Bushfire Recovery
This page is here to support our community in recovery from bushfire. If you have been affected, there are a range of supports still available.
NSW Bushfire Customer Care Service
For people impacted by bushfire, the NSW Bushfire Customer Care Service will help you navigate the support and financial assistance that's available across all levels of government.
Service NSW is providing one-on-one support for people and businesses, available over the phone or in-person.
Call 13 77 88 or visit www.service.nsw.gov.au for locations of Service NSW, and Mobile Service Centres.
OTHER SUPPORT :
COMMUNITY HUBS

Community Hubs provide weekly face to face support in the Community Tuesday to Friday in Bilpin, Wilberforce, Colo Heights and St Albans. Open again from February 1.
Please click here for all the HUBS INFORMATION
LOCAL RECOVERY SUPPORT SERVICES

FOR LOCAL RECOVERY SUPPORT SERVICES CLICK HERE
FOOD SUPPORT SERVICES
For the current availability of food and emergency support services click HERE
For the Community Services information click HERE
ONGOING DISASTER ASSISTANCE
Service NSW are providing a one stop shop for people and businesses to access all available recovery services. People can call 13 77 88 or visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/floods#disaster-assistance-finder to access the assistance currently avaialble.
Insurance For advice on making an insurance claim, visit www.insurancecouncil.com.au/ or phone the ICA hotline on 1800 734 621.
Legal Aid For help with legal problems including insurance claims and disputes, financial hardship, tenancy and Centrelink, visit the Disaster Response Legal Service at www.disasterhelp.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/how-we-can-help or phone 1800 801 529
Where else to get help:
- For Mental Health Support 24hours/7 days you can call: Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511
- A range of other Mental Health and Wellbeing Services are listed here
Click here to be directed to Council's Disaster and Emergency Dashboard or information on local Road & Ferry Closures, Weather Warnings & Radar, River Heights and how to Prepare for Emergencies.
We know people can be affected by bushfire in many, varied ways over a long period of time. Please be aware that there are still a range of supports available from services that can meet with you in your home or community. For more information view the listing HERE.
For the latest information on Flood Recovery, please head to our Flood Recovery Information page
This page is here to support our community in recovery from bushfire. If you have been affected, there are a range of supports still available.
NSW Bushfire Customer Care Service
For people impacted by bushfire, the NSW Bushfire Customer Care Service will help you navigate the support and financial assistance that's available across all levels of government.
Service NSW is providing one-on-one support for people and businesses, available over the phone or in-person.
Call 13 77 88 or visit www.service.nsw.gov.au for locations of Service NSW, and Mobile Service Centres.
OTHER SUPPORT :
COMMUNITY HUBS

Community Hubs provide weekly face to face support in the Community Tuesday to Friday in Bilpin, Wilberforce, Colo Heights and St Albans. Open again from February 1.
Please click here for all the HUBS INFORMATION
LOCAL RECOVERY SUPPORT SERVICES

FOR LOCAL RECOVERY SUPPORT SERVICES CLICK HERE
FOOD SUPPORT SERVICES
For the current availability of food and emergency support services click HERE
For the Community Services information click HERE
ONGOING DISASTER ASSISTANCE
Service NSW are providing a one stop shop for people and businesses to access all available recovery services. People can call 13 77 88 or visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/floods#disaster-assistance-finder to access the assistance currently avaialble.
Insurance For advice on making an insurance claim, visit www.insurancecouncil.com.au/ or phone the ICA hotline on 1800 734 621.
Legal Aid For help with legal problems including insurance claims and disputes, financial hardship, tenancy and Centrelink, visit the Disaster Response Legal Service at www.disasterhelp.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/how-we-can-help or phone 1800 801 529
Where else to get help:
- For Mental Health Support 24hours/7 days you can call: Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511
- A range of other Mental Health and Wellbeing Services are listed here
Click here to be directed to Council's Disaster and Emergency Dashboard or information on local Road & Ferry Closures, Weather Warnings & Radar, River Heights and how to Prepare for Emergencies.
We know people can be affected by bushfire in many, varied ways over a long period of time. Please be aware that there are still a range of supports available from services that can meet with you in your home or community. For more information view the listing HERE.
For the latest information on Flood Recovery, please head to our Flood Recovery Information page
Category Financial assistance Show all
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Red Cross grants for bushfire recovery
Share Red Cross grants for bushfire recovery on Facebook Share Red Cross grants for bushfire recovery on Twitter Share Red Cross grants for bushfire recovery on Linkedin Email Red Cross grants for bushfire recovery linkA wide range of Red Cross grants are available to owners of bushfire affected properties. This is great news as it will help many property owners who have been impacted in the Hawkesbury.
Council has been in contact with Red Cross about the range of benefits they are making available to the Hawkesbury community.
Immediate assistance is available for bushfire-affected people in financial hardship.
The cash grants available are:
- Emergency grant for people who have lost their homes.
- Injury grant for people who were hospitalised due to the fires.
- Primary residence repair grant for home owners whose homes have been structurally damaged. From 12 March 2020, eligibility has been extended to include destruction or damage to critical private water, septic and/or power infrastructure.
- Rebuild grant for owner-occupiers to assist with early stages of rebuilding.
- For all Red Cross grants please visit here.
The closing date for applications is Thursday, 30 April. Check the bushfire grants Q&A if you have more questions or visit here.
For any property owners who need assistance in applying for these grants, please contact Step by Step Recovery Support. To access the Step by Step Recovery Support Service, please call 0417 298 832 or email or Facebook
COVID-19
We know that many people may be unable to get to Recovery Centres or to friends and family who provide support for people to complete online applications or upload documents due to COVID-19 restrictions. If COVID-19 restrictions are impacting your ability to provide the required information for a grant, please contact us at 1800 RED CROSS (1800 733 276) and we can help.
For any further enquiries please contact Council’s Customer Service on (02) 4560 4444 and ask for the Bushfire Recovery Officer.
A wide range of Red Cross grants are available to owners of bushfire affected properties. This is great news as it will help many property owners who have been impacted in the Hawkesbury.
Council has been in contact with Red Cross about the range of benefits they are making available to the Hawkesbury community.
Immediate assistance is available for bushfire-affected people in financial hardship.
The cash grants available are:
- Emergency grant for people who have lost their homes.
- Injury grant for people who were hospitalised due to the fires.
- Primary residence repair grant for home owners whose homes have been structurally damaged. From 12 March 2020, eligibility has been extended to include destruction or damage to critical private water, septic and/or power infrastructure.
- Rebuild grant for owner-occupiers to assist with early stages of rebuilding.
- For all Red Cross grants please visit here.
The closing date for applications is Thursday, 30 April. Check the bushfire grants Q&A if you have more questions or visit here.
For any property owners who need assistance in applying for these grants, please contact Step by Step Recovery Support. To access the Step by Step Recovery Support Service, please call 0417 298 832 or email or Facebook
COVID-19
We know that many people may be unable to get to Recovery Centres or to friends and family who provide support for people to complete online applications or upload documents due to COVID-19 restrictions. If COVID-19 restrictions are impacting your ability to provide the required information for a grant, please contact us at 1800 RED CROSS (1800 733 276) and we can help.
For any further enquiries please contact Council’s Customer Service on (02) 4560 4444 and ask for the Bushfire Recovery Officer.
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Special Disaster Grants – Primary Producers
Share Special Disaster Grants – Primary Producers on Facebook Share Special Disaster Grants – Primary Producers on Twitter Share Special Disaster Grants – Primary Producers on Linkedin Email Special Disaster Grants – Primary Producers linkUp to a maximum of $75,000 in grant funding is now available to eligible primary producers in areas directly affected by the NSW bushfires and other declared Natural Disasters. Grants are designed to help primary producers pay for immediate costs associated with property clean-up, reinstatement activities and other emergency measures, such as disposing of dead stock, and rebuilding or replacing damaged or destroyed on-farm infrastructure. Applications close 31 July 2020. Information - https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/special-disaster-grant-bushfires Online application form - https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/special-disaster-grant-bushfires/special-disaster-grant-bushfires
Up to a maximum of $75,000 in grant funding is now available to eligible primary producers in areas directly affected by the NSW bushfires and other declared Natural Disasters. Grants are designed to help primary producers pay for immediate costs associated with property clean-up, reinstatement activities and other emergency measures, such as disposing of dead stock, and rebuilding or replacing damaged or destroyed on-farm infrastructure. Applications close 31 July 2020. Information - https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/special-disaster-grant-bushfires Online application form - https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/special-disaster-grant-bushfires/special-disaster-grant-bushfires
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Small Business and Non-Profit Organisations Grants of up to $50,000
Share Small Business and Non-Profit Organisations Grants of up to $50,000 on Facebook Share Small Business and Non-Profit Organisations Grants of up to $50,000 on Twitter Share Small Business and Non-Profit Organisations Grants of up to $50,000 on Linkedin Email Small Business and Non-Profit Organisations Grants of up to $50,000 linkGrants of up to $50,000 are available to eligible small businesses and non-profit organisations that have suffered direct damage to their premises or equipment as a result of the NSW bushfires. Grants are designed to help cover the costs associated with the clean-up and reinstatement of entities’ operations, such as the removal and disposal of damaged goods and materials, the hire or purchase of essential goods and/or replacing stock needed to resume operations.
Information - https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-bushfire-recovery-grant-directly-impacted-small-businesses#introduction
Grants of up to $50,000 are available to eligible small businesses and non-profit organisations that have suffered direct damage to their premises or equipment as a result of the NSW bushfires. Grants are designed to help cover the costs associated with the clean-up and reinstatement of entities’ operations, such as the removal and disposal of damaged goods and materials, the hire or purchase of essential goods and/or replacing stock needed to resume operations.
Information - https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-bushfire-recovery-grant-directly-impacted-small-businesses#introduction
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Update from NSW Government Long Service Corporation
Share Update from NSW Government Long Service Corporation on Facebook Share Update from NSW Government Long Service Corporation on Twitter Share Update from NSW Government Long Service Corporation on Linkedin Email Update from NSW Government Long Service Corporation linkBuilding and Construction Industry Long Service PaymentsAmendment (Bushfire Relief) Regulation 2020The NSW Government continues to deliver bushfire recovery assistance to help people and businessesin NSW impacted by the 2019/2020 bushfires.The new Building and Construction Industry Long Service Payments Amendment (Bushfire Relief)Regulation 2020 allows for a person liable to pay the long service levy under the Building andConstruction Industry Long Service Payments Act 1986 to apply for an Exemption or Partial Exemptionof up to $3,500 (cost of works up to $1,000,000 incl GST). The Exemption applies to the replacementor repair of buildings thatContinue readingBuilding and Construction Industry Long Service PaymentsAmendment (Bushfire Relief) Regulation 2020The NSW Government continues to deliver bushfire recovery assistance to help people and businessesin NSW impacted by the 2019/2020 bushfires.The new Building and Construction Industry Long Service Payments Amendment (Bushfire Relief)Regulation 2020 allows for a person liable to pay the long service levy under the Building andConstruction Industry Long Service Payments Act 1986 to apply for an Exemption or Partial Exemptionof up to $3,500 (cost of works up to $1,000,000 incl GST). The Exemption applies to the replacementor repair of buildings that were destroyed or damaged as a result of NSW bushfires, during the period1 July 2019 and 2 March 2020, other than the erection of a building by or on behalf of the Crown.Applications for Exemption are to be received directly by the Corporation in writing before 2 March2023. On acceptance of the application, the Corporation will verify the details with the relevant LGAand provide a certificate to the applicant confirming if the conditions of the Exemption have been metand the value of the Exemption or Partial Exemption granted. Where a partial Exemption is granted,any balance of levy payable must be received by the Corporation, and receipt issued, to show the fulllevy liability has been satisfied in accordance with the Act.Please find attached a copy of the Exemption Application form which is also available online viaThe completed application should be forwarded to levy@longservice.nsw.gov.auPlease also be advised that where a customer has already paid the levy which would otherwise havesatisfied the conditions of this Exemption, by completing the above form, once approved, a refundmay be forthcoming.For further advice, please contact the Corporation Helpline 13 14 41. -
Bushfire Affected Small Business Grant
Share Bushfire Affected Small Business Grant on Facebook Share Bushfire Affected Small Business Grant on Twitter Share Bushfire Affected Small Business Grant on Linkedin Email Bushfire Affected Small Business Grant link
The Australian Government has announced a new $10,000 grant for small businesses in bushfire affected areas in the Hawkesbury. This grant is to assist with costs associated with recovering followng the fires, including salaries, wages, utilities, fuel and/or financial advise.More information can be found here https://www.bushfirerecovery.gov.au/small-business or call the state hotline on 13 77 88 to find out what's available to you.
The Australian Government has announced a new $10,000 grant for small businesses in bushfire affected areas in the Hawkesbury. This grant is to assist with costs associated with recovering followng the fires, including salaries, wages, utilities, fuel and/or financial advise.More information can be found here https://www.bushfirerecovery.gov.au/small-business or call the state hotline on 13 77 88 to find out what's available to you.
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Register for bushfire recovery assistance with Service NSW
Share Register for bushfire recovery assistance with Service NSW on Facebook Share Register for bushfire recovery assistance with Service NSW on Twitter Share Register for bushfire recovery assistance with Service NSW on Linkedin Email Register for bushfire recovery assistance with Service NSW link
If you have been affected by the recent bushfires make sure you register your details with Service NSW.If you have been impacted by the disaster, register via the Service NSW Disaster Assistance Finder.The Disaster Assistance Finder can help you find relevant support. Just click through 6 simple questions,it will give you a personalised list of available programs and services. You can then apply for the support you need.
If you need help to clean-up your property, register here: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/register-opt-nsw-bushfire-cleanIf you need assistance, call the Service NSW Hotline on 137 788 or Hawkesbury City Council onContinue readingIf you have been affected by the recent bushfires make sure you register your details with Service NSW.If you have been impacted by the disaster, register via the Service NSW Disaster Assistance Finder.The Disaster Assistance Finder can help you find relevant support. Just click through 6 simple questions,it will give you a personalised list of available programs and services. You can then apply for the support you need.
If you need help to clean-up your property, register here: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/register-opt-nsw-bushfire-cleanIf you need assistance, call the Service NSW Hotline on 137 788 or Hawkesbury City Council on 4560 4444
Hawkesbury City Council Community Recovery
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Customer Service Team
Phone (02) 4560 4444 Email council@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au
Documents
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Step by Step Newsletter Autumn 2021 (290 KB) (pdf)
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Landcare Network Flyer (482 KB) (pdf)
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Fact sheet - fake tradies (68.7 KB) (pdf)
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Landcare - Responding to Fire on Your Property (478 KB) (pdf)
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2019/2020
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HNARC WG Video Flyer_and_form_ (1.16 MB) (pdf)
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Bushfire Recovery Knowledge Base - Community VERSION 18 - 28 July 2020.pdf (959 KB) (pdf)
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Step by Step Newsletter Nov Dec 2020 (424 KB) (pdf)
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Family Fun & Declutter Day - Colo Heights (2.25 MB) (jpg)
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Listening Posts Information Sheet (433 KB) (pdf)
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Red Cross - Wellbeing Courses (523 KB) (pdf)
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Rebuilding and Repairing Building Damaged by Bushfire - May 2020.pdf (380 KB) (pdf)
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Wellness Program Timetable (1.84 MB) (pdf)
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Support for NSW businesses factsheet (457 KB) (pdf)
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Salvation Army BUSHFIRE RECOVERY OUTREACH FLYER.pdf (139 KB) (pdf)
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Anglicare Bushfire Assistance 032020.pdf (173 KB) (pdf)
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Red Cross Info Sheet Financial Assistance 26062020.pdf (503 KB) (pdf)
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Red Cross Webinars
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Assistance for landholders and primary producers
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Managing your mental health during and after a bushfire
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NSW Bushfire Cleanup - Register Now
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Laing O'Rourke clean up schedule
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Brickworks offering free bricks / 50% off materials
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Anniversary Check In (1.2 MB) (pdf)
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Bendigo Bank & Salvation Army Education and Workplace Pathways Grant available for bushfire affected young people (15-25)
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Resources & Tips for Parents School Hols -2020 (485 KB) (pdf)
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Grants to support the delivery of bushfire recovery projects for wildlife and their habitat
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Community Recovery Information - Edition No. 1 - 13 December 2019 (231.7 KB)
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Community Recovery Information - Edition No. 2 - 24 December 2019 (145.0 KB)
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Community Recovery Information Edition No. 3 - 10 January 2020
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Community Recovery Information - Edition No. 4 - 4 February 2020 (146.8 KB)
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Community Recovery Information - Edition No. 5 - 10 March 2020 (325.0 KB)
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