Residents in Melbourne's nine locked-down public housing towers have told SBS News they are struggling to receive essential supplies as they adapt to an initial five-day lockdown without warning.
As Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews insists the hard lockdown of nine public housing towers is not a punishment, residents inside say they are struggling to access crucial supplies.
Victorian Police officers and health workers are seen outside a public housing tower along Racecourse Road in Melbourne.On day three of the public housing estate lockdown, single mother Maima, who does not want to be identified by her full name, said she reached breaking point."I am frustrated and angry. I wasn't prepared at all."
"I'm helping out my elderly neighbours. Getting some information to them. Getting some essential stuff like sugar and milk to them. We're sharing [our supplies]. In another case, a mother was urgently seeking medication for her son who has a condition which he has been hospitalised for numerous times in the past year.
"We write down [what they can eat] and go to nearby East African restaurants. We speak to the owners and we ask can they cook what these residents can eat."Mr Ige said he has been helping to co-ordinate the provision of supplies and to provide information for residents who do not speak English.Australian African Association president Nasa Ige says members of the community have stepped in to provide translation and arrange the delivery of meals.
"We got one letter delivered this morning telling us to stay in our units and eventually we would be tested and they've hung one mask on our door," Janine Kelly said.
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