NSW Bushfires: ‘Essential’ bushfire recovery centres remain open
Bushfire recovery centres remain open amid the caronavirus pandemic and councils are now finding new ways to run town meetings while keeping everyone safe.
The South Coast News
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As restrictions begin to tighten in relation to thwarting the spread of COVID-19 and mass gatherings of people, South Coast councils are implementing new ways to continue the bushfire recovery response.
Bega Valley Shire Council hosted its first live Bushfire Recovery Community meeting through its Facebook page on Thursday, March 19.
Given the advice around coronavirus and people keeping a necessary social distance from each other, community meetings in Merimbula and Bemboka were being cancelled, host and BVSC media manager Ian Campbell said during the introduction of the broadcast.
Since the devastating fires about a dozen meetings have been held in the various districts, connecting agencies and officials with bushfire-affected residents.
And with the new restrictions, viewers are now being asked to submit questions to the panel including mayor Kristy McBain, council directors and managers and representatives of NSW Health and Public Works.
Weekly Facebook Live Recovery meetings will be held on Thursdays from 5.30pm, running for about 30 to 45 minutes. For those who miss the live recording, footage will also remain on the council’s Facebook page and distributed from its website.
The recovery centre at the Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre remains open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm. Fire-affected residents can also still access the mobile recovery outreach service.
The service is open between 10am and 2pm on Tuesdays (Quaama and Towamba halls), Wednesdays (Bemboka Hall and Wonboyn RFS shed), Thursdays and Saturdays (Eden Log Cabin and Cobargo Hall), and Fridays (Bermagui Community Centre and Wyndham Hall.
Further north, Shoalhaven Council advises residents that recovery centres will remain operational in response to Commonwealth Government COVID-19 public health measures, limiting non-essential public gatherings of 100 or less.
The council’s acting director of finance, corporate and community Jane Lewis said recovery centres were considered an “essential” service and it was important support was still available for those working towards recovery,
Numbers of people in recovery centres will be monitored and planning is underway to continue supporting the community via different mediums should the COVID-19 situation change.
“Please appreciate that we are monitoring this rapidly evolving situation and will continue to provide updates on the changing conditions as we receive advice from federal and state government,” Ms Lewis said.
“Support is still available for those seeking recovery assistance and we encourage affected residents to continue to reach out and work towards recovery. It is important to remind those who attend the recovery centres to maintain good hygiene practice and observe social distancing as advised by health officials.”
The COVID-19 health situation is evolving daily, and the situation may change with short notice, Shoalhaven Council advises.
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