Recovery Centre goes mobile this week

The Eurobodalla Bushfire Recovery Centre opened on Wednesday 15 January to provide information and assistance to residents and businesses affected by the recent fires.

Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes said the centre was there to help the community with practical assistance.

“Since opening, well over 800 households have registered so far – from South Durras to Wallaga Lake,” she said.

“They’ve taken advantage of a range of government and non-government services to help rebuild their lives with practical advice and emotional and economic support.”

Clr Innes said the centre, managed by the NSW Office of Emergency Management and supported by Council, was also providing outreach across the shire and focussing on the most fire-impacted communities.

“The recovery centre agencies were at Mogo and Malua Bay last week,” she said.

“This week they travel to Bodalla and Narooma to offer rural landowners whose properties have been impacted by the fires the opportunity to come together for a light meal and to catch up with representatives from the different recovery agencies.”

Alongside Office of Emergency Management and Council staff, the outreach sessions have staff from Red Cross, Local Land Services, Rural Adversity Mental Health, Disaster Welfare, NSW Mental Health, NSW Housing, and others.

Each representative will take a few minutes to explain the support on offer, who is eligible and how the support can be accessed. Residents can have one-on-one conversations with agency staff throughout the evening to have their questions answered or to get help specific to their needs.

The Bodalla outreach will be held in the Bodalla Hall, 60 Princes Highway on Wednesday 29 January from 6 to 8pm. The Narooma outreach will be held at Club Narooma on Thursday 30 January from 6 to 8pm.

“If the outreach is appropriate for you, I urge you to attend,” Clr Innes said.

“Otherwise, the Eurobodalla Recovery Centre is open 9am to 5pm weekdays and 10am to 4pm weekends, at the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club, with a full range of service organisations and many insurers also represented.

“If you require assistance with transport, please contact Community Transport on 4474 1040.”

Bushfire affected residents can also contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit www.service.nsw.go.au for assistance.