Eurobodalla Recovery Service team members Jane Robertson, Judith Ahearn and Makaela Latham are still offering support to those who need it. Photo: Eurobodalla Shite Council.
Eurobodalla residents who lost their homes in the Black Summer Bushfires can access another round of funding to help clean up their properties.
The Eurobodalla Bushfire Recovery Service is reaching out to people who have not yet sought assistance or who missed the government-funded cleanup that was offered straight after the fires.
Extended funding from Resilience NSW will allow the local support service to continue helping property owners until the end of January 2023.
While the bushfires are long gone, service coordinator Jane Robertson said some people haven’t been able to face the cleanup yet.
She said the funding from Resilience NSW would allow the service to coordinate cleanup for those who still need it.
“We’ll soon be calling for quotes from qualified local trades to do a range of cleanup work,” Ms Robertson said.
“While many impacted residents completed their cleanup with NSW Government support soon after the fires, there are still people who haven’t been able to face that.
“This funding, a first for a recovery service, means we can now help eligible people clean up their properties, get them re-fenced, re-create their garden, or feel safe with burnt materials finally cleared away.”
More funding is available to help those who missed out on assistance after the Black Summer Bushfires. Photo: Lisa Herbert.
The funding is limited, so priority will go to those who need it most.
Ms Robertson said many people still required support and she had heard of residents yet to contact services who may benefit from case management support now.
“We know people are exhausted from making decisions and are in financial and relationship stress,” she said.
“Having a one-on-one case manager can provide a much needed sounding board and reliable information.”
She said bushfire victims needed to know they were not alone and didn’t need to struggle on their own.
“Our case managers can help with applying for financial assistance, work with you on decisions about rebuilding or staying in the area, and refer you to tailored mental health and other recovery support services,” Ms Robertson said.
The Eurobodalla recovery service has been reduced to three case managers to reflect the reduced caseload, but there is capacity to take on new clients.
“We know the pandemic has further isolated people and we can help people reconnect socially with their community. Please drop by the service or call us. Your confidentiality will be respected at all times,” she said.
The Eurobodalla Bushfire Recovery Support Service is located at 46 Vulcan Street, Moruya, on the highway near the pharmacy. The office is open 9 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday. No appointment is necessary. Phone 4474 7434 or email [email protected]
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