Council's recovery work commended

9 December 2021

Bega Valley Shire Council has been acknowledged for its work helping residents through the trauma of the Black Summer bushfires with a Highly Commended in the local government category at the Resilient Australia National Awards in Melbourne.

There to receive the commendation on Tuesday, Recovery, Rebuilding and Resilience Project Lead, Chris Horsburgh said it was an award for the entire Bega Valley community.

“Council staff have worked tirelessly to support bushfire recovery efforts across the shire, and while it is wonderful to be recognised among so many other agencies, it’s really important to note that our success represents only a part of the support network offered locally,” Mr Horsburgh said.

“Our Recovery, Rebuilding and Resilience efforts have been supported by a tide of selfless people in the community who have worked with us and other support groups to give help where it’s needed.

“As we continue to recover, we learn so much about what we are capable of as a community, and what we need to keep moving in the right direction. This is how we become stronger and more resilient.

“Resilience is what will hold us in better stead for a time when we are challenged again as a community.

“It’s important to note that an award does not mark the end of the recovery process. There is still much to be done as we approach the second anniversary of the devastating Black Summer bushfires hitting our region.

“While we will never forget the summer that ended with four lives lost and 467 homes destroyed across our shire, we can still be proud of our actions as a community and look to the future through the lens of resilience.”

Bega Valley Shire Council’s Recovery Support Service is available for anyone impacted by the bushfires. It can be accessed by calling 6499 2345, or through the Council website.