A large number of mobile recovery visits are underway across the region, in the wake of the recent and widespread bushfire.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Upcoming visits include Rainbow Flat Service Station, 3.30pm on Sunday, December 8 and Wherrol Flat Hall, 5-7pm on Monday, December 9.
These are being supported by MidCoast Council which is working with the community in a variety of ways to support those impacted by the fires.
Since then donations and offers of help have poured into the area from across the State and even interstate.
"Our community has been doing an amazing job supporting each other over recent weeks and staff at the disaster welfare assistance point that has been established at 68 Wynter Street, Taree are also working to support our volunteers," council's general manager Adrian Panuccio said.
Despite social media comments to the contrary this week, Mr Panuccio said council staff are working on the recovery alongside other State agencies including the Office of Emergency Management, and acting on requests for assistance.
Council has engaged former Gloucester Shire Council general manager, Danny Green, and several administrative staff to support the community recovery over the coming months.
Council's support is spread across a range of areas, from waste and water services providing practical on ground action, to assisting with requests logged online through the Manning Valley Recovers website.
This includes requests for water, with council delivering water to communities in need. A number of water refill points have also been established to allow members of the community who can't access drinking water to fill up portable containers.
For requests of assistance Danny can be contacted by emailing recovery@midcoast.nsw.gov.au or by calling 0436 924 881.
"Staff at the disaster welfare assistance point are working closely with other State agencies and our local charities to support members of the community to get the assistance they require. We encourage anyone in need to get in touch with the assistance point or call into the office."
Council has made it free to dispose of green waste at waste management centres to support those members of the community who wish to clean up their yards and properties for the current fire season, until December 24, 2019.
Sorted metal can also be disposed of for free. This allows fire impacted residents to take all their fencing wire, shed metal, car bodies, white goods (eg. fridges and washing machines) and other metal to any MidCoast Council waste management centre for free.
"We are working with local contractors to establish sorted metal collection points for fire impacted members of the community in more remote locations, and are also delivering water to communities in need," Mr Panuccio said.
Members of the community who have a fire damaged house or building that needs to be disposed of, should first speak to their insurer. If the building is uninsured, the Department of Public Works should be contacted.
A large number of mobile recovery visits are also underway across the region, and these are supported by council.
Community members wishing to support recovery efforts are reminded the best way to do so is through cash donations to a reputable source. This allows those in need to purchase exactly what they need and also provides support to the local economy.
For more information go to www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/bushfirerecovery