Flood Recovery Shoalhaven

Over the past months the Shoalhaven has experienced torrential rain, damaging winds and floods resulting in landslips, road damage and for some in our community, isolation. This is still a stressful time. We are all affected by disasters in our own personal way and there is no right or wrong way to feel about all that is happening.

Not feeling like your usual self … would you like a little more support, need to talk?

Council’s Outreach Team is here to support… we are here to listen, help, provide referrals and practical advice. Just having someone to talk with can make a difference.

Speak with Jennifer Healey or Janis Gordon on (02) 4429 5888 (business hours)

You may have noticed some changes, do you...

• Have difficulty concentrating or remembering
• Do not feel as organised or ‘on the ball’
• Have trouble starting things or following through
• Do not feel like being around others
• Do not enjoy things you used to enjoy
• Spend more time in bed or feel exhausted
• React with strong emotions which you normally do not feel or can usually control

You are not alone, these reactions are a normal response to these intense events. While these changes can be unsettling, they are usually temporary, and you do not have to face them on your own.

The NSW Health Disaster Recovery Clinicians are available and offer free confidential assistance on (02) 4424 7888 (business hours)

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13YARN [Thirteen YARN] is the first National crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. We offer a confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter who can provide crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

13YARN empowers our community with the opportunity to yarn without judgment and provides a culturally safe space to speak about their needs, worries or concerns.

If you, or someone you know, are feeling worried or no good, we encourage you to connect with 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24 hours/7 days) and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.

For more information, please visit the https://www.13yarn.org.au/ website.

Mosquitoes aren't just a nuisance - they can transmit serious diseases.

To protect yourself:

• cover-up with a loose-fitting long sleeved shirts and long pants when outside
• apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin
• take special care during peak mosquito biting hours, especially around dawn and dusk
• remove potential mosquito breeding sites from around the home and screen windows and doors.

Take extra precautions when travelling overseas in areas with a high risk of serious mosquito-borne diseases.

Please take the time to have a look at the Mosquitoes are a Health Hazard - Communicative Diseases Factsheet published in the 'Document Library' on this web page.

Dangers of Floodwater

Floodwater and leftover debris may be contaminated with sewage. To prevent illness, contact with floodwater should be minimised. Avoid swimming in rivers, lagoons and estuaries for at least three days after heavy rain.

To find out more about drinking water supplies, personal hygiene and protection and cleaning up your house and yard, take a look at the Staying Healthy During and After Floods Factsheet published in the 'Document Library' on this Get Involved web page.

Additional Resources

• Food safety: https://www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/consumer/keeping-food-safe/flood-firepower-cut-emergencies

• SES After a flood: https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/floodsafe/prepare-your-home/after-flooding/

• Further information contact your public health unit on 1300 066 055.

Beekeepers across the state have lost hives into flood waters.

To ensure this industry remains strong, please report ALL found bee boxes to the Agricultural and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647 noting the location and if possible, the identifying number on the side of the box.

Please take extreme care if you find a bee box as there may well be some upset bees still inside who will not wish to be disturbed.

Under no circumstances should you take possession of a bee box if it does not belong to you.

After a flood, impacted hives need special care and attention to prevent the spread of pests and diseases that can harm the industry.