Resources for support - COVID-19

14.07.21

We understand that many writers and illustrators may be struggling with renewed social-distancing and lockdown restrictions across the country, so we've compiled a list of resources for support.

Emotional Wellbeing

Support Act Wellbeing Helpline - 1800 959 500

Beyond Blue - Online resources for a range of issues, as well as helpline: 1800 512 348

MindSpot - Online resources for a range of issues, as well as immediate helpline: 1800 61 44 34 

Professional Advice

ASA - Advice Service

Australian Poetry

Copyright Agency

Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd)

Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA)

Financial Support and Opportunities

Government Support

Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment: Support if you can't earn an income because you must self-isolate or quarantine, or are caring for someone with COVID-19.

COVID-19 Disaster Payment: A support payment for workers adversely affected by a state public health order.

COVID-19 business support: As a sole trader you may be eligible for the Government's recently announced business support grants. Book creators based in Sydney may be eligible for:

• COVID-19 business grant: if you’re a business, sole trader or not-for-profit organisation impacted by the current Greater Sydney COVID-19 restrictions, you may be able to apply for a one-off payment of up to $15,000. For this payment you must have had an aggregated annual turnover between $75,000 and $50 million for the year ended 30 June 2020.
• Micro business grant: a fortnightly payment of $1500 for businesses with a turnover between $30,000 and $75,000. If you’re a micro business or sole trader impacted by the current Greater Sydney COVID-19 restrictions while continuing to incur business costs you may be eligible for this payment. To be eligible your micro business must be your primary source of income, and you must have experienced a decline in turnover of 30% or more during a minimum 2-week period compared to the same period in 2019.

Other

Writers Benevolent Fund - providing grants for authors finding themselves in financial difficulties

Australia Council Grants

Authors Online - directory of authors available for online appearances

Create NSW

ArtsACT

Creative Victoria

Arts Tasmania

Arts South Australia

Arts Queensland

Arts NT

Culture & the Arts WA

As always, the ASA is your professional organisation, and we are only ever a phone call or email away for support and advice.