Sitting out the front of their house in Apollo Estate, and down to their last rations of food, they were trying to work out how to get through the next few days.

"We were sitting out the front thinking, "how are we going to feed our children for the next couple of days?'" Mr Kleingeld said.

That same day, Australian Defence Force members and local police showed up in his street to deliver care packages containing food, basic household items and information.

The ADF is working with local police in conducting compliance and welfare checks around the Dubbo Local Government Area, as well as delivering the support packages.

Mr Kleingeld and his family are one of hundreds receiving the packages, which are being handed out to people across the city who are self-isolating or in need of assistance throughout the lockdown.

"For a lot of people it felt...like we are getting listened to," Mr Kleingeld said.

"The police and army didn't have to come and step in and help us.

"But it's done so much for building bridges in this community...we never thought these guys would listen to us but they are, they're supporting and helping us."

Dubbo mayor Stephen Lawrence said the ADF was well-placed to help bridge those gaps.

"They are an institution with a huge amount of community trust and respect, probably more than any other institution," he said.

"It's heart-rending to think of people in those circumstances, and it really brings home to me the immediate impact in terms of the ADF involvement here.

"It's easy for someone like me, living in my house affected in the lockdown, but I spent a bit of time in Apollo Estate and it's part of my ward. I've got a fairly good understanding, I think, of the housing situation some people are in and it's really tough for some people there."

Mr Kleingeld said their three boxes were packed tight with food such as rice, coffee and biscuits, and items including hand sanitiser, face masks and toilet paper, as well as information about where to get a vaccination and COVID test.

"I just really want to say thank you to the ADF and to the Orana Area Command and LeaderLife for what they've done. I don't think people realise how tough...this is a real disaster for us.

"I feel like we can trust the police a bit better now, I feel like they're listening to us and they understand the predicament we're in."

As Cr Lawrence said: "They're here to help, and we're all going to get through this."

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