours of operation 7am-3pm, Mon-Fri.
- Casino Respiratory Clinic, 107 Barker Street, 1800 856 325. Appointment required. Referral not required. Testing for all patients. Hours of operation 9am-4pm Mon-Thu, 8.30am-3.45pm Fri.
Please visit the NSW Health website for the latest COVID updates:
There are no longer travel restrictions into Queensland. For more information, visit Queensland border restrictions visit the Queensland Government’s COVID-19 page:
The Australian Government Department of Health also has essential information on vaccines, and safety guidelines:
Business Resilience Project
The Business Resilience Project is fully subsidised and provides a number of valuable services, including the upskilling of staff and business owners with strategies to be able to manage future experiences, as well as internal referrals for consultation around business management and re-distributing staff, or changing a business model.
Richmond Valley’s business mentor is Emily Lyndon, from Chess Connect, who is available to provide well-being support and services to business operators with under 200 staff and their employees. The Business Resilience Project can also link businesses with other community support and refer to other services where needed.
Emily can be contacted via email at elyndon@chessconnect.org.au or by calling 0448 615 726.
The NSW Government recently introduced a Business Concierge to help business owners navigate the range of support measures available. Get guidance for your business with the Business Concierge service (nsw.gov.au)
Mental Health Support
Support is available right now for anyone struggling with their mental health. MindSpot is a free online mental health clinic provided by the Australian Government for adults who are experiencing difficulties with anxiety, stress, depression, and low mood.
- Web: www.mindspot.org.au
- Phone: 18https://mindspot.org.au/00 61 44 34
- Need urgent 24/7 support? Call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
A comprehensive list of free mental health options is available here: COVID-19-Factsheet-ManagingYourMentalHealth