Thanks a million: Tina Benbow helps bushfire affected families get back on their feet
Tina Benbow has so far helped more than 200 families and businesses affected by last December’s bushfires to recover. The coronavirus pandemic has made it a challenge, but she says her joy at helping people makes it all worthwhile.
Thanks a Million
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Tina Benbow loves a challenge, which is fortunate since her latest job helping families affected by the Cudlee Creek bushfires to rebuild has thrown up many.
Since March, Ms Benbow has been based at the Lobethal Recovery Centre working as a case manager for the SA Housing Authority.
She has helped more than 200 families and businesses touched by last December’s bushfires, that spanned more than 25,000ha and destroyed more than 100 homes and 500 other buildings.
“First they had the fires and then the floods, and then with COVID hitting, people started to feel very overwhelmed and alone,” Ms Benbow said.
Ms Benbow’s role is to guide people to get back on their feet.
That might be by helping them manage bill paying, filling out grant and building applications or offering connections to counsellors.
The Lobethal Recovery Centre is considered an essential service, and has remained open throughout the pandemic.
“People felt frightened because COVID hit, but this is the place where they can come and talk about the fear and about how they are going,” Ms Benbow said.
“There’s no judgment, I just walk alongside them.
“Now slowly but surely, homes are starting to be rebuilt.”
She said the Hills community was “very resilient and very proud”.
“They struggle to ask for help in many ways, so that’s where we have been trying to get out to let people know that we are still here,” she said.
Ms Benbow has been nominated for News Corp’s Thanks A Million campaign, which highlights individuals helping keep their community safe throughout the pandemic.
Ms Benbow said she was “amazed” to learn she had been nominated.
“I love a challenge, I love to help people and I love to see amazing outcomes,” she said.
“It’s been a rollercoaster, like it always is with any natural disaster.
“But it’s nice to see people recover.”
If you know someone who has helped keep us going during the pandemic, nominate them below.
Originally published as Thanks a million: Tina Benbow helps bushfire affected families get back on their feet