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Bushfire Recovery Shoalhaven

This page aims to support our community through the recovery phase of the impacts from the recent bushfires.

If you have been affected, there is a range of assistance for you. Council is working in partnership with emergency services, State and Federal government agencies, charities and others to deliver this assistance.

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

Disaster Recovery Centres

A Disaster Recovery Centre is now open in Ulladulla. The Centre is a one-stop shop, providing practical assistance and support for people impacted by the bush fires.

At the centre, you can access mental health support and find out about Disaster Welfare Services. You can speak to Centrelink, Red Cross, NSW Health, Legal Aid, Fair Trading, Salvation Army, chaplains, insurers and other agencies to support your recovery.

Note: From Saturday 15 February 2020, the Ulladulla Disaster Recovery Centre opening hours changed.

Vist the Ulladulla Civic Centre
81B Princes Hwy
Ulladulla NSW

Daily opening times are:
Monday, Tuesday: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am - 5:30pm
Thursday, Friday: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Sunday: Closed

There is also a Drop-in Centre at Kangaroo Valley.

Visit the Kangaroo Valley Drop-in Centre
170 Moss Vale Road
Kangaroo Valley NSW

Daily opening times are:
Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am – 12:00pm

All recovery services for people and businesses can now be accessed via Service NSW on 13 77 88 from 7am to 7pm every day or visit www.service.nsw.gov.au for locations of Service NSW, and Mobile Service Centres. If you prefer to continue contacting an agency directly, you can still do so.

Clean up: Register now
Insured and uninsured residential and eligible commercial property owners must register at www.service.nsw.gov.au or call 13 77 88 to be included in the government-supported clean up program.

Updated 24 February 2020

This page aims to support our community through the recovery phase of the impacts from the recent bushfires.

If you have been affected, there is a range of assistance for you. Council is working in partnership with emergency services, State and Federal government agencies, charities and others to deliver this assistance.

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

Disaster Recovery Centres

A Disaster Recovery Centre is now open in Ulladulla. The Centre is a one-stop shop, providing practical assistance and support for people impacted by the bush fires.

At the centre, you can access mental health support and find out about Disaster Welfare Services. You can speak to Centrelink, Red Cross, NSW Health, Legal Aid, Fair Trading, Salvation Army, chaplains, insurers and other agencies to support your recovery.

Note: From Saturday 15 February 2020, the Ulladulla Disaster Recovery Centre opening hours changed.

Vist the Ulladulla Civic Centre
81B Princes Hwy
Ulladulla NSW

Daily opening times are:
Monday, Tuesday: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am - 5:30pm
Thursday, Friday: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Sunday: Closed

There is also a Drop-in Centre at Kangaroo Valley.

Visit the Kangaroo Valley Drop-in Centre
170 Moss Vale Road
Kangaroo Valley NSW

Daily opening times are:
Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am – 12:00pm

All recovery services for people and businesses can now be accessed via Service NSW on 13 77 88 from 7am to 7pm every day or visit www.service.nsw.gov.au for locations of Service NSW, and Mobile Service Centres. If you prefer to continue contacting an agency directly, you can still do so.

Clean up: Register now
Insured and uninsured residential and eligible commercial property owners must register at www.service.nsw.gov.au or call 13 77 88 to be included in the government-supported clean up program.

Updated 24 February 2020

  • NIBA Establishes Bushfire Community Support Innitiative

    about 1 month ago
    Niba

    17 January 2020

    The National Insurance Brokers Association of Australia (NIBA) has established a Bushfire Community Support Initiative.

    NIBA's qualified insurance broker members are offering to advise and assist people impacted by the recent bushfires with their insurance claims.

    If you need an insurance broker, as a result of the recent fires, call NIBA’s Need a Broker hotline on 1300 53 10 73.

    For more information visit the NIBA's website.

    17 January 2020

    The National Insurance Brokers Association of Australia (NIBA) has established a Bushfire Community Support Initiative.

    NIBA's qualified insurance broker members are offering to advise and assist people impacted by the recent bushfires with their insurance claims.

    If you need an insurance broker, as a result of the recent fires, call NIBA’s Need a Broker hotline on 1300 53 10 73.

    For more information visit the NIBA's website.

  • Telstra Announces Assistance Package for NSW

    3 months ago
    Telstra
    Telstra has announced an assistance package for its residential and small business customers in New South Wales who have lost services due to fire.

    Telstra Regional General Manager Chris Taylor said bushfires in New South Wales had affected Telstra’s mobile and fixed line services, and the assistance package would provide customers with access to free and interim services during the recovery period.

    Areas include; Customers impacted by the Currowan Fire in the Eurobodalla & Shoalhaven areas:
    Currowan, Depot Beach, Durras North, East Lynne, Flat Rock, Pebbly Beach,South Durras,Termeil,
    Bawley Point, Kioloa and Pretty Beach. Customers impacted by the North Black...

    Telstra has announced an assistance package for its residential and small business customers in New South Wales who have lost services due to fire.

    Telstra Regional General Manager Chris Taylor said bushfires in New South Wales had affected Telstra’s mobile and fixed line services, and the assistance package would provide customers with access to free and interim services during the recovery period.

    Areas include; Customers impacted by the Currowan Fire in the Eurobodalla & Shoalhaven areas:
    Currowan, Depot Beach, Durras North, East Lynne, Flat Rock, Pebbly Beach,South Durras,Termeil,
    Bawley Point, Kioloa and Pretty Beach. Customers impacted by the North Black Range Fire in the Queanbeyan Palerang area: Bombay, Little Bombay and Majors Creek.

    “We know that a number of our customers are displaced or have lost their homes, and we understand that now it is more important than ever to be able to reach out to friends and family,” Mr Taylor said.

    “That’s why we are making this package available – so customers can still be connected in their time of need,” Mr Taylor said.

    “As well as supporting customers, the assistance package will also provide the wider community with free calls and free Telstra Air Wi-Fi through local payphones.

    “Our teams are also working to restore impacted services as quickly as possible. In some cases, adverse conditions are preventing us from reaching some areas but we will attend as soon as it’s safe to do so.”
    Customers who have had to evacuate or have lost their home are encouraged to call Telstra on 132 203 (then enter their full home phone number including area code when prompted) to report a fault and register for the assistance package.

    Telstra's relief packages can include the following:

    • Short term measures (for Telstra customers who have a short term impact – temporary evacuation of premises or temporary fault):
    • Free use of Telstra public payphones in the affected areas
    • Free use of Telstra Air payphone hotspots in the affected areas
    • Free call diversion from an affected fixed home or business phone service to another fixed or mobile service of the customer's choice, regardless of the carrier
    • Customers who use the free call diversion to divert their affected fixed home or business phone to their Telstra mobile service, can also make local and STD® calls on their mobile at fixed line rates, in accordance with their selected plan (limited to one designated Telstra mobile per affected household or business)
    • Affected Telstra mobile customers who do not have a Telstra home phone can receive a one-off credit to the value of $100 inc. GST (limited to one mobile phone per Telstra mobile account).
    The above offers are applicable until network damage in the area due to fire is repaired, or while customers remain evacuated, for a maximum period of three months from the date of the fires.
    Long term measures (for Telstra customers who have suffered severe damage to or loss of their premises):

    Fixed services
    • Free call diversion from the customer’s Telstra fixed phone service to another Australian fixed or mobile service of their choice, regardless of the carrier. This offer is applicable for a maximum period of 6 months from the date of the fire.
    • In addition, Telstra will apply a one off credit to the value of $500 inc. GST to the customer’s Telstra fixed phone account to help cover the costs of the following, if required:
    • Connection of a Telstra fixed phone service at one temporary residence
    • Re-connection of a Telstra fixed phone service at the customer’s original permanent premises


  • ATO Assistance is Available

    3 months ago
    Istock 916253102

    The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) understands that during this time there are more immediate problems you will be facing. Help is available to you whenever you need it and you can find out more information at the Australian Taxation Office website.


    The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) understands that during this time there are more immediate problems you will be facing. Help is available to you whenever you need it and you can find out more information at the Australian Taxation Office website.


  • Shoalhaven Local Government Area Recovery Action Plan

    17 days ago
    Recovery plan

    12 February 2020

    The Shoalhaven Recovery Committee have launched the Shoalhaven Local Government Area Recovery Action Plan. The Action Plan guides Council’s response to bushfire recovery in the Shoalhaven.

    The Action Plan formalises recovery procedures and identifies key Council contacts in charge of coordinating bushfire recovery.

    Download the Shoalhaven Local Government Area Recovery Action Plan.

    12 February 2020

    The Shoalhaven Recovery Committee have launched the Shoalhaven Local Government Area Recovery Action Plan. The Action Plan guides Council’s response to bushfire recovery in the Shoalhaven.

    The Action Plan formalises recovery procedures and identifies key Council contacts in charge of coordinating bushfire recovery.

    Download the Shoalhaven Local Government Area Recovery Action Plan.

  • Sifting Through Fire-damaged Material Presents Health and Safety Risks

    about 2 months ago
    Ruble2

    While members of the community are understandably keen to return to their properties and sift through fire-damaged material, they need to be aware of the associated health risks.

    The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District issued health information and advice to South Coast community members currently in, or returning to, areas impacted by bushfires yesterday, reminding residents and their families to take extra precautions when returning to homes and properties affected by bushfires.

    Community members should not sift through fire-damaged material until it has been inspected and verified to be free of asbestos and other hazardous material.

    Building and structures burnt...

    While members of the community are understandably keen to return to their properties and sift through fire-damaged material, they need to be aware of the associated health risks.

    The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District issued health information and advice to South Coast community members currently in, or returning to, areas impacted by bushfires yesterday, reminding residents and their families to take extra precautions when returning to homes and properties affected by bushfires.

    Community members should not sift through fire-damaged material until it has been inspected and verified to be free of asbestos and other hazardous material.

    Building and structures burnt in bushfires can leave potential health and safety hazards in the remaining rubble and ash.

    These include asbestos, ash from burnt-treated timbers, medicines, garden or farm chemicals, household chemicals and cleaning products, damaged gas bottles, metal and other residues from burnt household appliances as well as ash and dust.

    Fibres can also become trapped on clothing and other items and transported off-site.

    Licensed contractors from NSW Public Works are progressively working through fire-affected areas in the Shoalhaven as quickly as they can.

    For more information on your property, call 1800 88 55 39.

    More information on property hazards following a bushfire can be found on the SafeWork NSW website.


  • Free Wi-Fi

    about 1 month ago
    Nbn

    23 January 2020

    To support our local communities, @NBN Australia is providing free Wi-Fi services at the following locations:

    ✅ Ulladulla Civic Centre - 81B Princes Hwy Ulladulla (NSW)

    ✅ Lake Conjola Community Centre – Lot 7025 Lake Conjola Entrance Rd Lake Conjola (NSW)

    For more information and updates visit nbn.

    23 January 2020

    To support our local communities, @NBN Australia is providing free Wi-Fi services at the following locations:

    ✅ Ulladulla Civic Centre - 81B Princes Hwy Ulladulla (NSW)

    ✅ Lake Conjola Community Centre – Lot 7025 Lake Conjola Entrance Rd Lake Conjola (NSW)

    For more information and updates visit nbn.

  • Bushfire Relief Donations

    about 2 months ago
    Bushfire

    The best way to support Shoalhaven communities affected by the recent bushfires is to give monetary donations.

    Please make bushfire relief donations through:

    Shoalhaven City Council
    BSB: 062 585
    Account: 10948473
    Quote reference: Bushfire

    Call the Bushfire Relief Donations Hotline on 0439 436 657

    Donate online through Shoalhaven City Council Mayor's Relief Fund

    Other ways to donate include:

    Treading Lightly Inc. Milton Ulladulla Region Bushfire Appeal
    BSB: 633 000...

    The best way to support Shoalhaven communities affected by the recent bushfires is to give monetary donations.

    Please make bushfire relief donations through:

    Shoalhaven City Council
    BSB: 062 585
    Account: 10948473
    Quote reference: Bushfire

    Call the Bushfire Relief Donations Hotline on 0439 436 657

    Donate online through Shoalhaven City Council Mayor's Relief Fund

    Other ways to donate include:

    Treading Lightly Inc. Milton Ulladulla Region Bushfire Appeal
    BSB: 633 000
    Acc No: 170066377

    Please make international donations ONLY through:

    paypal.mayorsrelieffund

    OR call the Bushfire Relief Donations Hotline - +61 439 436 657

  • myMedPac Donating and Delivering Prescription Medicines to Bushfire Affected Communities

    19 days ago
    Mymedpac
    10 February 2020

    Pocket Health are donating and delivering prescription medicines to bushfire affected people through their packing service myMedPac.

    To request assistance please email Pocket Health at joe@pockethealth.co with the following information:
    • name
    • phone number
    • affected address (must be a bushfire affected region).

    Following receipt of your email Pocket Health will contact you.

    For more information visit myMedPac.

    10 February 2020

    Pocket Health are donating and delivering prescription medicines to bushfire affected people through their packing service myMedPac.

    To request assistance please email Pocket Health at joe@pockethealth.co with the following information:
    • name
    • phone number
    • affected address (must be a bushfire affected region).

    Following receipt of your email Pocket Health will contact you.

    For more information visit myMedPac.

  • Mayoral Funding Relief

    3 months ago
    Currowan fire landscape

    Shoalhaven City Council Mayor, Amanda Findley, has opened the Mayoral Relief Fund in response to the Currowan Fire Emergency that is impacting the southern Shoalhaven.

    The community support of donated items has been overwhelming and extremely generous to date. Charity and volunteer organisations have now reached capacity for item donation. Therefore, the Mayoral Appeal Fund is the preferred method to assist the Shoalhaven towns and villages impacted.

    If you would like to make a tribute to “Bushfire” you can donate via Council to

    Shoalhaven City Council

    BSB: 062 585

    Account: 10948473

    Please quote Reference: Bushfire

    Donations can also be made...

    Shoalhaven City Council Mayor, Amanda Findley, has opened the Mayoral Relief Fund in response to the Currowan Fire Emergency that is impacting the southern Shoalhaven.

    The community support of donated items has been overwhelming and extremely generous to date. Charity and volunteer organisations have now reached capacity for item donation. Therefore, the Mayoral Appeal Fund is the preferred method to assist the Shoalhaven towns and villages impacted.

    If you would like to make a tribute to “Bushfire” you can donate via Council to

    Shoalhaven City Council

    BSB: 062 585

    Account: 10948473

    Please quote Reference: Bushfire

    Donations can also be made at our Customer Service Centres in both Nowra and Ulladulla or at any Commonwealth Bank branch using the BSB and Account number and reference "Bushfire".

    All donated funds are held in a separate trust account. The management and distribution of these funds will be overseen by an Independent Advisory Panel chaired by the Mayor Amanda Findley.

    The Panel will ensure all funds are distributed equitably and consistently to those who are directly affected by the fire emergency, in compliance with the Commonwealth charitable law requirements.

    Donate now


  • Managing Livestock After a Fire

    3 months ago
    Istock 1050921982

    Following a bushfire, there are a number of actions you need to take to ensure your livestock are kept healthy.

    The Local Land Services Information Sheet will help you manage livestock after a fire.


    Sometimes, despite the best plans and preparation, horses, livestock and other animals are caught up in bushfires. You can learn more about how to help livestock that have been burnt by a fire here:

    https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-can-we-do-to-help-livestock-that-have-been-burnt-by-a-fire/

    Following a bushfire, there are a number of actions you need to take to ensure your livestock are kept healthy.

    The Local Land Services Information Sheet will help you manage livestock after a fire.


    Sometimes, despite the best plans and preparation, horses, livestock and other animals are caught up in bushfires. You can learn more about how to help livestock that have been burnt by a fire here:

    https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-can-we-do-to-help-livestock-that-have-been-burnt-by-a-fire/