Last week I spoke of the amazing response to the first week of the bushfire emergency and the remarkable community effort that spun into action.
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While the immediate emergency has lessened, fires are still burning, and we now move into recovery mode as we help to rebuild shattered lives.
The true impact of the bushfires upriver is only just being revealed but the full toll on property and people themselves will take time to measure.
Things change daily, but at the time of writing, we know we have had the loss of one life and in excess of 50 homes, along with around 150 outbuildings destroyed. Over 110,000 hectares of land have been burnt and there are multiple fire fronts still active, which is especially tough on our agricultural communities that rely on land and stock for their livelihood.
Our biggest challenge now is to secure the best financial and logistical support that affected farmers and families need in the quickest time possible.
Council is working with NSW Disaster Recovery to get information and support to the those who need it most. Staff in these locations are working with people to understand the impact of the fires, what immediate help they need, and then to guide them through the process of applying for various forms of financial support.
We have two Disaster Welfare Assistance Points: the first at Willawarrin Hall that's open from 9am-11am daily; and the second is based in Kempsey, at 60 Smith Street between 9am-5pm daily.Arrangements are being made so that money donated goes to people affected to manage their recovery with dignity.
We have been inundated with suggestions of ways the community can thank our firefighters and those who supported their efforts. This will be happening once plans are made for an opportunity for the community to come together to share experiences and show support.
Once again, I am still in awe of how our community has rallied to the call for help, and I can't thank enough everyone who has gone above and beyond to help others through this difficult time.
On a personal note, I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and support shown to me personally as both Mayor and a proud resident of the valley I love.