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 COVID-19 Reece Response

Latest Updates: Victoria

Support available for you & your trade business in Victoria

Lockdown and construction industry restrictions can be tough on business, personal finance and mental health. That’s why we’ve pulled together some of the support that might be available to you in Victoria.

COVID-19 Disaster Payment

A $450 payment for people who have lost 8-20 hours or a full day’s work over seven days, and $750 for 20 hours or more.

Eligible workers, micro-businesses and sole traders across the state who lose work or income due to the lockdown may be eligible for the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Disaster Payment.

How to apply

Applications for the Commonwealth COVID-19 Disaster Payment are made through the Services Australia website. Victorian micro-businesses and sole traders can receive assistance in making their application via the Business Victoria Concierge Service and by calling 13 22 15.

Apprentice wage subsidies

The Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy supports businesses to take on new apprentices and trainees to build a pipeline of skilled workers to support sustained economic recovery.

Any business that engages an apprentice or trainee on or after 5 October 2020 may be eligible for a subsidy of 50 per cent of wages paid to an apprentice between 5 October 2020 and 31 March 2022, to a maximum of $7,000 per quarter. This program is available for existing workers under specific circumstances.

To register for this program contact the Victorian Chamber’s Apprenticeship Support Australia team. Visit the Department of Education, Skills and Employment website for more information.

ATO Support

The ATO will tailor solutions for owners or directors of businesses that are currently struggling due to COVID-19.

This includes

  • Deferring payments
  • Varying pay-as-you-go instalment amounts
  • Refunding past instalments
  • Withholding enforcement actions including Director Penalty Notices and wind-ups

    • Contact the ATO on 1800 806 218 or visit the ATO website at ato.gov.au for more information.

    Counselling Support

    Mental Health support

    Our employee assistance program is open for our customers too. For free counselling support on a variety of issues including general counselling and wellbeing support by qualified psychologists, simply phone 1800 808 374, or visit https://www.assureprograms.com.au/

    For immediate support: Beyond Blue and Lifeline offer assistance 24 hours a day.

    Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4436

    Lifeline: 13 11 14

    Note: Reece is not a financial advisor, you should consider seeking independent legal, financial taxation or other advice to see how business and personal finance support available relates to your unique circumstances.

    Business Costs Assistance Program for Victoria

    One-off payments you may be eligible for

    We wanted you to know straight away that the VIC government has opened up the assistance program for the construction industry, for businesses that were impacted by the recent construction lockdown.

    The Victorian Government’s Business Costs Assistance Program provides one-off payments to eligible employing and non-employing businesses in the construction sector in the following LGA’s:

    • Metropolitan Melbourne

    • The City of Greater Geelong

    • Mitchell Shire

    • Surf Coast Shire

    What is the eligibility criteria?

    Businesses who have incurred direct costs because of the health restrictions in place between 21 Sept – 4 Oct that have not been and will not be particularly or fully recovered or otherwise reimbursed.

    To find out if you are eligible for the one-off payment check the criteria here

    What payment is available?

    One-off grants of $2000 for eligible non-employing construction industry businesses, and one-off grants of $2800, $5600 or $8400 for eligible employing construction industry businesses, based on payroll size.

    How do I apply?

    Applications will be available soon via the Business Costs Assistance Program website here

    We are committed to supporting your business through challenges, big and small.

    Let's work together to get the job done.

    What the new COVID-19 restrictions mean for you

    Restrictions extend to Regional Victoria

    Earlier today, Premier Daniel Andrews announced tightening of restrictions across regional Victoria, beginning at 1pm until 11:59pm on Thursday, 2 September.

    Increased restrictions for the building and construction industries will also come into effect.

    What you need to know right now

    • Construction projects can continue with limits to the number of workers on site at any one time

      Large-scale construction projects can continue with a maximum of 25% of the usual working team, or 5 workers on site, whichever is higher.

    • Only essential maintenance work can be carried out at homes and businesses

      Only essential maintenance work that keeps the community safe and healthy can be carried out at homes and businesses.

      This includes working to keep food cold in supermarkets, providing running water and heating, and ensuring sanitation.

    • Permits will be required when leaving the house for authorised work

      Authorised workers will be required to carry permits when working, and when traveling for work from 11.59pm, Monday 23 August. The permit will need to be certified by an employer.

      Permits will be available on the coronavirus website before these directions come into effect.

    • State critical and civil construction projects will go ahead without crew reductions

      Critical construction projects including state and state civil construction will go ahead with no additional restrictions.

    • Financial support packages are available

      The Victorian Governments has announced a number of grants and support packages for businesses who have been affected by these restrictions. Head to the website below to find out more: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/business-grants-and-support

    • Our trade stores will remain open and supply will not be impacted

      Our trade stores will remain open to support the essential work that you do. Our online platform maX is open too, and we're providing contactless delivery, and click and collect.

    • Bathroom Life and Reece Plumbing showrooms are closed.

      As always, you can book a video or phone consultation here.

    We are committed to supporting your business through challenges, big and small.

    Let's work together to get the job done.

    Restrictions further tightened in Metro-Melbourne

    Earlier today, Premier Daniel Andrews announced an extension and increase of restrictions for Metropolitan Melbourne. This extension will last until 11.59pm on Thursday, 2 September.

    Increased restrictions for the building and construction industries will also come into effect from 11.59pm tomorrow, 17 August

    What you need to know right now

    • Construction projects can continue with limits to the number of workers on site at any one time

      Large-scale construction projects can continue with a maximum of 25% of the usual working team, or 5 workers on site, whichever is higher

    • Only essential maintenance work can be carried out at homes and businesses

      Only essential maintenance work that keeps the community safe and healthy can be carried out at homes and businesses.

      This includes working to keep food cold in supermarkets, providing running water and heating, and ensuring sanitation.

    • Permits will be required when leaving the house for authorised work

      Authorised workers will be required to carry permits when working, and when traveling for work from 11.59pm, Tuesday August 17th. The permit will need to be certified by an employer.

      Permits will be available on the coronavirus website before these directions come into effect.

    • State and civil construction projects will go ahead without crew reductions

      Critical construction projects including state and state civil construction will go ahead with no additional restrictions.

    • Financial support packages are available

      The Victorian Governments has announced a number of grants and support packages for businesses who have been affected by these restrictions. Head to the website below to find out more: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/business-grants-and-support

    • Our trade stores will remain open and supply will not be impacted

      Our trade stores will remain open to support the essential work that you do. Our online platform maX is open too, and we're providing contactless delivery, and click and collect.

    • Bathroom Life and Reece Plumbing showrooms are closed.

      As always, you can book a video or phone consultation here.

    We are committed to supporting your business through challenges, big and small.

    For updates on how COVID-19 restrictions will impact your business, bookmark this page and look out for emails from our team notifying you of the latest changes.

    Our people will keep you informed of any changes that may impact your work during these restrictions.

    We are working for you during VIC's 7-day lockdown

    You may have heard the VIC Government has announced a lockdown for 7 days from 8pm tonight, Thursday the 5th of August.

    Construction can continue, here's the key info you need to know:

    Our trade branches will remain open to support the work that you do.

    Good news: Supply will not be impacted. Our online platform maX is open too, and we're providing contactless delivery and click and collect.

    Bathroom Life and Reece Plumbing showrooms are open to tradespeople only.

    As always, you can book a video or phone consultation here: https://www.reece.com.au/bathrooms/book-a-consultation.

    Masks must be worn at all times when outside of your own home.

    This is to protect our people, our customers and our community from the spread of COVID-19.

    Deliveries will continue.

    Deliveries will continue, but we will have protocols in place to ensure these are contactless. This will mean either dropping items to a specific location, or drivers remaining in the ute or truck while goods are unloaded.

    Healthy habits are encouraged—including hand sanitising.

    We'll have hand sanitiser and masks available, social distancing in place and will follow strict COVID check-in protocols. Please help us keep each other safe by supporting these safety measures.

    Our EAP Assure assistance program is also available to our customers for counselling support. Simply phone 1800 808 374, or visit https://www.assureprograms.com.au/

    We are committed to supporting your business through challenges, big and small.

    Let's work together to get the job done.

    Victoria to Enter 5 Day Lockdown

    Today the Victorian Government introduced a 5-day statewide lockdown, starting at 11.59pm tonight, to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

    What you need to know right now

    Essential works can continue.

    This means carrying out emergency repair works, ongoing critical infrastructure construction and any works required to support businesses can take place. Work permits won't be required.

    Masks must be worn at all times when outside of your own home.

    As directed by the Victorian Premier Dan Andrews, masks must be worn whenever you leave your home. This is to protect all of us from the spread of COVID-19.

    Our trade stores will remain open and supply will not be impacted.

    Our trade stores will remain open to support the work that you do. Our online platform maX is open too, and we're providing contactless delivery and click and collect.

    Bathroom Life and Reece Plumbing showrooms in affected Victorian regions are closed.

    As always, you can book a video or phone consultation here: https://www.reece.com.au/bathrooms/book-a-consultation.

    Healthy habits are encouraged—including hand sanitising.

    We'll have hand sanitiser and masks available and will have social distancing in place. Please help us keep each other safe by supporting these safety measures.

    You must isolate if you have visited an exposure site.

    If you have visited an exposure site listed on the Department of Health website, the Victorian Government has mandated that you must isolate, get a COVID-19 test, and remain isolated for 14 days—even if your test result is negative.

    We are committed to supporting your business through challenges, big and small.

    For updates on how COVID-19 restrictions will impact your business, bookmark this page and look out for emails from our team notifying you of the latest changes.

    Our people will keep you informed of any changes that may impact your work during these restrictions.

    Victoria to Enter 5 Day Lockdown

    Today the Victorian Government introduced a 5-day statewide lockdown, starting at 11.59pm tonight, to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

    What you need to know right now

    Essential works can continue.

    This means carrying out emergency repair works, ongoing critical infrastructure construction and any works required to support businesses can take place. Work permits won't be required.

    Masks must be worn at all times when outside of your own home.

    As directed by the Victorian Premier Dan Andrews, masks must be worn whenever you leave your home. This is to protect all of us from the spread of COVID-19.

    Our trade stores will remain open and supply will not be impacted.

    Our trade stores will remain open to support the work that you do. Our online platform maX is open too, and we're providing contactless delivery and click and collect.

    Healthy habits are encouraged—including hand sanitising.

    We'll have hand sanitiser and masks available and will have social distancing in place. Please help us keep each other safe by supporting these safety measures.

    You must isolate if you have visited an exposure site.

    If you have visited an exposure site listed on the Department of Health website, the Victorian Government has mandated that you must isolate, get a COVID-19 test, and remain isolated for 14 days—even if your test result is negative.

    We are committed to supporting your business through challenges, big and small.

    For updates on how COVID-19 restrictions will impact your business, bookmark this page and look out for emails from our team notifying you of the latest changes.

    Our people will keep you informed of any changes that may impact your work during these restrictions.

    Important updates for metro and regional Victoria

    Metro - What you need to know right now

    Government restrictions across metro-Melbourne will remain in place for a further seven days – during this time our stores will continue to stay open to support the essential work you do. Our online platform maX is available, and we're providing contactless delivery and click and collect.

    Outdoor Trades Can Return to work

    In line with government guidelines announced today, those working in outdoor trades, including gardeners and landscapers can return to work from Friday, 4th June.

    Government QR Code Check-in App.

    In line with Government guidelines, you are required to register your visit to Reece using the Governments QR code tracer app. We will have QR codes printed out and accessible throughout our stores for you to use, hands-free.

    To make it easier for your next visit, don't forget to save your details in the app when checking in.

    Essential work can continue

    Like last week, construction work can continue, this includes construction projects, emergency repairs and any work required to support the safety and wellbeing of our communities.

    Masks remain mandatory

    Masks remain mandatory both indoors and outdoors when you leave the home, this includes when visiting any of our stores across Victoria.

    Regional - What you need to know right now

    From 4th June, Government restrictions across regional Victoria will ease – our stores will remain open as per usual, supporting the essential work you do. Our online platform maX is available, and we're providing contactless delivery and click and collect.

    Government QR Code Check-in App.

    In line with Government guidelines, you are required to register your visit to Reece using the Governments QR code tracer app. We will have QR codes printed out and accessible throughout our stores for you to use, hands-free.

    To make it easier for your next visit, don't forget to save your details in the app when checking in.

    Outdoor Trades Can Return to work

    In line with government guidelines announced today, those working in outdoor trades, including gardeners and landscapers can return to work from Friday, 4th June.

    Masks remain mandatory

    Masks remain mandatory both indoors and outdoors where physical distancing cannot be maintained. This includes when visiting any of our stores across Victoria.

    We are here to support your business so that you can continue supporting our communities.

    Let's work together to get the job done.

    We are open to support essential business during Victoria's 7-day statewide lockdown

    The Victorian Government has introduced a 7-day statewide lockdown, starting at midnight tonight, to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

    What you need to know right now

    Essential work can continue.

    Construction projects, emergency repairs and any work required to support safety and wellbeing can take place. Work permits won't be required, however masks must be worn at all times.

    Masks must be carried at all times, and worn indoors and outdoors when outside your home.

    This is to protect our people, our customers and our community from the spread of COVID-19.

    Our trade branches will remain open to support the work that you do.

    Good news: Supply will not be impacted. Our online platform maX is open too, and we're providing contactless delivery and click and collect.

    Healthy habits are encouraged - including hand sanitising.

    All of our branches will be offering hand sanitiser and encouraging social distancing. We ask that everyone adopts these healthy habits so that we can do business safely.

    You must get tested and isolate if you have visited an exposure site.

    If you have visited an exposure site listed on the Department of Health website, the Victorian Government has mandated that you must isolate, get a COVID-19 test and follow health advice

    We are here to support your business so that you can continue supporting our communities.

    Let's work together to get the job done.

    Masks mandatory indoors across Greater Melbourne

    This morning, the Victorian Government announced that masks would again become mandatory indoors effective from 6pm tonight, until 11.59pm on Thursday 3 June. This includes our branches.

    We are committed to keeping our people and our customers safe, and supporting the essential work of Australia's trades.

    Everything you need to know is below.

    What you need to know

    Masks must be worn in Greater Melbourne branches.

    Masks must be worn at all times indoors across Greater Melbourne. Keep a mask with you when leaving home.

    Be sure to check-in using the Victorian Government's QR-code each time you visit us in branch.

    Healthy habits are encouraged—including hand sanitising.

    All of our stores will be practicing healthy habits, including hand sanitising and social distancing.

    We ask that everyone adopts these healthy habits—in our stores and when working—so that we can all continue doing business safely.

    Our stores remain open, and supply will not be impacted.

    If you can't make it into a branch, or would prefer not visit us to in-store at this time, you can use maX to organise contactless delivery, or click and collect.

    There are no changes to the number of workers allowed on job sites.

    While masks must be worn, there are no changes to the number of people allowed at a job site.

    We are committed to supporting your business through challenges, big and small.

    Let's work together to get the job done.

    Statewide restrictions eased

    Following the announcement by Premier Daniel Andrews, restrictions in Victoria will be eased from 11.59pm tonight.

    What you need to know right now

    Our trade stores and showrooms are open.

    Construction can operate from tomorrow, and our trade stores and showrooms are open to support you to get back on the tools and doing your essential work as quickly as possible.

    You've got to carry a mask at all times.

    As announced, masks are mandatory indoors, as well as in outdoor environments where you can't socially distance.

    If you can't pop into the branch, please call us or order via maX to organise contactless delivery or click and collect.

    Find your local branch here.

    Healthy habits are encouraged—including hand sanitising.

    All of our stores will be practicing healthy habits, including asking everyone to wear masks, hand sanitising and social distancing. We ask that everyone follows these practices, so that we can do business safely.

    We are committed to supporting your business through challenges, big and small.

    For updates on how COVID-19 restrictions will impact your business, bookmark this page and look out for emails from our team notifying you of the latest changes.

    Our people will keep you informed of any changes that may impact your work during these restrictions.

    Victoria to Enter 5 Day Lockdown

    Today the Victorian Government introduced a 5-day statewide lockdown, starting at 11.59pm tonight, to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

    What you need to know right now

    Essential works can continue.

    This means carrying out emergency repair works, ongoing critical infrastructure construction and any works required to support businesses can take place. Work permits won't be required.

    Masks must be worn at all times when outside of your own home.

    As directed by the Victorian Premier Dan Andrews, masks must be worn whenever you leave your home. This is to protect all of us from the spread of COVID-19.

    Our trade stores will remain open and supply will not be impacted.

    Our trade stores will remain open to support the work that you do. Our online platform maX, is open too, and we're providing contactless delivery and click and collect.

    Healthy habits are encouraged—including hand sanitising.

    All of our stores will be offering hand sanitiser and encouraging social distancing. We ask that everyone adopts these healthy habits, so that we can do business safely.

    You must isolate if you have visited an exposure site.

    If you have visited an exposure site listed on the Department of Health website, the Victorian Government have mandated that you must isolate, get a COVID-19 test, and remain isolated for 14 days—even if your test result is negative.

    We are committed to supporting your business through challenges, big and small. As we begin 2021, this year is no different.

    For updates on how COVID-19 restrictions will impact your business, bookmark this page and look out for emails from our team notifying you of the latest changes.

    Our people will keep you informed of any changes that may impact your work during these restrictions.

    Masks Mandatory In All Victorian Branches

    From today, Thursday 4 February, masks must be worn in indoor spaces across Victoria to help stop the spread of COVID-19, including in our branches.

    What you need to know right now

    Masks must be worn at all times when indoors, outside of your own home.

    As directed by the Victorian Premier Dan Andrews, masks must be worn in all indoor spaces, when you leave your home. This is to protect our people, our customers and our community from the spread of COVID-19.

    Our trade stores will remain open and supply will not be impacted.

    Our trade stores will remain open to support the work that you do. Our online platform maX is open too, and we're providing contactless delivery and click and collect.

    Healthy habits are encouraged—including hand sanitising.

    All of our stores will be offering hand sanitiser and encouraging social distancing. We ask that everyone adopts these healthy habits, so that we can do business safely.

    You must isolate if you have visited an exposure site.

    If you have visited an exposure site listed on the Department of Health website, the Victorian Government have mandated that you must isolate, get a COVID-19 test, and remain isolated for 14 days—even if your test result is negative.

    We are committed to supporting your business through challenges, big and small. As we begin 2021, this year is no different.

    For updates on how COVID-19 restrictions will impact your business, bookmark this page and look out for emails from our team notifying you of the latest changes.

    Our people will keep you informed of any changes that may impact your work during these restrictions.

    Masks Mandatory In Our Stores In Victoria

    From 5pm today, Thursday 31 December, Victorian authorities have announced that masks must be worn in all indoor spaces—including businesses—that are not your own home.

    What you need to know right now

    Our trade stores will remain open and supply will not be impacted.

    Our trade stores will remain open to support the work that you do. Our online platform maX is open too, and we're providing contactless delivery and click and collect.

    Masks must be worn at all times when in store.

    As directed by acting premier, Jacinta Allan, masks must be work in-store. This is to protect our people, our customers and our community from the spread of Covid-19.

    Healthy habits are encouraged—including hand sanitising.

    All of our stores will be offering hand sanitiser and encouraging social distancing. We ask that everyone adopts these healthy habits, so that we can do business safely.

    We've worked to support your business throughout the challenges of 2020, and we will continue to support you as we welcome in 2021.

    Our people will work to keep you informed of any changes that may impact your work during these restrictions.

    Regional and Metro Melbourne - Updates

    From Monday, 9 November, the 25km bubble has been lifted and travel between Regional and Metro Melbourne is permitted.

    All permitted workplaces and work sites must have a COVIDSafe plan.

    Workers should follow the six principles of COVIDSafe:

    1. Ensure physical distancing

      Stay 1.5m apart and apply the 4m2 rule in publicly accessible spaces. The more space between workers and visitors, the better.

    2. Wear a face mask

      All workers and visitors must wear a face mask as per health advice.

    3. Practice good hygiene

      Clean and disinfect shared spaces as frequently as you can, to make sure any virus particles don't spread.

    4. Keep records and act quickly

      Keep a record of every worker and visitor to your site, in case you need them for contact tracing. Support workers to immediately get tested and stay home, even if they only have mild symptoms.

    5. Avoid interactions in enclosed spaces

      Move as much activity outside as possible, including meetings, tearooms, lunch breaks, locker rooms, and serving customers.

    6. Create workplace bubbles

      Keep groups of workers rostered on the same shifts at a single worksite and ensure that there is no overlap of workers during shift changes.

    For more on the six COVIDSafe principles: click here

    We are committed to a Covid normal that keeps our people and our customers doing business safely.

    Our trade counters are open and operating with COVIDSafe principles in place.

    You can order products via maX app, or arrange to Click and Collect from your local store.

    Victoria, let's work together to get the job done.

    Updates for Metro Melbourne

    Victoria, we're back to full strength.

    From Wednesday 28 October, there are two major changes that will affect your business:

    1. There will no longer be limits to the number of workers that can work on site, in line with Business Victoria requirements for COVIDSafe site plans, detailed here.
    2. Our showrooms will be open again to your customers, with COVIDsafe practices.

    As usual, our trade counters are open and operating as COVID normal so that you can continue to do business.

    You can continue to order products via maX app, or to arrange to Click and Collect from your local store.

    To visit any Reece store, we ask you to:

    • Wear your face mask.
    • Keep up the social distancing.
    • Use hand sanitiser.

    Thank you for working together with us through these challenging times.

    We're here to work for you, so let's finish 2020 off strong.

    Keep safe.

    Restrictions for construction and outdoor sole traders ease across metro Melbourne

    Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced a gradual easing of restrictions across metro Melbourne.

    Moving to the second step of the government roadmap means that restrictions have been relaxed for large scale construction sites and brings some good news for outdoor sole traders.

    • Gardeners and landscapers who work for themselves will be able to return to work from 11.59pm, Sunday 27 September.
    • Large-scale construction moves from ‘heavily restricted' to ‘restricted'. This means the number of workers allowed onsite has increased from 25% to 85%, or 15 people, whichever is greater.

    To enable this change:

    • construction sites must assign a COVIDSafe monitor; and
    • audit the existing High Risk COVIDSafe plan.

    We will keep you updated as more information becomes available and additional updates are made.

    For more information on the current restrictions impact your business, visit the Industry Restrictions Roadmap.

    Construction guidelines for tradies under Melbourne's Stage 4 Restrictions

    The government has released guidelines for businesses impacted by Melbourne's Stage 4 restrictions. These include specific guidelines for construction businesses—including tradies, site managers and business owners.

    The latest updates can be found via Business Victoria here.

    The guidelines detail everything from rules around carpooling to specific guidelines for small-scale and large-scale construction projects, across residential and commercial sectors.

    If you are working onsite or managing a project, it's vital that you read through these guidelines carefully. As a reminder, every site needs the appropriate COVID Safe Plan in place by 11:59pm Friday 7th August.

    While we're working to keep you informed, you should reach out to your relevant Industry Association to find out what today's announcement means for you.

    You can find additional links to regularly updated information below:

    During times like these, supporting each other and checking in on our mates is really important.

    At Reece, we offer counselling services, mental health and wellbeing support via our Employee Assistance Program. Our customers can call 1800 808 374 to chat to qualified experts who are here to listen and help us all navigate this challenging time.

    In the meantime, all Reece trade branches are currently open to support you, with click and collect options available so you can keep essential jobs moving.

    Stay safe.

    Permitted Worker Scheme has been introduced

    The Victorian Government has outlined the process for the ‘permitted worker scheme'. You'll need to carry a permit with you all the time in Metropolitan Melbourne area, from midnight tonight, so you can continue your essential work.

    Employers need to complete the permit process on behalf of people who work for them, and the government have put in significant fines for any false information and working without a permit.

    So, it's important you get on to this today.

    Here's the what you need to do:

    Download the template and complete it.

    • You can download the permit from the Department of Justice here
    • Employers must use this template for all worker permits issued under this scheme.

    Sign the worker permit. You can print and sign or sign it electronically.

    • Businesses must get an authorised person to sign the worker permit. This person might be the CEO, a HR manager, an operations manager or anyone else that is suitable.
    • They must be accountable for the details they provide.
    • They may be contacted by Victoria Police or other enforcement agencies to confirm the details.

    Ask the employee to sign the worker permit. They can print and sign or sign electronically.

    • You can email or text the worker permit to your employee.
    • An employee may travel to work without a worker permit just one time, to get their first permit.

    We'll continue to keep you up to date over the next 6 weeks of Stage 4 restrictions.

    Don't forget, our stores continue to remain open for trade customers, our product supply is unaffected, and you can place orders on maX and organise contactless delivery.

    What Stage 4 Restrictions Mean For You And Your Business

    Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews yesterday announced that masks must be worn, from midnight this Sunday, across the entire state of Victoria.

    Yesterday, Premier Daniel Andrews announced what Stage 4 restrictions will look like for industries across Metro Melbourne and Mitchell Shire, effective 11:59pm Wednesday 5th August, for six weeks.

    While providing essential services during this period is challenging, tradies remain a vital cog to the health and safety of our community and are the lifeblood of the economy.

    We're here to support you and your business. We will be remaining open to support the essential work you do, and will keep you updated so that you can operate safely and remain on the tools.

    What you need to know right now

    Our trade stores will remain open and supply will not be impacted.

    Our trade stores will remain open to support the essential work that you do. Our online platform maX is open too, and we're providing contactless delivery and click and collect.

    Only essential maintenance work can be carried out at homes and businesses.

    From 11.59pm Wednesday 5th August, only essential maintenance work that keeps communities safe and healthy can be carried out at homes and businesses.

    This includes working to keep food cold in supermarkets, providing running water and heating, and ensuring sanitation. Non-essentials include cosmetic repairs or property updates.

    All construction sites must have a COVID Safe Plan.

    A COVID safe plan includes regular cleaning, one worker per four square metres of enclosed workspace or in shared areas and records of all personnel on site for more than 15 minutes. Sites must also prove that there is no blending or crossover of shifts.

    There are two types of COVID Safe Plans; High Risk COVID Safe Plans for large-scale construction, state and civil projects, and Universal COVID Safe Plans for small-scale construction.

    To make sure that your business is operating lawfully, with the correct plan, visit Business Victoria.

    Small-scale construction projects can only have 5 crew onsite at any one time.

    Construction projects under three storeys can continue with a maximum of 5 people onsite. Sites must have a Universal COVID Safe Plan to keep all workers safe.

    Large-scale construction projects can continue with 25% of the usual working team.

    For large scale construction (projects over three storeys excluding basements), a maximum of 25% of the normal working crew, including supervisors, are allowed onsite. Each site must have a High Risk COVID Safe plan.

    State and state civil construction projects will go ahead without crew reductions.

    Critical construction projects including state and state civil construction will go ahead, however sites will need to have a High Risk COVID safe Plan.

    If you are currently working at a construction site, you cannot start working at any new sites over the next six weeks.

    Where you are working on Thursday is the only site you can work on during this restriction period. However, we know that industry bodies have voiced concerns about this restriction — watch this space for updates.

    Financial support packages are coming.

    The Victorian and Federal Governments have announced financial support for businesses impacted by these new restrictions. We will keep you informed of updates as they happen.

    We'll be in touch with more information to support you and your business during these restrictions.

    It's essential that plumbers continue to help prevent disease

    As the state of Victoria faces one of its toughest challenges yet, we're doing everything we can to support tradies in keeping the community healthy and safe.

    Following the announcement of Level 4 restrictions across Victoria, we have moved quickly to ensure we continue to provide the level of service our customers demand, and the community expects.

    “The heart of our business is supporting the repair and maintenance plumber, the small local tradie. Providing clean water and sanitation is critical, particularly during a health crisis such as this,” says Peter Wilson, Group CEO, Reece Group.

    In 1919, when the Spanish flu ravaged the world, the plumber became essential to society – ensuring people had access to clean water and sanitation in their homes, to stop the acceleration of the virus – coining the phase, Doctors Cure, Plumbers Prevent.

    Our current crisis is no different – plumbers play a key role in preventing disease, we must do everything we can to enable our plumbers to support the Victorian Community, Mr Wilson said.

    Since the pandemic began, Reece has continued to keep our people and the community safe. Since March, the Reece Group has taken significant steps to achieve this:

    • Our social distancing approach was an industry first, successfully keeping our people and customers well.
    • Our 450 Melbourne based head office team have been working from home – supporting our 5000 people and 640 branches across the country remotely.

    Our network also has the experience required to navigate the new normal across Victoria, as we have been through the lockdown in New Zealand. In NZ, we supported the community with the provision of essential services during Stage 4 restrictions, says Mr Wilson.

    Overnight, the Reece Group held discussions with Government and industry, as the next stage of restrictions are being worked through. Our aim is to support all sectors in finding the right balance of keeping the community healthy and well, while keeping the economy moving.

    Here is a little more about the role plumbers, and Reece, play in keeping the community safe across Victoria.

    Masks mandatory across Victoria

    Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews yesterday announced that masks must be worn, from midnight this Sunday, across the entire state of Victoria.

    We're asking our people, and our customers, to wear masks when visiting us in branch.

    Our priority is to keep our people and customers safe and well while supporting you to carry out essential services for our community.

    You'll continue to receive the same level of customised service. Don't forget that maX is a great tool if you'd like to make an order online or arrange a click-and-collect.

    As always, if you have any questions, please speak to your branch manager.

    Restrictions reintroduced across Metro Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire

    Today metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire entered stage three restrictions which are expected to last for six weeks.

    As an essential service, we are keeping our doors open to support our customers who have an important job to do, to keep the community comfortable and well in their homes.

    We have extensive social distancing and hygiene protocols in place across all our branches to ensure our people and customers are safe and healthy.

    In regional Victoria we will be complying with the government direction to request identification from all non-account customers who visit our stores, for record-keeping purposes. We have an obligation to refuse service to non-account customers who live in metropolitan Melbourne or Mitchell Shire.

    Our account customers, who are tradespeople, are considered an essential service therefore are able to travel between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria for work, and we maintain electronic records of these transactions.

    If you are not an account customer and you plan on visiting one of our showrooms or branches in regional Victoria, please bring your identification and help us keep each other safe by complying with our record-keeping and health and safety protocols.