Final preparations are underway at the Victorian Quarantine Hub with the facility due to accept its first residents from Monday.
This marks a significant milestone in Victoria’s public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic as quarantine requirements for unvaccinated travellers continue to play a critical role in how we stay open.
As hotel quarantine is gradually phased out over the coming month, the hub will become Victoria’s sole quarantine site and from April will have capacity to accommodate up to 1000 residents at any one time, an official press release said.
As well as unvaccinated travellers, the facility can accommodate eligible community members who are covid-positive but cannot isolate at home, such as healthcare workers. It could also operate as emergency accommodation after natural disasters, and it will be critical in any future pandemics.
Unlike hotels, which needed to be retrofitted to meet quarantine and ventilation requirements, the hub has been designed in a way which places infection prevention and control at the heart of all its operations.
The hub is made up of cabin-style accommodation with entry and exit points via outdoor decks, so the virus cannot spread through shared corridors and other internal spaces.
The accommodation is split up across four separate and secure villages, with all services and amenities delivered directly onsite to limit any unnecessary internal or external movement.
Encapsulating the lessons from hotel quarantine, the hub will operate in an open-air setting and rely on the latest technology – including bespoke ventilation systems designed by IPC experts and CCTV monitoring of the villages.
Guests will have access to in-house electronic food ordering and entertainment – which also serve to minimise contact between staff and residents.
The site will be managed by COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria, with Victoria Police providing perimeter security.
CQV has commenced onsite training and orientation for approximately 560 staff as well as stress-testing all systems onsite to ensure its robust IPC processes are in place ahead of the first arrival of residents.
The VQH is a jointly funded Commonwealth-State project, with the Victorian Government investing an initial $15 million for the planning and design in addition to funding the facility’s operating costs, equipment and operating system fit-out. The Australian Government funded the remainder of the project, including construction costs.
Follow The Indian Sun on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
