The initiave was launched by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today to guard the health of one million elderly Queenslanders who have been asked to stay home to stay safe.
It comes after new lockdown restrictions were introduced on Monday, limiting outdoor gatherings to no more than two people.
Citizens over the age of 70 are now strictly advised to stay home, while those over 60 with serious pre-existing medical conditions are also being told to isolate.
While many of those now isolating are being supported by family, they still require help with regular food and medicine deliveries.
The state government is deploying a Care Army to check in on senior citizens throughout the coronavirus crisis.
Senior Palaszczuk Government Minister Kate Jones will lead the new COVID-19 Seniors Panel that will co-ordinate the Care Army and manage a community awareness campaign.
“When the Premier asked me to do this job I jumped at the chance because it’s so critical,” Jones said.
Palaszczuk said it’s incredibly simple to be involved.
“There might be someone who’s living next door to you, or living down the road from you,” she said.
“And it’s about checking in, getting their contact number, leaving something in their letterbox, and hopping on that phone and saying ‘how are you?’ ‘lets have a chat about things’, ‘do you want to talk to my kids?’
“It’s also about going and doing some grocery shopping for them, and leaving it at the front door.
“Perhaps they might leave a script in their letterbox, and you can go up and get that script.
“Queensland’s community spirit always shines through in times of crisis.”
Queenslanders who would be keen to help out, whether it be with shopping tasks or just regular phone calls, can register on the Community Recovery Hotline (1800 173 349).
