Mayoral Relief Fund Set Up as Wollondilly Community faces Fire Threat

Council has set up a Mayoral Relief Fund for the 2019/20 Fire Season to assist Wollondilly residents who may be impacted by the ongoing fire situation and to support local recovery.

It has been a challenging week for Wollondilly residents, with the Green Wattle Creek Fire spreading from the Burragorang Valley and threatening properties in the northern end of the Shire including Nattai, Oakdale and Werombi.

Mayor Matthew Deeth said, “We acknowledge that this will be a long fire season and we want to support those who need our help during these stressful times.” “Council would like to extend a huge thank you to all our firefighters and everyone volunteering to protect our community.”

“The RFS and emergency services are our community’s first line of defence and we are incredibly grateful for their protection.”

“We are a resilient community that unites together during emergencies and it has been great to see people working so well together and getting behind our firefighters,” he said.

You can donate to the Mayoral Relief Fund in person, at the Administration Building, at your local NAB Branch or online. Head to the 2019/20 Fire Season - Mayoral Relief Fund on Council's website.

Support is now available for Wollondilly residents impacted by fire through the Mayoral Relief Fund.

The fund has been set up for the duration of the 2019/20 Fire Season in response to the Green Wattle Creek Fire emergency and has been open to accept donations since Friday 6 December.

Residents can now apply for crisis funding by visiting Council’s Administration Building at 62-64 Menangle Street, Picton. A Project Officer will be on hand to assist with the application and also provide referrals to appropriate services including emergency housing, food and government support agencies.

One-off payments of $250 will be available to individuals and $500 to families. Applicants will need to demonstrate they are in immediate need due to their current circumstances.

For those impacted by fire where significant loss has occurred, an application form is available on Council’s website for assistance of up to $5000. This funding will be provided to those who need help with things such as accommodation, furniture, bedding or access to a vehicle as a result of damage sustained by fire.

Applicants are asked to attach quotes and evidence of need with their application.

Head to the 2019/20 Fire Season - Mayoral Relief Fund on Council's website to find out more.