Bushfire Recovery Shoalhaven

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

A lot has happened, and we know it has not been easy, particularly with COVID-19 pausing some community connection recovery activities. Recovery takes time and is different for everyone. We are all affected by disasters in our own personal way.


Council's Recovery page is here to support our community. If you have been affected, there are a range of assistance measures available to support you. The recovery journey can be a complex one with many challenges. We have seen and continue to see extraordinary compassion and kindness shown to our community. Let us remember to stay connected a

A lot has happened, and we know it has not been easy, particularly with COVID-19 pausing some community connection recovery activities. Recovery takes time and is different for everyone. We are all affected by disasters in our own personal way.


Council's Recovery page is here to support our community. If you have been affected, there are a range of assistance measures available to support you. The recovery journey can be a complex one with many challenges. We have seen and continue to see extraordinary compassion and kindness shown to our community. Let us remember to stay connected and support each other.


This page aims to support our community through the recovery journey by providing contacts and information updates. If you need help and support, there is a range of assistance available for you, even if it is just someone to listen.


Council is working collaboratively with Federal and State Government and agencies, the Shoalhaven Health & Wellbeing Network, not-for-profit organisations, charities and many others to deliver this assistance.


For detailed information about the assistance available refer to the Frequently Asked Questions and Important Links on this webpage.

You can call Council's 4429 5888 helpline dedicated to bushfire recovery assistance, during business hours. The team are here to support you on every step of your recovery journey either within Council or by connecting you with the right community or government support.

Recovery services can also be accessed through Service NSW on 13 77 88 from 7am to 7pm every day or online at www.service.nsw.gov.au for locations of Service NSW, and Mobile Service Centres. If you'd prefer, you can contact an agency directly.

Updated 6 December 2023

  • Plan, Prepare, Respond and Recover Newsletter - 14 February 2024

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image


    The Plan, Prepare, Respond and Recover Newsletter - 14 February 2024, does just that. It provides information, updates, and contacts for support available to plan, prepare, respond and recovery from disasters.

    Council’s Recovery Outreach Team is here to support our community Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm ph. (02) 4429 5888. We are here to listen. Just talking to someone can make a difference.

    Recovery services can also be accessed through Service NSW from 7am to 7pm every day on 13 77 88 or online at www.service.nsw.gov.au.

    If you have feedback on what you would like to see included in a newsletter, please let us know by emailing bushfire.recovery@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au.

  • Doing Well sessions in Ulladulla

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    Shoalhaven residents recovering from disaster are being invited to participate in a free ‘Doing Well’ program being run by NSW Health Disaster Recovery clinicians, Mandy and Bron.

    The five-week program will use the Hummingly ‘Doing Well’ cards to explore ways to keep well and navigate challenging times.

    The program will commence at 10.30am on Thursday, February 22 in The Recovery Hub, downstairs at the Ulladulla Civic Centre. It will continue every Thursday from 10.30am to 12.30pm through to March 21 with morning tea provided.

    Each week facilitators Mandy and Bron will look at a new theme including connection, tips for turbulence, physical health and decision-making. Participants will also learn about (and practice) simple mindfulness techniques.

    Those people wanting to participate are encouraged to contact Many or Bron via email at ISLHD-DisasterRecovery@health.nsw.gov.au

    For more information phone 0474 915 008.

  • Just Connect Webinar

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    Local organisations who play a role supporting communities in a natural disaster or crisis are being invited to attend a webinar addressing disaster-related legal issues.

    The webinar is being hosted by Justice Connect and will be held via Zoom between 11am and 12 noon on Tuesday, 20 February 2024.

    Justice Support provides support to communities responding to legal needs after disasters including floods, bushfires and cyclones.

    The webinar will cover a range of topics including:

    • The commonplace nature of disaster-related legal needs
    • Typical legal issues following a disaster
    • Where to find help.

    Participants will also be provided with access to resources that may help their communities prepare for and respond to legal issues arising out of natural disasters.

    Those people wanting to register for the webinar can do so at Justice Connect Events (microsoftcrmportals.com).

    Thousands of Shoalhaven residents have been impacted by floods and bushfires in recent years and for many the recovery process is ongoing.

    More information about the services provided by Justice Connect is available online at www.justiceconnect.org.au or by emailing the organisation’s Manager – Innovation, Access Program, Emma Ryan at emma.ryan@justiceconnect.org.au.

  • How Are You Going?

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

  • Recovery Newsletter - 27 September 2023

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    The Recovery Newsletter - 27 September 2023 provides information, updates, and contacts for support available.

    Council’s Recovery Outreach Team is here to support our community Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm ph. (02) 4429 5888. We are here to listen. Just talking to someone can make a difference.

    Recovery services can also be accessed through Service NSW from 7am to 7pm every day on 13 77 88 or online at www.service.nsw.gov.au.

    If you have feedback on what you would like to see included in a newsletter, please let us know by emailing bushfire.recovery@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au.

  • Hub Happenings - Update September 2023

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

  • ‘We know’ campaign launch ahead of dry summer

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    Community understanding, resilience and know-how has inspired the theme around Council’s new fire preparedness campaign - We Know.

    We Know recognises the lived experience of so many in the community who endured the catastrophic fires of 2019 and 2020, and a nod to all those who played an active role in planning, preparedness and recovery during that time.

    It is this first-hand experience that would hold the Shoalhaven in good stead as everyone prepares for the upcoming fire season. Communities across Australia are being urged for what is likely to be a terrible season of bushfires and we need to heed the warnings and prepare.

    Although it can seem overwhelming when we are still recovering from the Currowan fires, it’s important to remember that the Shoalhaven has been tested before - we know the risk and what to do. We know what’s at stake, how real the devastation can be and what it takes to recover. We know how important it is to prepare emotionally and physically. A lot of work has been done as a community since the Currowan fires to build resilience and mitigate risk and this is a timely reminder to also do the small things to get bushfire ready - prepare yourself, your home and your business and stay up to date on conditions in your area.

    The campaign draws on critical information from the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) and Council resources such as green waste tipping and bushfire recovery.

    We know a well prepared home is more likely to survive a bushfire and ember attack, so one of the first campaign actions is to encourage the community to clean up around their house.

    Throughout September, Council is providing free garden waste disposal at all recycling and waste depots. People should clear their garden of potential fuel hazards by clearing gutters, trimming overhanging branches and cleaning up fallen branches and debris.

    Other ways to plan and prepare are featured on the We Know webpage.

  • Rural Financial Counseling Service

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

  • Tips for Caring for our Elderly During Heat Waves

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    It has certainly been a hot over the past few days. Here are some simple steps we can all take.

    Importantly, we all need to consider how best to support those more vulnerable in our community.

    NSW Health has many handy tips to keep us all more comfortable during the heat, visit NSW Health Beat the Heat

    NSW Health advises

    • People over the age of seventy-five are among those most at risk of heat-related illness during heatwaves. If you’re a carer for an elderly person, here are a few things you can do to prepare them for the heat:

    Check the following:

    1. the person has light, loose-fitting cotton clothing to wear.
    2. they know who to call if they need help.
    3. they have the contact details for their GP, care workers, carers and others who may be able to assist including family, friends, and neighbours.
    4. they have a personal care plan for hot weather that may affect the use of medications or fluid intake.

    Take some simple steps to prepare an elderly person’s home for the heat by:

    1. Checking the fridge, freezer, fan and air-conditioner work properly and that the air-conditioner is set to cool.
    2. Stocking up with food before hot weather arrives to reduce the need to go out.
    3. Having cool packs available to put in the fridge to help cool down.
    4. Having a small emergency kit in case of a power failure…. torch, batteries, a battery-operated radio and a first aid kit.
    5. Check the home or room can be aired properly and safely (for example without the need to leave the front door wide open in an unsafe area).
    6. If possible, add curtains with pale linings in rooms that get a lot of sunlight to help reflect the heat. Avoid dark reflective curtain linings and metal Venetian blinds as they take up heat and can make rooms hotter.
  • Looking for Some Financial Assistance?

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    Service NSW Disaster Assistance Finder

    Did you know that you can complete a simple online questionnaire with Service NSW to identify support that you or your buisness may be eligible for if you have suffered damage or loss from any of the three natural disaster events in the Shoalhaven, March, July and September 2022?

    Visit https://disasterassistance.service.nsw.gov.au/

    70 Rebates to help manage the cost of living

    The NSW Government is helping reduce the cost of living with more than 70 rebates and vouchers…like to know more, try the online Service NSW Savings Finder

    1. Click through 6 simple questions.
    2. See a personalised list of savings.

    Visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/savings-finder

    You can contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 (7am to 7pm)

Page last updated: 16 Feb 2024, 03:11 PM