Bushfire Recovery News and Updates

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Consultation has concluded

Our bushfire recovery page was created to support those in the Orara Valley, and other communities within our local government area, as they recover from the November 2019 bushfires.


There is a range of assistance available for local households, businesses, industries and landholders.

Coffs Harbour City Council is working in collaboration with the emergency services, State and Federal government agencies, charities and others to deliver this assistance.

Service 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

Our bushfire recovery page was created to support those in the Orara Valley, and other communities within our local government area, as they recover from the November 2019 bushfires.


There is a range of assistance available for local households, businesses, industries and landholders.

Coffs Harbour City Council is working in collaboration with the emergency services, State and Federal government agencies, charities and others to deliver this assistance.

Service 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 provides one-on-one support for people and businesses.

They can help with:

  • Accommodation advice
  • Relevant charitable services
  • Mental health and wellbeing services
  • Support for businesses
  • Clean-up services
  • Financial assistance
  • Grants and rebates
  • Insurance and legal support
  • Replacing lost ID
  • Volunteer RFS and SES payments.

Call 13 77 88 or visit the Service NSW website to register for a callback.

Community Consultation

This page will be used periodically for community consultation to learn what ideas our community may have for recovery and to find ways to improve disaster management in future events.

As of April 2020, Council has undertaken a series of community consultations with Orara Valley
residents and the broader community to inform the development of the proposed Program of Works for recovery including:

  • Community meetings at Nana Glen Community Hall on 28 January 2020 and 11 March 2020
  • A ‘Have Your Say’ survey on this page which received 42 responses
  • Telephone and in-person interviews with Nana Glen residents and Orara Valley businesses

Feedback has also been consolidated by the Acting Community Recovery Officer and from the community-led Orara Valley Bushfire Recovery Working Group

Additionally, Council has consulted internally and with the NSW Rural Fire Service.

'Sign Up' on this page to stay informed on further opportunities for consultation as well as community recovery updates.

Consultation has concluded
  • Nana Glen Cricket Club - Charity Bash

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    All Welcome - Social Tournament

    When: Sunday, January 24

    Where: Len Towells Oval, Nana Glen

    Starts: 9.00am


    Eight team spots available, $300 per team.

    To register a team (mixed teams of 10 players) contact:

    Scott - 0419 536 879

    Jay - 0478 285 752

    Proceeds from team registrations donated to the Orara Valley Progress Association.


    Supported by the Coffs Harbour City Council Bushfire Recovery Program.

    This is a COVID safe event.

  • Summer Break Camps

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    The NSW Government is offering kids living in parts of regional NSW impacted by bushfires, COVID-19 border closures and the effects of drought a much-needed break with a free camp experience these school holidays.

    As the unrelenting conditions in regional NSW place pressure on budgets, the NSW Government is standing side by side with regional communities to ensure they receive the support and assistance they need.

    Summer Break offers three-day holiday camps free of charge to people living in parts of regional NSW impacted by bushfires, COVID-19 border closures and the effects of drought.

    Take a break, get active, and have some fun at one of seven great Sport and Rec camp locations. There are over 500 FREE places available for eligible kids at fourteen camps across 7 Sport and Recreation Centres.

    Activities can include from archery, kayaking, bushwalks, cooking, craft and much more! Meals, accommodation and activities included, plus free transport thanks to Transport for NSW.

    Summer Break camps at the Sport and Recreation Centres are a NSW Government initiative, funded by the Office for Regional Youth, Office of Sport, Transport for NSW and the Department of Education.

    Book Your Summer Break Camp here

    Local Camps include but other areas available:

    • Lake Ainsworth: 11 - 13 January (13 - 15 years)
  • Government Support Available for Flood-Affected Residents

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    Due to recent flooding, emergency assistance is now available for residents in the Coffs Harbour area who have been severely affected by storms and floods.

    Disaster assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

    Assistance available under the DRFA may include:

    • Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged.

    • In-kind assistance such as emergency accommodation, food hampers or small cash payments to purchase essential items, as well as grants to replace essential household contents or repair structural damage to homes.

    • Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations.

    • Freight subsidies for primary producers.

    For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444.

    To apply for a concessional loan or grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au

    Further information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au.

  • Bushfire Response Program

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    What the Bushfire Response Program Offers

    The Bushfire Response Program provides targeted mental health support to schools and early learning services affected by the Black Summer bushfires across Australia.

    Informed by placed-based and community-led principles, the Program empowers bushfire-affected communities to lead their own recovery.

    The Bushfire Response Program offers schools and early learning services a package of support comprising four primary elements: Contact Liaison Officers, trauma support and guidance, recovery planning and community support service mapping.

    The Bushfire Response Resource Pack provides information related to mental health and wellbeing for schools and early learning services affected by bushfires.


    How to Find Out More

    If you would like to find out more – or think your learning community might benefit from this Program – send us a message via our Contact page and a Contact Liaison Officer will be in touch.

    The Bushfire Response Program is led by Beyond Blue in partnership with Early Childhood Australia, headspace and Emerging Minds

  • Kids Christmas Workshop

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    Come and enjoy a fun filled workshop creating natural Christmas decorations and wreaths. In the evening take a walk with your family to see the Christmas light display at the Botanic Gardens.

    When: Saturday 5th December 2020

    Where: North Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, Coff St & Hardacre Street, Coffs Harbour

    Workshop Bookings Essential: Session One: 12pm- 2pm OR Session Two: 3pm - 5pm

    Welcome ages 5 - 10 / $6 per person / Book online through 'book now'.

    All proceeds will go towards supporting the Children's Environmental Education Garden, at the North Coast Regional Botanic Gardens. For more information, please contact Prosper Coffs Harbour on admin@prospercoffs.org.au. All COVID regulations will be undertaken to ensure a safe event for participants.

  • Hotspots Fire Project - Community Information Session

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    About this Event

    Hotspots Fire Project - Community Information Session

    Hotspots is an award winning program which provides landholders and land managers with the skills and knowledge to actively participate in fire management for the protection of life and property, while at the same time ensuring healthy productive landscapes in which biodiversity is protected and maintained.

    Based on best available science and operational knowledge, Hotspots understand that well-informed and well-prepared communities complement the roles of land managers and fire agencies. A shared approach to fire management is critical to any form of planning.

    The Hotspots team will be running an information session in Nana Glen for people who are interested to find out more and potentially participate in the program in 2021.

    When: Saturday December 5

    Where: Nana Glen Community Hall

    Time: 10.00 am - 11.00 am


    IMPORTANT: To ensure this is a COVID safe event, registration is required for all people attending.

    To register please click here

    For enquiries please contact Melinda Brooks on 0417 828 591

    This free event is supported by the Coffs Harbour City Council Bushfire Recovery Program.

  • The Men's Health Project

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    A health conference just for men. The day will include guest speakers, lunch, general health check and a social game of footy.

    About this Event

    Join other blokes for a health conference focusing on men's health, lifestyle approach to wellness, perspective and resilience and the idea of being tough.

    The day will include four guest speakers, a general health check, lunch and an opportunity to catch-up with mates for a social game of footy.

    Guest Speakers:

    Duncan Marchant - Owner of Coffs Coast Health Club, survivor of the 2003 Canberra bushfires

    • Learning how to restart, rebuild and recover after bushfire.
    • Re-experiencing fire in 2019.
    • Health, exercise and resilience.

    Jeremy Holder - Former Army medic, Intensive Care Ambulance Officer, Managing Director TacMed Australia, 2020 Prime Minister's Award

    • Perspective and Resilience.
    • Jeremy also suffered testicular cancer and will discuss health cancers and his approach to cancer and health.

    Gus Wilson - Owner of Jolly Roger Barber Bar, Army veteran, rugby coach and marriage celebrant

    • The idea of “being tough” and seeing warning signs to seek help.
    • Men’s mental health and reasons why looking after yourself is important for you and those who support you.

    Dr Rosie Ross - Northside Health, Coffs Harbour

    • Common concerns for men’s health.
    • Lifestyle and holistic approach to wellness.
    • Mental wellbeing and how to use lifestyle choices as life management.
    • Dr Rosie unplugged - Q&A.

    General Health Check: Blood pressure, weight, blood glucose test, body scan check and breathing techniques.

    Enjoy lunch and the day with a social game of footy.

    When: Sunday December 13

    Where: Nana Glen Community Hall

    Time: 8.30 am - 2.00 pm


    IMPORTANT: To ensure this is a COVID safe event, registration is required for all people attending.


    To register please click here

    For enquiries please contact Melinda Brooks on 0417 828 591

    This free event is supported by the Coffs Harbour City Council Bushfire Recovery Program.

  • Christmas Market Day - Nana Glen Memorial Hall

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    Celebrating Community Life - Lots of Fun and Friendship

    Indoor and Outdoor Stalls.

    • Cakes and goodies
    • Plants
    • Used treasures
    • Craft items
    • And so much more

    BBQ Sausage Sizzle and Egg and Bacon Rolls available.

    Where: Nana Glen Memorial Hall - 26 Grafton Street, Nana Glen

    When: Saturday November 28

    Time: 8.00 am - 12.00 pm

    Stall or General Enquiries:

    Garry Dew - 6654 3211

    Gayl Ellem – 6654 3323

    Rhonda Scrimshaw - 0428 543 301

  • Bushfire Landscape Recovery Support Workshop

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    Topics to be presented:

    • Weed species ID and control,
    • Native flora rehabilitation
    • Plant back species including fire retardant species
    • Erosion control

    The workshop is aimed at raising awareness and restoration efforts to assist native vegetation in growing back, while also improving soil quality, preventing erosion, and controlling invasive species - which can be particularly aggressive after forest fires without intervention. A restoration ecologist will demonstrate skills and knowledge in natural area management issues and on-ground practices in fire affected landscape.

    When: Saturday 12th December

    Time: 9.00 am -11.00 am

    Location: Ellems Quarry Rd TSR, Nana Glen

    For further details and to register for the workshop contact:

    Mick at Envite Environment on 6650 9170 or 0428 665 061 or mickw@envite.org.au

    This is a COVID Safe event and numbers are restricted.

    This project is funded by the Coffs Harbour City Council Bushfire Recovery Program in partnership with Envite Environment and Nana Glen Land Care.




  • Grants to Support the Delivery of Bushfire Recovery Projects for Wildlife and Their Habitat

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    Bushfire Recovery for Wildlife and Habitat Community Grants Program

    The Bushfire Recovery for Wildlife and Habitat Community Grants Program supports local community groups to deliver bushfire recovery activities for native flora and fauna supporting broader long-term recovery and resilience.

    Close date: 27 Nov 2020 05:00 PM AEDT.

    What do you get?

    Grants from $5,000 to $150,000

    Who is this for?

    Community and environment groups, Traditional Owners, Indigenous Organisations and Indigenous businesses.

    Overview

    The objectives of this grant opportunity are to encourage recovery efforts in areas affected by the 2019-20 bushfires by:

    • supporting recovery of native flora and fauna
    • involving local communities, community groups and Traditional Owners, in delivering bushfire recovery activities for native flora and fauna.


    The program is confined to bushfire-affected areas within the eastern and southern part of Australia affected by the 2019-20 bushfires, or adjacent to an affected area.

    There is $10 million available for this grant opportunity.

    The minimum grant is $5,000 and the maximum grant is $150,000.

    You must complete your project by 1 April 2022.

    How do you apply?

    You should read the grant opportunity guidelines and sample grant agreement before you apply.

    To apply, you must submit your application through the online portal. You’ll need to set up an account when you first log into the portal. The portal allows you to apply for and manage a grant or service in a secure online environment.

    Apply Now