Bushfire Recovery Shoalhaven

The NSW Government commissioned an independent expert inquiry into the 2019-20 bushfire season to provide input ahead of the next bushfire season.

If you are a resident or property owner in Lake Conjola, Conjola Park or Fisherman’s Paradise and surrounds (postcode 2539), please register online for the Community Consultation Online Meeting on Thursday 16 April 202 at 5:30pm. Prior to the meeting you will receive a link to access the video conference and dial-in details if you would prefer to participate by phone.

Details on the additional community consultation meetings, throughout the broader Shoalhaven area, will be posted on this website once they are known.

The Inquiry also welcomes submissions from bushfire-affected residents, emergency and support personnel, organisations and the general public.

Please share your experience and tell us your story to inform the Inquiry’s work.

For more information, including how to make a submission, visit the NSW Government website.

Mayor Amanda Findley, opened the Mayoral Relief Fund, on 4 December 2019, in response to the Shoalhaven bushfires. The good will of the community has been amazing and donations are still being received.

Council has established a Committee to make sure the payments go to individuals and trades people who have been directly impacted and need it the most.

For more information, including eligibility and how to apply or donate, visit the Mayoral Relief Fund website.

A $20,000 grant is available to assist with the early stages of rebuild planning, including building plans, council fees and safety assessments. It is open to home owners whose primary place of residence was destroyed.

For more information, including how to apply, visit the Red Cross Recovering from Emergencies website.

The 4424 7888 Bushfire Recovery and COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line has been established to provide an easy point of access for anyone feeling overwhelmed or dealing with difficult emotions in response to the 2019/20 bushfires and/or the COVID -19 pandemic.

The Bushfire Recovery Co-ordinators are locally-based mental health professionals who listen compassionately and support you to recognise your strengths, understand and manage your emotions and focus on your self care. They can help to identify and connect you with other appropriate supports.

The Support Line operates Monday to Friday from 8:30 - 4:00. Simply call the number and a clinician will either speak to you directly or will be in touch with you as soon as possible. The phone call will be directed by you and is an opportunity to talk through your concerns and find ways to look after yourself and your emotional health. The support line staff also provides information on longer-term support.

All calls are confidential. Support Line clinicians will not disclose information regarding your name, personal reactions, feelings, or concerns unless it is with your consent so appropriate referrals can be made, or if staff are required to by law.

Contact the Mental Health Bushfire Recovery and COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line on 4424 7888 between 8:30 - 4:30 Monday to Friday.

Please call the Mental Health Access Line on 1800 011 511 Lifeline on 13 11 14 after hours.

For urgent assistance, call 000 or contact your local hospital Emergency Department.

A message from Mick Willing, State Recovery Coordinator about COVID-19 and supporting communities in bushfire recovery.

We continue to work with communities in Bushfire Recovery during the current COVID-19 challenge.

To keep everyone safe, we are restricting face to face contact.

We are still here to help - the Bushfire Customer Care Service continues to operate and is the one stop shop for all bushfire recovery questions from individuals and businesses.

Bushfire Customer Care Service -13 77 88 or www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/bushfire-customer-care-service

For COVID-19 updates, visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus See Less

27 March 2020

Laing O'Rourke's priority for clean-up works across the State (including the Shoalhaven) is to engage qualified local contractors and local suppliers wherever possible.

Acknowledging the constraints in place to reduce the spread of COVID19, Laing O'Rourke are holding an online webinar to explain the clean-up program to local industry and provide information on the opportunities in each location.

The first of the industry briefings focused on the Shoalhaven LGA in partnership with Shoalhaven Council.

Laing O'Rourke are asked local contractors to register to join the 1 April 2020, 6pm event so they could explain the clean-up program to local industry.

The webinar is now available online.

For more information visit the Laing O'Rourke website.