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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Grants Available - Online Session
Share Grants Available - Online Session on Facebook Share Grants Available - Online Session on Twitter Share Grants Available - Online Session on Linkedin Email Grants Available - Online Session linkDo you have an idea for a community project that will help the Hawkesbury with its recovery from fires and floods?Or a proposal for an activity that will help to build a resilient and prepared Hawkesbury community?There are a variety of grants currently available that may fund your great ideas to improve community connection in collaboration with others.Activities could include grass roots activities like street barbecues, short term resilience and connection activities or medium and longer-term community projects.Grants range from $1000 up to $300,000 and applications are open to joint-organisations, community groups, not-for-profit organisations and Council.Do you have an idea for a community project that will help the Hawkesbury with its recovery from fires and floods?Or a proposal for an activity that will help to build a resilient and prepared Hawkesbury community?There are a variety of grants currently available that may fund your great ideas to improve community connection in collaboration with others.Activities could include grass roots activities like street barbecues, short term resilience and connection activities or medium and longer-term community projects.Grants range from $1000 up to $300,000 and applications are open to joint-organisations, community groups, not-for-profit organisations and Council.You are invited to a one hour information session online to hear more about the grant opportunities on Thursday October 29 from 2pm – 3pm.Resilience NSW, Council and Wentworth Healthcare Ltd (provider of the Primary Health Network) staff will be available to discuss the current funding opportunities that are available through their grant programs.Please register here to participate. -
Bushfire recovery grants now available
Share Bushfire recovery grants now available on Facebook Share Bushfire recovery grants now available on Twitter Share Bushfire recovery grants now available on Linkedin Email Bushfire recovery grants now available linkBushfire recovery grants available:
The Salvation Army has the following grants available to assist people impacted by the 2019-2020 bushfires.
Assessment for a Bushfire Recovery Grant is based on an individual needs basis and has the following criteria:
- Suffered loss from the 2019-2020 bushfires
- At the time of the bushfires, lived or worked in a bushfire affected area
- Over 18 years old
- One grant per household
Additionally, each grant has its own verification requirements. However, if you’ve previously been assessed by The Salvation Army for bushfire assistance (2019-2020 bushfires), you do not need to provide these verification documents again.
Click here for more details.
Bushfire recovery grants available:
The Salvation Army has the following grants available to assist people impacted by the 2019-2020 bushfires.
Assessment for a Bushfire Recovery Grant is based on an individual needs basis and has the following criteria:
- Suffered loss from the 2019-2020 bushfires
- At the time of the bushfires, lived or worked in a bushfire affected area
- Over 18 years old
- One grant per household
Additionally, each grant has its own verification requirements. However, if you’ve previously been assessed by The Salvation Army for bushfire assistance (2019-2020 bushfires), you do not need to provide these verification documents again.
Click here for more details.
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EQUINE FIRE RELIEF AUSTRALIA GRANTS NOW OPEN
Share EQUINE FIRE RELIEF AUSTRALIA GRANTS NOW OPEN on Facebook Share EQUINE FIRE RELIEF AUSTRALIA GRANTS NOW OPEN on Twitter Share EQUINE FIRE RELIEF AUSTRALIA GRANTS NOW OPEN on Linkedin Email EQUINE FIRE RELIEF AUSTRALIA GRANTS NOW OPEN linkThe Equestrian Fire Relief Australia Grants Program has just opened and is focused on facilitating support to equestrians in Australia's bushfire affected areas.
Grants are intended to support equestrian welfare, wellbeing and return to participation in equestrian sports by assisting the recovery of the equestrian community.
The grants will be used to repair or replace essential items damaged or lost in the bushfires, such as:
ǁ Equine facilities e.g. fencing, shelters and outdoor arenas
ǁ Gear e.g. bridles, saddles,
ǁ Training or competition equipment e.g. show jumping poles
ǁ Feed/hay
ǁ Floats
The grants are open to all types of individual equestrians and not for profit clubs/organisations. Applications will be accepted up to 30 September 2020. To find out moreThe Equestrian Fire Relief Australia Grants Program has just opened and is focused on facilitating support to equestrians in Australia's bushfire affected areas.
Grants are intended to support equestrian welfare, wellbeing and return to participation in equestrian sports by assisting the recovery of the equestrian community.
The grants will be used to repair or replace essential items damaged or lost in the bushfires, such as:
ǁ Equine facilities e.g. fencing, shelters and outdoor arenas
ǁ Gear e.g. bridles, saddles,
ǁ Training or competition equipment e.g. show jumping poles
ǁ Feed/hay
ǁ Floats
The grants are open to all types of individual equestrians and not for profit clubs/organisations. Applications will be accepted up to 30 September 2020. To find out more -
REMINDER APPLICATIONS CLOSE THIS SUNDAY, 16 AUGUST!
Share REMINDER APPLICATIONS CLOSE THIS SUNDAY, 16 AUGUST! on Facebook Share REMINDER APPLICATIONS CLOSE THIS SUNDAY, 16 AUGUST! on Twitter Share REMINDER APPLICATIONS CLOSE THIS SUNDAY, 16 AUGUST! on Linkedin Email REMINDER APPLICATIONS CLOSE THIS SUNDAY, 16 AUGUST! linkAPPLY FOR A SMALL BUSINESS COVID-19 RECOVERY GRANT
If your small business or not-for-profit organisation has experienced a decline in turnover as a result of COVID-19, you may be eligible for a small business recovery grant of between $500 and $3000.
This grant helps small businesses meet the costs of safely reopening or up-scaling operations. These expenses include, but are not limited to:
👉fit-out changes and temporary physical changes (for example, plastic barriers at checkouts)
👉staff training and counselling
👉business advice and continuity planning
👉cleaning products and additional cleaning services
👉additional equipment necessary to comply with social distancing or other public health measures
👉marketing, communications and advertising
digital solutions (for example, e-commerce or business websites).ℹ️Applications close 11:59pm Sunday 16 August 2020, to apply online click here
APPLY FOR A SMALL BUSINESS COVID-19 RECOVERY GRANT
If your small business or not-for-profit organisation has experienced a decline in turnover as a result of COVID-19, you may be eligible for a small business recovery grant of between $500 and $3000.
This grant helps small businesses meet the costs of safely reopening or up-scaling operations. These expenses include, but are not limited to:
👉fit-out changes and temporary physical changes (for example, plastic barriers at checkouts)
👉staff training and counselling
👉business advice and continuity planning
👉cleaning products and additional cleaning services
👉additional equipment necessary to comply with social distancing or other public health measures
👉marketing, communications and advertising
digital solutions (for example, e-commerce or business websites).ℹ️Applications close 11:59pm Sunday 16 August 2020, to apply online click here
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Red Cross Grants
Share Red Cross Grants on Facebook Share Red Cross Grants on Twitter Share Red Cross Grants on Linkedin Email Red Cross Grants linkThe Red Cross have the following grants open until 31 August 2020 for bushfire impacted residents;
Bereavement Grant
Emergency Grant
Primary Residence Repair Grant
Injury Grant
Re-establishment GrantFollow this link for further details redcross.org.au/grants
The Red Cross have the following grants open until 31 August 2020 for bushfire impacted residents;
Bereavement Grant
Emergency Grant
Primary Residence Repair Grant
Injury Grant
Re-establishment GrantFollow this link for further details redcross.org.au/grants
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APPLY FOR A SMALL BUSINESS COVID-19 RECOVERY GRANT
Share APPLY FOR A SMALL BUSINESS COVID-19 RECOVERY GRANT on Facebook Share APPLY FOR A SMALL BUSINESS COVID-19 RECOVERY GRANT on Twitter Share APPLY FOR A SMALL BUSINESS COVID-19 RECOVERY GRANT on Linkedin Email APPLY FOR A SMALL BUSINESS COVID-19 RECOVERY GRANT linkIf your small business or not-for-profit organisation has experienced a decline in turnover as a result of COVID-19, you may be eligible for a small business recovery grant of between $500 and $3000.
This grant helps small businesses meet the costs of safely reopening or up-scaling operations. These expenses include, but are not limited to:
fit-out changes and temporary physical changes (for example, plastic barriers at checkouts)
staff training and counselling
business advice and continuity planning
cleaning products and additional cleaning services
additional equipment necessary to comply with social distancing or other public health measures
marketing, communications and advertising
digitalContinue readingIf your small business or not-for-profit organisation has experienced a decline in turnover as a result of COVID-19, you may be eligible for a small business recovery grant of between $500 and $3000.
This grant helps small businesses meet the costs of safely reopening or up-scaling operations. These expenses include, but are not limited to:
fit-out changes and temporary physical changes (for example, plastic barriers at checkouts)
staff training and counselling
business advice and continuity planning
cleaning products and additional cleaning services
additional equipment necessary to comply with social distancing or other public health measures
marketing, communications and advertising
digital solutions (for example, e-commerce or business websites).Applications close 11:59pm Sunday 16 August 2020, to apply online visit Here
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REMINDER - RED CROSS GRANTS CLOSE TOMORROW!
Share REMINDER - RED CROSS GRANTS CLOSE TOMORROW! on Facebook Share REMINDER - RED CROSS GRANTS CLOSE TOMORROW! on Twitter Share REMINDER - RED CROSS GRANTS CLOSE TOMORROW! on Linkedin Email REMINDER - RED CROSS GRANTS CLOSE TOMORROW! linkThere are several Red Cross grants for our community members whose circumstances have been affected by the bushfires. The closing date for Red Cross grants has been extended to Tuesday, 30 June 2020.
Immediate assistance is available for our bushfire-affected community members who are in financial hardship. These cash grants are available:
👉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. Eligibility has also been extended to include destruction or damage to critical private water, septicContinue readingThere are several Red Cross grants for our community members whose circumstances have been affected by the bushfires. The closing date for Red Cross grants has been extended to Tuesday, 30 June 2020.
Immediate assistance is available for our bushfire-affected community members who are in financial hardship. These cash grants are available:
👉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. Eligibility has also been extended to include destruction or damage to critical private water, septic and/or power infrastructure.
👉The former Rebuild grant for owner-occupiers to assist with early stages of rebuilding is now called the Reestablishment grant, and it has extended eligibility criteria. This grant offers $30,000 per household for home owner occupiers and $10,000 per household for people who were renting a home or whose primary place of residence was a caravan or mobile home.
ℹ️For more information and grant applications visit www.redcross.org.au/grants☎️If you need help in applying for these grants, please contact Step by Step - Disaster Recovery Support Service. To access the Step by Step Recovery Support Service, please call 0417 298 832 or email stepbystep@gatewayfamilyservices.org.au
If COVID-19 restrictions are impacting your ability to provide the required information for a grant, you can also contact Red Cross on 1800 RED CROSS (1800 733 276) for assistance.
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Small Business $10,000 Grants Extended to 30 June
Share Small Business $10,000 Grants Extended to 30 June on Facebook Share Small Business $10,000 Grants Extended to 30 June on Twitter Share Small Business $10,000 Grants Extended to 30 June on Linkedin Email Small Business $10,000 Grants Extended to 30 June linkSmall businesses in industries highly impacted by COVID-19 have more time to submit applications for up to $10,000 in Small Business Support Fund grants to help pay for unavoidable expenses.
The grants aim to help highly-impacted small businesses hibernate, with the criteria recently extended to provide support for eligible microbreweries, cellar doors and events and commercial vessel businesses.
The grants are also designed to allow small businesses to get access to help as quickly as possible and this extension aims to ensure that more businesses can help to cover utilities, rates and supplier costs.
The criteria for the Small Business Support Fund grants and online application form is available at www.service.nsw.gov.au/…/apply-small-business-covid-19-supp… Applications must be received by 11.59pm 30 June.
For more information about what other measures might be available, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/covid-19 and use the assistance tool. To learn more about the NSW Government’s COVID-19 stimulus measures, visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
Small businesses in industries highly impacted by COVID-19 have more time to submit applications for up to $10,000 in Small Business Support Fund grants to help pay for unavoidable expenses.
The grants aim to help highly-impacted small businesses hibernate, with the criteria recently extended to provide support for eligible microbreweries, cellar doors and events and commercial vessel businesses.
The grants are also designed to allow small businesses to get access to help as quickly as possible and this extension aims to ensure that more businesses can help to cover utilities, rates and supplier costs.
The criteria for the Small Business Support Fund grants and online application form is available at www.service.nsw.gov.au/…/apply-small-business-covid-19-supp… Applications must be received by 11.59pm 30 June.
For more information about what other measures might be available, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/covid-19 and use the assistance tool. To learn more about the NSW Government’s COVID-19 stimulus measures, visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
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HARDSHIP, PENSIONER CONCESSION AND DEBT RECOVERY POLICY
Share HARDSHIP, PENSIONER CONCESSION AND DEBT RECOVERY POLICY on Facebook Share HARDSHIP, PENSIONER CONCESSION AND DEBT RECOVERY POLICY on Twitter Share HARDSHIP, PENSIONER CONCESSION AND DEBT RECOVERY POLICY on Linkedin Email HARDSHIP, PENSIONER CONCESSION AND DEBT RECOVERY POLICY linkHawkesbury City Council understands that from time to time members of our community may experience financial difficulties and may require assistance in making payments.
Council is also committed to developing consistent, fair and effective policies and processes in regard to the management of debts owed to Council.
At its meeting on 28 April 2020, Council resolved to place a Draft Hardship, Pensioner Concession and Debt Recovery Policy on public exhibition for a period of 28 days and seek submissions from interested parties.
The policy is on public exhibition until Tuesday, 7 July 2020 and may be viewed via this link www.yourhawkesbury-yoursay.com.au/hardship-policy Hawkesbury City Council understands that from time to time members of our community may experience financial difficulties and may require assistance in making payments.
Council is also committed to developing consistent, fair and effective policies and processes in regard to the management of debts owed to Council.
At its meeting on 28 April 2020, Council resolved to place a Draft Hardship, Pensioner Concession and Debt Recovery Policy on public exhibition for a period of 28 days and seek submissions from interested parties.
The policy is on public exhibition until Tuesday, 7 July 2020 and may be viewed via this link www.yourhawkesbury-yoursay.com.au/hardship-policy -
Red Cross Bushfire Recovery Grants Now Open Until June 2020
Share Red Cross Bushfire Recovery Grants Now Open Until June 2020 on Facebook Share Red Cross Bushfire Recovery Grants Now Open Until June 2020 on Twitter Share Red Cross Bushfire Recovery Grants Now Open Until June 2020 on Linkedin Email Red Cross Bushfire Recovery Grants Now Open Until June 2020 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.
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.
ℹ️ For all Red Cross grants please visit www.redcross.org.au/grants
ℹ️Red Cross Financial Assistance Information Sheet https://www.yourhawkesbury-yoursay.com.au/54420/widgets/288215/documents/168771A 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.
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.
ℹ️ For all Red Cross grants please visit www.redcross.org.au/grants
ℹ️Red Cross Financial Assistance Information Sheet https://www.yourhawkesbury-yoursay.com.au/54420/widgets/288215/documents/168771
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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