Bushfire Recovery Shoalhaven

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 aContinue reading

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

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Mental Health Advice

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Many people will have found the recent bushfire events distressing or emotionally challenging. People can react in a variety of ways to these experiences.

Many people may experience sadness, sleep disturbance, fear or anxiety. It is important to understand that many competent, healthy, strong people will have similar feelings or responses. The response may be experienced immediately or sometimes much later.

Having distressing thoughts and feelings after such events is normal and not a sign of personal weakness. However, when these responses persist or significantly impact on your ability to return to your usual activities it mayContinue reading
Many people will have found the recent bushfire events distressing or emotionally challenging. People can react in a variety of ways to these experiences.

Many people may experience sadness, sleep disturbance, fear or anxiety. It is important to understand that many competent, healthy, strong people will have similar feelings or responses. The response may be experienced immediately or sometimes much later.

Having distressing thoughts and feelings after such events is normal and not a sign of personal weakness. However, when these responses persist or significantly impact on your ability to return to your usual activities it may be necessary to seek additional support.

In particular, children absorb the tension, uncertainty, confusion and fear around them following traumatic events. Try to create a sense of calm. Reassure children that they are safe and that there is someone there to take care of them.

Recovery from exposure to traumatic events is often helped by talking it over with others. People who readily use formal and informal support from family, friends, clergy or other supports generally recover better from stressful situations - prevention is better than cure.

If you experience persistent issues (thoughts or feelings) that interfere with your life you are encouraged to talk to your General Practitioner or health care provider.

In NSW you can contact your local mental health service via the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.

Further information and resources are available on the NSW Health website.

For specific information on how to support children in response to this event, please see the following resource prepared by the Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma, Loss and Grief Network.
Understand your Insurance

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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.

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.
Shoalhaven Local Government Area Recovery Action Plan

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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 S hoalhaven 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 S hoalhaven Local Government Area Recovery Action Plan.