Bushfire Recovery Shoalhaven

Practical support is available to all businesses affected by the NSW bushfires, from damaged or destroyed property to disrupted business and reduced income. For more information visit Disaster Assistance - Support for Small Businesses Affected by Bushfires.

30 January 2020

Due to the recent bushfires, the NSW Government would like to hear from any local businesses in regions affected by bushfire, that are able to provide goods and services to their community.

The NSW Government is establishing a supplier list that coves all kinds of goods or services, including those that are not already available from government.

Registration is easy. Just a few simple questions on a portal. Everyone is welcome to apply.

The purpose of this portal is to connect buyers with regional suppliers and vice versa. It assists buyers to give first preference to an appropriate local supplier based in the same region. Any information gathered that is not commercial-in-confidence will be publicly available on the ProcurePoint so everyone can access it.

Buyers: If you are a NSW Government buyer (including private hospitals, local councils, non-profit organisations, educational institutes and public authorities) or a private buyer you can use this platform to provide information about your needs and the programs you have carried out of bushfire recovery work.

Register now at eTendering.

Constructors wishing to register your interest in cleanup work, contact or register with constructionselection@finance.nsw.gov.au.

3 February 2020

The Insurance Council of Australia have created a Bushfire Trades Register where you can register your business to become part of the essential recovery work following the Australian bushfires.

Your business registration will help users to easily find your details and other trade businesses they need.

Register your business through the Insurance Council of Australia's Bushfire Trades Register.

Those worst-hit by bushfires in the South Coast can access 13 weeks' income support provided by the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Allowance.

The financial support is available to those who had lost their income as a direct result of the fires in the Eurobodalla, Shoalhaven, Central Coast, Mid-Western, Muswellbrook, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Upper Hunter and Wollondilly council areas.

Claims would be open from Wednesday, December 11.

Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said anyone who had been out of work because of the fires should contact the Department of Human Services to check their eligibility.

"This lets people who can't earn an income because of the fires stay in their homes," Mr Littleproud said.

"It's going to take some time to rebuild and this will keep communities together while that happens.

"The Federal Government will keep standing shoulder-to-shoulder with these communities until they're back on their feet.

"We will make further support available for bushfire affected communities as it is needed."

Claims can be made at www.humanservices.gov.au/disaster or by calling 180 22 66.

More information on disaster assistance is available at www.disasterassist.gov.au.

For more information or to make a claim visit www.humanservices.gov.au/disaster or call 180 22 66.

More information on disaster assistance is available at www.disasterassist.gov.au.

4 February 2020

Thanks to the ongoing generosity, Red Cross announced additional immediate bushfire recovery financial assistance.

Injury Grant - A $7,500 payment for people who have spent two days or more in hospital as a result of physical injuries or mental health issues as a direct result of bushfires from July 2019.

Emergency Grant - A $20,000 payment to support people whose primary place of residence was destroyed. If you have received a previous payment there is no need to re-apply. Red Cross will contact you directly.

Primary Residence Repair Grant - A $5,000 payment for home owners whose homes have been structurally damaged and require repair to make them safe to live in.

Red Cross will continue to announce further bushfire assistance as people start to rebuild in their communities.

For more information visit Red Cross' Australian Bushfires - How We're Using Funds.

10 February 2020

Red Cross are providing a new bereavement payment to meet the immediate needs of the families of those who have tragically lost their lives.

Red Cross will contact the families of those who lost loved ones to provide an initial $20,000 bereavement payment to meet their unmet needs during this difficult time, including funeral and related expenses.

For more information visit Donations to Red Cross Working Hard for Bushfire Affected Communities.

7 February 2020

Local organisations in bushfire affected communities are invited to apply for grant funding for grassroots community activities aimed at strengthening social connections, emotional wellbeing, resilience and to assist communities to recover and heal.

Under the Supporting the Mental Health of Australians Affected by Bushfires measure, funding of up to $10,000 is available for small to medium community groups and organisations.

A number of financial institutions are offering bushfire financial assistance programs to their customers. The aim is to offer immediate practical help to assist customers to manage the impact of natural disasters on their finances.

Financial assistance may include:

• assistance with temporary accommodation
• food and clothing
• deferred loan repayment arrangements
• deferred credit card repayments
• personal loans to purchase replacement goods at discounted interest rate and no establishment fees
• waived interest rate adjustments on term deposit withdrawals
• Disaster Relief Packages to support volunteer firefighters.

Assistance for business customers may include:

• loan restructuring without incurring the usual bank establishment fees
• affected business customers with merchant facilities may be eligible to receive monthly terminal access fee waivers

If you are insured please contact your insurance company directly.

The Insurance Council Disaster Hotline can be contacted on 1800 734 621 or www.disasters.org.au for further information.