Eurobodalla's Disaster Relief Fund has provided $310,000 to impacted residents and community groups since the bushfires.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Donations flowed from around the world with a demand for donations to be made direct to Eurobodalla shire residents impacted by the fires. The fund was then established in January 2020
Donations to the fund ranged from $10 to $70,000 and have come from generous shire residents such as funeral director Mark Hewson, and groups outside of the area like the Vietnamese Community Australia.
The council said 137 donors allowed for $229,500 to be distributed to 170 residents who suffered significant damage to their homes, each receiving $1,350.
Recipients were encouraged to spend the money locally if they could, to assist the shire's economic recovery.
The council said a further $80,398 was distributed to seven community-based projects with a focus on bushfire recovery.
There were 40 applications for this phase of the fund. Projects to secure funding were:
- River of Art Festival. Street art - murals painted in community spaces in Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma - $25,000 shared by three chambers.
- Narooma community event. Tourism brand re-launch and tribute to emergency services Narooma & District Chamber of Commerce - $9,000
- Broulee Psychology. $10,000 for small group mental health sessions.
- Batemans Bay Business & Tourism Chamber. Pop-up drive-in theatre, 50 front row places for emergency service volunteers - $8,139.
- Just Dance Eurobodalla. Groove is in the Park - 5 outdoor dance events - $9,300.
- CABBI (Creative Arts Batemans Bay) Postcards from the Fire exhibition, Mogo - $8,980.
- Sam Miers. Music therapy and healing, plus podcast 'When the smoke clears' - $9,979.
The fund is administered by the Eurobodalla Disaster Relief Management Committee, comprising mayor Liz Innes, deputy mayor Rob Pollock, general manager Dr Catherine Dale, and two community members.
"We thank everyone who donated during this very difficult time," Dr Dale said.
The fund will close in November 2021 as per Australian Tax Office requirements. Donations can continue to be made until that time. More information at www.esc.nsw.gov.au/recovery
