Bushfire Recovery Shoalhaven

Shoalhaven residents are invited to take part in HazardSnap, a pilot exploring how community-submitted photos of local hazards could help emergency services better understand conditions on the ground. The project is co-funded by Australian software company Kablamo and the NSW Government through its Natural Hazards Detection System Grants – Phase 2, administered by the Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer, with support from NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW State Emergency Service.

Participants will use a dedicated online form to share photos and information about local hazards they encounter, such as fires, flooding, storm damage, and other hazardous conditions that may be useful for emergency services to understand. They will receive instructions and support, and be invited to provide feedback to help shape the tool.

To express your interest, please email hazardsnap@kablamo.com.au

Only submit images when safe to do so - never approach a hazard to take a photo. HazardSnap is not an emergency-reporting or warning service, and submissions must not be relied on to request emergency assistance. Continue to use Hazards Near Me and official RFS and SES channels for warnings.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Local Land Services NSW (LLS) are asking primary producers or landholders affected by a natural disaster to complete an Online Survey. DPI and LLS, farmers and agricultural industry representatives can use this information to record damage to primary production and animals from natural disasters.

The survey provides the opportunity to record the number of crops, animals, infrastructure and other primary industries damaged in a single event, add photos to the assessment and see the severity of damage in your area.

With the current floods, we are encouraging those impacted to submit the Online Survey.

Stay up to date with the latest flood warnings and news on the SES website. Download the Hazards Near Me App and set up ‘Watch Zones’ to receive warnings in real time.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.