Flood Recovery Shoalhaven

The Flood Recovery Newsletter - 15 April 2024 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 recovery@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au.

Are you a rural landholder who has suffered damage in the recent storm and flood event?

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Local Land Services NSW (LLS) needs your help to understand the level of impact that this storm and flood event has had on rural property in the Shoalhaven.

Primary producers or landholders affected by a natural disaster are asked 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.

Getting back on your feet after flooding?

Expert staff can give you a hand with:

• animal assessment and veterinary advice and assistance
• livestock feeding and management advice
• pasture, cropping and horticulture recovery advice
• plant and animal biosecurity surveillance and advice
• erosion control and riverbank restoration advice.

Landholders requiring assistance can contact Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.

Access our flood recovery resources and more at https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/floods/flood-recovery-resources.

If you are feeling distressed, Lifeline is available to support you by calling 13 11 14.

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.

It has certainly been a hot over the past few days. Here are some simple steps we can all take.

Importantly, we all need to consider how best to support those more vulnerable in our community.

NSW Health has many handy tips to keep us all more comfortable during the heat, visit NSW Health Beat the Heat

NSW Health advises

• People over the age of seventy-five are among those most at risk of heat-related illness during heatwaves. If you’re a carer for an elderly person, here are a few things you can do to prepare them for the heat:

Check the following:

1. the person has light, loose-fitting cotton clothing to wear.
2. they know who to call if they need help.
3. they have the contact details for their GP, care workers, carers and others who may be able to assist including family, friends, and neighbours.
4. they have a personal care plan for hot weather that may affect the use of medications or fluid intake.

Take some simple steps to prepare an elderly person’s home for the heat by:

1. Checking the fridge, freezer, fan and air-conditioner work properly and that the air-conditioner is set to cool.
2. Stocking up with food before hot weather arrives to reduce the need to go out.
3. Having cool packs available to put in the fridge to help cool down.
4. Having a small emergency kit in case of a power failure…. torch, batteries, a battery-operated radio and a first aid kit.
5. Check the home or room can be aired properly and safely (for example without the need to leave the front door wide open in an unsafe area).
6. If possible, add curtains with pale linings in rooms that get a lot of sunlight to help reflect the heat. Avoid dark reflective curtain linings and metal Venetian blinds as they take up heat and can make rooms hotter.