Eurobodalla Bushfire Recovery Support Service extended

The Eurobodalla Bushfire Recovery Support Service will continue to help those who need it until the end of December 2021.

The service last week received additional funding from the NSW and Australian Governments of more than $1 million to extend its work for a further six months and employ three more case managers.

Eurobodalla Bushfire Recovery Support Service is run by Eurobodalla Council. It is one of seven recovery support services jointly funded by the NSW and Australian Governments to support the communities most severely impacted by the 2019/20 bushfires.

Eurobodalla was the worst hit, with 501 homes destroyed, 274 houses damaged and 79 per cent of the shire burnt.

Recovery service coordinator Jane Robertson said more than 500 people had registered for assistance.

“Our team is connecting and working with clients throughout the Eurobodalla shire, in which every locality was impacted in some way,” she said.

“Their issues are complex and varied. The scale of psychological damage and trauma and grief and loss people have experienced is unmatched to any previous disaster.

“Some are experiencing financial stress due to having inadequate insurance or losing their income. Many are finding a lack of available housing, some are yet to fully clean up their properties and others are experiencing relationship breakdowns.”

Mrs Robertson said the service helped people with things like housing options, applying for financial support from numerous charities and government agencies, clearing burnt debris and fence lines and referral to emotional support and specialised trauma counselling.

“Working to find solutions and resolve these complex issues takes time, so we’re pleased our work can continue beyond the original planned 12 months,” Mrs Robertson said.

For assistance drop in to the Eurobodalla Bushfire Recovery Support Service at 46 Vulcan Street Moruya, next to Moruya Pharmacy, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, phone 4474 7434 or email [email protected] (the service is closed from midday 24 December and will reopen Monday 4 January).