‘Humbling’ response to bushfire relief fund

The generosity of people from across the globe to Eurobodalla bushfire relief means more locals whose homes were lost in the disaster can now apply for funding.

More than $319,353 has been provided by 135 generous donors to the Eurobodalla Disaster Relief Fund since it was established by Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes earlier this year.

Thanks to the immense response, Eurobodalla Council has relaunched the fund’s first phase, distributing up to $1,000 to those whose primary residence suffered damage beyond repair.

Eurobodalla Deputy Mayor Rob Pollock is a member of the Eurobodalla Disaster Relief Management Committee, which oversees distribution of the funding. He recently participated in an online event in which the Vietnamese Community in Australia presented the fund with $20,000.

“These were people who wanted to repay the nation that took them in after they fled Vietnam,” Cr Pollock said.

“It was wrong for them to feel they owed us. Most arrived here without anything. What they’ve each contributed to our society is thanks enough.

“I promised the money that we were so grateful to receive would be dispensed with the greatest amount of responsibility to get the best result for the people who really need it.”

Cr Pollock said donations to the fund had been incredibly humbling – from the Oberon kids who raised money through a cake stall, to the biggest single donation of $70,000.

“We’ve seen donations from individuals, the business community, school kids – there’s no section of the community that hasn’t contributed,” he said.

“It just proves what a great country we live in - when the chips are down people really come to the fore.”

Owner-occupiers or tenants whose primary place of residence suffered damage beyond repair during the bushfires, as listed on the Service NSW database, are encouraged to apply for the relaunch of phase 1. Applicants who were successful in the original phase 1 are not eligible to reapply.

It is hoped the funds will be spent in Eurobodalla, increasing trade for local businesses, stimulating the local economy and providing a further show of support.

Residents can apply by downloading a form, or completing an online application, on our Eurobodalla Disaster Relief Fund page.

Staff at the Eurobodalla Bushfire Recovery Support Service can also help with the application process – visit them at 46 Vulcan Street, Moruya, or phone 4474 7434.